Analysis of the plastic point of brake fluid in L3 category vehicles at preset times

Abstract

Brake fluid is the element of the braking system with the lowest priority when performing maintenance; however, it is key to the safety offered by the system in emergency situations. Previous studies have analyzed brake fluid wear focused on M1 category vehicles; the present study focuses on the analysis of brake fluid in L3 category vehicles according to pre-established times and mileages, based on the analysis of two essential fluid properties: boiling point and humidity percentage. For the analysis, 6 samples of DOT 4 category fluid were taken from motorcycles of different origins included among the most commercialized brands in Ecuador, for which 3 measuring equipment were used, GD-F 8063, BOSCH BTF100 and Duoyi DY23B, based on ASTM D110 and FMVSS116 standards. For each sample, 3 measurements were performed for the two properties under analysis, obtaining a measurement average validated by ANOVA statistical analysis. It was determined that the brake fluid reaches its plastic point after 17000 km, where its boiling point is less than 155°C with a humidity percentage higher than 3%. It was established that fluid wear depends to a greater extent on the mileage traveled than on the age of the vehicle. In addition, increasing new brake fluid does not present a benefit since the properties of the fluid do not undergo a significant improvement that would help to extend its useful life.