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A vehicle’s braking system requires special maintenance, including the removal of dirt from the elements. For this purpose, a brake cleaner is used – a product that dissolves and washes away the dirt in an effective and quick manner. This ensures that the system remains operational and prevents damage to components.
Why use a brake cleaner?
When the driver presses the brake pedal, the pads are pressed tightly against the disc and slow down wheel rotation or stop the vehicle completely. This effect is achieved due to friction, but the friction also contributes to separation of microparticles from metal parts. The smallest chips fall between the pads and discs, where they melt quickly due to the high temperature. As a result, wear products accumulate on the surface of the disc and turn into deposits. This leads to negative consequences:
- Scratches and grooves appear on the surface of the disc;
- Brake system elements wear out quickly;
- The vehicle’s braking distance increases;
- Chemical destruction of parts and assemblies occurs.
All this is accompanied by a squeak and other unpleasant sounds that appear when you press the brake pedal. It is believed that emergency braking leads to self-cleaning of the system. In fact, only a vehicle brake cleaner removes residual lubricants, soot, carbon deposits and other contaminants from the surface of the discs and other system components.
When should a vehicle brake cleaner be used?
The condition of the braking system is monitored during scheduled maintenance. However, motorists need to make sure that the components are clean and in good working order at all other times, as this is a key to safety. A brake cleaner must be used when the following signs appear:
- Contamination visible during visual inspection of the system;
- Reduced braking efficiency, increased braking distance;
- Scratches, grooves and other damage to the surface of the discs;
- Extraneous sounds that appear when braking.
Before being shipped from the factory, the parts of the brake system are coated with a preservative lubricant. That’s how the components are delivered to the consumer. It is therefore necessary to remove any residual lubricant before fitting. The properties of a brake cleaner will enable you to do this in a quick and efficient way. If the lubricant is not removed, sufficient friction will not be provided during braking, and its efficiency will decrease.
Other reasons for regular use of a brake cleaner include aggressive driving, frequent acceleration and braking, and driving on dusty roads. You should also treat the discs after buying a used car.
Scope of application of brake cleaners
The application of such a product is not limited to the braking system. The properties and characteristics of brake cleaners allow them to be used to remove contamination from many other parts, units and assemblies, such as:
- Flywheel & clutch pressure plate;
- Transmission and its components;
- Air and fuel nozzles;
- Pistons and intake valves.
The cleaner is used to remove dirt from bearings of any design, from the valve cover during oil change, from various metal parts and also from tools. The product effectively removes carbonaceous impurities, oil and petroleum residues, carbon deposits and resins, and many other deposits. One of the features of a brake cleaner is its ability to degrease surfaces, so the product is often used before applying a paint coating.
How to use a vehicle brake cleaner
The product should be used according to certain rules in order to achieve maximum effect. The product is easy to use as it comes in a handy package. The cleaner is supplied in an aerosol can and is applied to the surface by pressing the spray button. The application of a pressurised jet not only chemically dissolves the contaminants, but also mechanically removes them. When using such a product, stick to the following rules:
- Wear a mask or respirator, gloves, to avoid contact with skin;
- Treat discs or other parts outdoors or in a well-ventilated area;
- Follow all the instructions on the package;
- Do not apply the cleaner to rubber and plastic parts, paintwork.
Since the product contains flammable substances, never use it near open fire or heated surfaces. There should be no greasy film on the surface of the parts after the cleaner has been applied.
