The primary function of a motor vehicle brake fluid is to provide a means for transmitting pressure from the brake pedal to the wheel cylinder or caliper where the pressure is transformed into the required braking effort. In order to perform this function efficiently, the brake fluid must remain in a liquid state free of gas or air bubbles so that compressibility is not a significant factor. The performance of brake fluid in braking systems in service is a matter of primary interest to brake engineers. The effect of water contamination on conventional glycol ether type brake fluids is discussed and compared with the capabilities of water intolerant fluids in conventional braking systems.
