Which statement about brake fluid is true?

Which statement about brake fluid is true?

• A. Brake fade is never caused by heat
• B. Vacuum exhauster is always working
• C. Proper brake fluid level is essential
• D. The front wheels should lock to stop on slippery surfaces

Answer: (C)

Brake systems rely on a continuous, air-free hydraulic path, so keeping the brake fluid level correct is essential. The fluid transfers the force you apply at the pedal in the master cylinder to the brakes at the wheels. If the level is too low, air can enter the system, giving a soft, squishy pedal and reduced braking efficiency. The reservoir has minimum and maximum marks to cover fluid expansion when hot and to accommodate wear as the brake pads wear down. Maintaining the proper level, and using fresh fluid, helps ensure there’s always enough fluid to operate the system safely and to prevent vaporisation under heavy braking. Brake fade can occur when brakes get very hot, causing the fluid to boil and the braking effectiveness to drop, so the claim that fade is never caused by heat isn’t correct. The brake booster’s vacuum assist depends on engine vacuum and isn’t guaranteed to be working perfectly at all times. And on slippery surfaces you should avoid locking the wheels; modern systems aim to prevent lock-up rather than rely on wheel locking to stop.

Brake systems rely on a continuous, air-free hydraulic path, so keeping the brake fluid level correct is essential. The fluid transfers the force you apply at the pedal in the master cylinder to the brakes at the wheels. If the level is too low, air can enter the system, giving a soft, squishy pedal and reduced braking efficiency. The reservoir has minimum and maximum marks to cover fluid expansion when hot and to accommodate wear as the brake pads wear down. Maintaining the proper level, and using fresh fluid, helps ensure there’s always enough fluid to operate the system safely and to prevent vaporisation under heavy braking.

Brake fade can occur when brakes get very hot, causing the fluid to boil and the braking effectiveness to drop, so the claim that fade is never caused by heat isn’t correct. The brake booster’s vacuum assist depends on engine vacuum and isn’t guaranteed to be working perfectly at all times. And on slippery surfaces you should avoid locking the wheels; modern systems aim to prevent lock-up rather than rely on wheel locking to stop.