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Hydraulic Brake

Knowing the Blood and Lifeline of Your Car’s System - Brake, Power Steering, Battery and Radiator Coolant Fluids

Now that you’ve known the other car care basics, perhaps it’s time we take a look at the fluid essentials that are literally the life giving blood of your car.

1. Brake Fluid- Is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in hydraulic brake applications of your car, motorcycles and trucks. This type of fluid is used to transfer force under pressure from its point of origin among hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism close to the wheels.

Most brake fluids today are composed of glycol-ether but several types with mineral oil and silicone composites are also out in the market. This type of fluid should meet stringent requirements set by organizations such as SAE and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) - hence you get ratings on labels such as SAE or DOT 3 and 4 compliance.

As a rule of thumb, brake fluid should always be replenished if the levels in its container decrease with every drive. Fluid level in the master cyclinder will drop as the linings, brake pads and shoes wear and the calipers extend further to compensate. Brake fluid level may also be low because of leaking, which can lead to loss of hydraulic pressure and the most dangerous- brake loss.

It is very important to constantly monitor your brake fluid levels to ensure safe driving and fill according to the set level. Flush and change your brake fluid every 1-2 years to further ensure reliability and take note to never mix brake fluids with different DOT ratings as this can result to poor fluid performance.

2. Power Steering – Is another type of hydraulic fluid that transmits the power steering system of cars, trucks and other modes of transportation.

This is the fluid that guards your power-steering pump and rack from wear and tear. It requires constant monitoring and refilling from time to time according to the required level in its cylinder.

A way to notice that your steering system is about to have a problem or that your power steering fluid is running low is when you turn the steering wheel and you hear whining noises. Have your car checked when this occurs to prevent serious damages to your power- steering system.

Note: There are products out in the market today that contain the combined properties of Power Steering and Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF). Use any of these products to save and be protected more.

3. Battery Fluid- Is the electrolyte fluid found inside the cells of your battery. If you are using the regular type of battery and not the maintenance free one, then you are required to refill your battery cells from time to time with electrolyte fluid.

Standard battery for cars is 12V and usually has 6 individual cells inside it. To refill, simply remove the vent caps that can either be found on top or on the sides of the battery. Check and fill the electrolyte fluid inside.

Note: There are some brands of maintenance free batteries out in the market today that can run on dual power- meaning they also have vent caps for electrolyte fluids in case their power supply run out. Although this type of battery may not come cheap, it would be best for you to use it.

4. Radiator Coolant- Is a mixture of anti-freeze fluid and water designed to protect the radiator and cooling system all year round. Using one will protect your engine from overheating. Most coolant products out in the market today come with various additives that can further help you against rust and other forms of corrosion, lubricate or increase the cooling efficiency of your cooling system.

Simply pour out the contents of your coolant to the radiator reservoir. Add water to the set level and you’re done.

For maintenance, it is very important for you to drain and flush your coolant once a year (or depending on the product recommendations) and replace it with a new one.

Note: Never mix different types of coolant together as this can lead to damage or a reduction of your car’s cooling system. Before changing to another brand, be sure to drain and flush your cooling system of the old one.

See to it that the reservoirs of these fluids are in constant levels and refill when they’re not enough. Properly maintaining them will help ensure your safety and prolong the life of your car.

Buckle up and drive safely.

Jovir Amatong

<a href="http://www.autoterminal.com">jamatong@autoterminal.com</a>

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Front Hydraulic Brake Assembly $79.35 Front Hydraulic Brake Assembly for 150cc and 125cc GY6 engine based Sport Style scooters. Includes brake lever, master cylinder, caliper, hose, and brake pad. Brake Line: 33 inches Bolt Hole Spacing: 17a mm Includes: Brake lever, master cylinder, caliper, hose and brake pads

Hydraulic Brake Bleeder $17.99 Motion Pro Hydraulic Brake Bleeder New brake bleeder will aid in the bleeding and servicing of hydraulic brakes Makes bleeding brakes a one man job The unique check valve allows fluid and air to escape while preventing air from re-entering the system

Hydraulic Brake Lever Assembly $91.99 Magura Hydraulic Brake Lever Assembly The 225.2 universal hydraulic brake master cylinder replacement for 7/8" handle bars Alloy body master cylinder 13mm diameter piston nylon fluid reservoir Threaded for brake light switch (not included) M10x1 outlet thread Fits 7/8 in. handlebars Not threaded for mirror mounts Requires Brake Light Switch for street use Click Here to view Brake Light Switch

Front Hydraulic Brake Pads $10.9 Dirt bike and small ATV, front hydraulic brake pads. This brake pad set is found on some 4-stroke mini-choppers and go karts. 21.6mm Bolt hole spacing 5.7mm thick 58mm wide

Rear Hydraulic Brake Assembly $79.35 Rear Hydraulic Brake Assembly for 150cc and 125cc GY6 engine based Sport Style scooters. Fits other makes and models. Shop our wide assortment of scooter parts , gas scooters , electric scooters , and motorized scooters for sale. Includes: master cylinder with brake lever, caliper with brake pads, and hose.

Left Hydraulic Brake Handle $16.85 Left hydraulic brake handle for 4-stroke super pocket bikes, mini-choppers, some ATVs, dirt bikes and full-size scooters. Overall Length: 6 inches Mounting Inner Diameter: 8mm

Hydraulic Brake Cover Type-3 $3.96 Hydraulic Brake Cover Type-3 for 150cc and 125cc GY6 engine based Sport Style scooters. Shop the largest selection of scooter parts , gas scooters , electric scooters , and motorized scooters for sale. Overall Length: 64mm (2.5 inches) Overall Width: 38mm (1.5 inches)

Hydraulic Brake Repair Kit $11.89 Repair Kit for Front Hydraulic Brake Master Cylinders found on a variety of 50cc, 125cc, 150cc, and 250cc Scooters. Shop the largest selection of scooter parts , gas scooters , electric scooters , and motorized scooters for sale. Plunger Length: 49mm Spring Length: 39mm

Hydraulic Brake Cover $3.96 Hydraulic Brake Cover Type-2 for 150cc and 125cc GY6 engine based Sport Style scooters. Shop the largest selection of scooter parts , gas scooters , electric scooters , and motorized scooters for sale. Overall Length: 78mm Overall Width: 44mm

Stock Hydraulic Brake Line $22.31 Front Hydraulic Brake Line for 150cc and 125cc GY6 engine based Sport Style scooters. Shop our wide assortment of scooter parts , gas scooters , electric scooters , and motorized scooters for sale. Overall Length (end to end): 38 inches Hose Diameter: 10mm Eye Opening: 10mm

Pocket Bike Hydraulic Brake Kit $44.63 Hydraulic brake kit for front wheel of super Pocket Bikes includes: Brake Handle Master Caliper Brake line Brake pads Slave (wheel) caliper Brake Line Length: 21 inches Mount Hole Spacing: 51.5 mm Brake Caliper: 10 mm Brake Handle: 10 mm Related Scooters And Accessories: Scooter Parts Gas Scooters Motorized Scooters Electric Scooters Toys

Tru-Torque Brake Hydraulic Hose - H380313 $58.99 Direct replacement hydraulic brake hose. Application specific. Most Brake Hydraulics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Right Side Hydraulic Brake Handle $16.85 Right hydraulic brake handle for 4-stroke super pocket bikes, mini-choppers, some ATVs, dirt bikes and full-size scooters. Overall Length: 6 inches Mounting Inner Diameter: 8mm Related Scooters And Parts: Gas Scooters Motorized Scooters Electric Scooters Ride On Cars

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Stainless Steel Hydraulic Front Brake Line $49.99 Galfer Stainless Steel Hydraulic Front Brake Line Braided stainless steel casing has clear covering to protect both the line and the bike PTFE 62 Teflon liner creates "zero expansion effect", translating into a stronger, more progressive brake action Sport bike front line kits are 2 lines that travel from the master cylinder to the caliper except 08-09 Ninja 250 All kits include banjo bolts, washers and instructions Limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty

Tru-Torque Brake Hydraulic Hose - H38050 $20.29 Direct replacement Hydraulic Brake Hoses are designed to fit specific vehicle applications and positions. This ensures a great fit every time. New hose replacement is recommended as part of a complete brake repair for your vehicle. The new hoses help to prevent loss of brake fluid and provide optimal brake performance.Product Features:Quality construction ensures strength, chemical and thermal resistance for longer lifeBrake Hoses with banjo end fittings include new copper washers to ensure proper sealingAll Brake Hoses are tested up to 4,000 PSI to ensure Safety standards are metIntegral brackets, if applicable, included to ensure proper fit and ease of installation. Most Brake Hydraulics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Tru-Torque Brake Hydraulic Hose - H38159 $18.09 Direct replacement Hydraulic Brake Hoses are designed to fit specific vehicle applications and positions. This ensures a great fit every time. New hose replacement is recommended as part of a complete brake repair for your vehicle. The new hoses help to prevent loss of brake fluid and provide optimal brake performance.Product Features:Quality construction ensures strength, chemical and thermal resistance for longer lifeBrake Hoses with banjo end fittings include new copper washers to ensure proper sealingAll Brake Hoses are tested up to 4,000 PSI to ensure Safety standards are metIntegral brackets, if applicable, included to ensure proper fit and ease of installation. Most Brake Hydraulics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Tru-Torque Brake Hydraulic Hose - H38817 $31.99 Direct replacement Hydraulic Brake Hoses are designed to fit specific vehicle applications and positions. This ensures a great fit every time. New hose replacement is recommended as part of a complete brake repair for your vehicle. The new hoses help to prevent loss of brake fluid and provide optimal brake performance.Product Features:Quality construction ensures strength, chemical and thermal resistance for longer lifeBrake Hoses with banjo end fittings include new copper washers to ensure proper sealingAll Brake Hoses are tested up to 4,000 PSI to ensure Safety standards are metIntegral brackets, if applicable, included to ensure proper fit and ease of installation. Most Brake Hydraulics products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts.

Diagnosing & Repairing A Hydraulic Brake System - 1 of 4