How can one assess the condition of brake fluid?

Assessing the condition of brake fluid is essential for ensuring the safety and performance of a vehicle's braking system. Evaluating the clarity, color, and moisture content of brake fluid provides valuable information about its condition.

Clear and bright brake fluid indicates good condition, while a darker color can suggest contamination or degradation. As brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, it can lead to a reduction in boiling point and cause brake fade, which can compromise braking efficiency. Moisture content is typically assessed through specific tests that can indicate the percentage of water within the fluid.

In contrast, checking viscosity may not provide a direct indication of brake fluid health, as brake fluid is typically consistent in viscosity under normal conditions. Measuring the temperature of the brake fluid is also not a reliable method because it could vary depending on driving conditions at the time of measurement. Assessing the pH level is less common for brake fluid evaluation, as it does not directly indicate the fluid's performance characteristics in the same way that clarity, color, and moisture content do.