Definition of the word brake fluid

The term "brake fluid" originated from the need to describe a specific type of fluid used in the hydraulic brake system of vehicles. The brake system is responsible for slowing down or stopping the wheels, and it consists of a series of pistons, calipers, and pads. The brake pedal, when pressed, activates a master cylinder filled with brake fluid, which is then transmitted through the system to the wheels' brake calipers. The formula for brake fluid was first developed in the 1930s, replacing the traditional use of mineral oil. The new fluid, known as glycol-ether, contained additives for better lubrication, anti-corrosion properties, and higher boiling points to prevent evaporation and facilitate longer brake life. The fluid that would eventually become brake fluid had already been discovered in the late 19th century, and its use in automotive brakes had been slowly emerging since the 1920s. The term "brake fluid" came into use as automobile production and advanced hydraulic systems became more commonplace in the 1950s. Manufacturers required a term to identify the specific fluid necessary for cars with modern hydraulic units, including ventilated disc brakes, which used twice the volume of brake fluid as drum brakes. By the end of the 1970s, brake fluid had become an essential component of automotive engineering, and "brake fluid" remained the accepted technical term for brake system fluid. Today, "brake fluid" is commonly used in technical, automotive, and vehicle maintenance contexts, and remains an essential component of automotive safety equipment, helping drivers reduce stopping times and maintain control during emergency situations.