Five Disadvantages of Silicone Brake Fluid

Brake fluid can be based on glycol or silicone. Most cars use glycol-based fluid, but many people have started experimenting with silicone-based fluid. There are a few disadvantages of silicone brake fluid. Some of these disadvantages include compressibility, moisture, compatibility, and sealing. This article will discuss the disadvantages of silicone brake fluid.

Compressibility

One of the first disadvantages of silicone brake fluid is compressibility. You don't want any compressibility in your braking system. This will cause your brake pedal to feel soft when you press it. Silicon brake fluid is slightly compressible and will cause this softer pedal more than glycol based fluids.

Moisture

All braking systems have moisture in them. Other types of fluid absorb water easily. Unfortunately, silicone brake fluid does not absorb water. Since the water does not mix with the fluid, it will descend to the lowest point and form a puddle. This can lead to corrosion in your hydraulic system and may impair the functioning of your brakes.

Compatibility

Another disadvantage of silicone brake fluid is that it is incompatible with glycol-based fluids. This means that you will not be able to mix the two types. If your car has used glycol-based fluids for a long time, you will have to flush and reseal the entire system to use silicone brake fluid.

Anti-lock Brakes

Silicone brake fluid also can't be used with many anti-lock braking systems. Most systems are designed to work with glycol-based fluid. If you use silicone brake fluid instead, it may interfere with the mechanical valving found in some anti-lock braking systems.

Sealing

One of the final disadvantages of silicone brake fluid is sealing. Glycol-based fluids are easier to seal because they can't pass through small pores in the system. Silicone brake fluid will pass through smaller pores in seals and gaskets. Therefore, it is much harder to seal effectively.