ken@bimmertools
05-08-2009, 10:08 PM
When was the last time you changed your brake fluid? Don't know when it's needed? Test the fluid with this simple to use product and find out for sure. These quick and convenient FASCAR Dip Strips from Phoenix Systems test your brake fluid for the presence of copper. As copper gradually corrodes from the interior of the alloy brake lines, it can build up in the fluid. The copper can then deposit and build up in sensitive areas.
Please have a look at some of the information describing how and why testing for copper is the key to knowing when to change your brake fluid:
This passage is from an independent report prepared for the manufacturer by a chemical engineer:
Current automotive brake systems contain steel components, such as cylinders and valves, connected by lengths of copper-alloy-lined steel tubing. Both the steel and the copper components are unavoidably subject to corrosion. One need hardly mention that corrosion and wear of the metal surfaces can interfere with the proper operation of these components, leading to a diminished margin of safety. Fortunately, the addition of standard corrosion inhibitors by brake-fluid manufacturers significantly slows the corrosion of critical steel components, leading to much improved service life.
Recently there has been increased attention to the fact that the protection offered by the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid does not last indefinitely. As brake fluid ages in service, its chemical constituents undergo a number of changes. Ordinarily none of these fluid chemical changes are immediately catastrophic, but cumulatively and over time they lead to decreased braking-system protection and performance. As already mentioned, decreased boiling point (associated with water absorption) is well recognized as a sign of brake-fluid aging. However, this is not the complete picture. As discussed below, an increased level of dissolved copper in the solution is an important and reproducible indicator that the brake fluid is no longer effectively protecting metal surfaces from corrosion.
From the report announcing government adoption of this testing standard:
In May of this [2005], the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) made history by adopting the first automotive standard and guideline for brake fluid replacement. The MAP guideline acknowledges that testing copper levels in brake fluid is the most effective means for determining when corrosion inhibitors have become depleted and when brake fluid should be replaced. MAP evaluated over five years of FASCAR field testing, the NHTSA commissioned study, as well as a number of reports published by the Society of Automotive Engineers as the technical basis to require that when copper levels in brake fluid exceed 200 parts per million (ppm) the fluid should be replaced.
FASCAR - short for "Fluid Analysis by Stimulation of Copper Alpha Reactions" - utilizes a color change technology that responds proportionately to copper ions in brake fluid. The FASCAR Rating System uses a color scale indicating the amount of copper present in brake fluid from 0-300 ppm. The white reaction pad of a FASCAR test strip will change, within about sixty seconds, to varying shades of purple dependent on the copper level in the fluid. The strip will retain that color for at least 30 days. If there is no copper in the fluid the pad will remain white. When the FASCAR Rating System indicates that copper levels exceed 200 ppm - according to MAP guidelines- "the brake fluid does not meet design specifications" requiring replacement with correct fluid. This means that even though the fluid is still capable of stopping the vehicle, it must still be replaced.
The FASCAR Brake Strip is a small strip of plastic that has a specialized reaction zone at the end of the strip. Once dipped in brake fluid the strip begins the copper measurement reaction, changing from white to purple in direct proportion to copper ions suspended in the fluid. Compare the strip to the FASCAR color scale and in as little as 60 seconds you have immediate, reliable proof of whether or not your brake fluid meets recommended guidelines.
Bimmertools is very happy to offer this simple and affordable product.
Our price is just $5.75 for two test strips - including domestic First Class shipping. Priority Shipping is available for $3.00 additional.
Click the photo for details or to order.
https://secure.4siteusa.com/WhatsYourConcept_com/data/%7B6572C89F-48BB-4ACF-87A6-6E53C9CE87A7%7D_stripdip.jpg (https://secure.4siteusa.com/WhatsYourConcept_com/itemDetails.asp?itemID=985)
Thanks for looking!
Ken
Please have a look at some of the information describing how and why testing for copper is the key to knowing when to change your brake fluid:
This passage is from an independent report prepared for the manufacturer by a chemical engineer:
Current automotive brake systems contain steel components, such as cylinders and valves, connected by lengths of copper-alloy-lined steel tubing. Both the steel and the copper components are unavoidably subject to corrosion. One need hardly mention that corrosion and wear of the metal surfaces can interfere with the proper operation of these components, leading to a diminished margin of safety. Fortunately, the addition of standard corrosion inhibitors by brake-fluid manufacturers significantly slows the corrosion of critical steel components, leading to much improved service life.
Recently there has been increased attention to the fact that the protection offered by the corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid does not last indefinitely. As brake fluid ages in service, its chemical constituents undergo a number of changes. Ordinarily none of these fluid chemical changes are immediately catastrophic, but cumulatively and over time they lead to decreased braking-system protection and performance. As already mentioned, decreased boiling point (associated with water absorption) is well recognized as a sign of brake-fluid aging. However, this is not the complete picture. As discussed below, an increased level of dissolved copper in the solution is an important and reproducible indicator that the brake fluid is no longer effectively protecting metal surfaces from corrosion.
From the report announcing government adoption of this testing standard:
In May of this [2005], the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) made history by adopting the first automotive standard and guideline for brake fluid replacement. The MAP guideline acknowledges that testing copper levels in brake fluid is the most effective means for determining when corrosion inhibitors have become depleted and when brake fluid should be replaced. MAP evaluated over five years of FASCAR field testing, the NHTSA commissioned study, as well as a number of reports published by the Society of Automotive Engineers as the technical basis to require that when copper levels in brake fluid exceed 200 parts per million (ppm) the fluid should be replaced.
FASCAR - short for "Fluid Analysis by Stimulation of Copper Alpha Reactions" - utilizes a color change technology that responds proportionately to copper ions in brake fluid. The FASCAR Rating System uses a color scale indicating the amount of copper present in brake fluid from 0-300 ppm. The white reaction pad of a FASCAR test strip will change, within about sixty seconds, to varying shades of purple dependent on the copper level in the fluid. The strip will retain that color for at least 30 days. If there is no copper in the fluid the pad will remain white. When the FASCAR Rating System indicates that copper levels exceed 200 ppm - according to MAP guidelines- "the brake fluid does not meet design specifications" requiring replacement with correct fluid. This means that even though the fluid is still capable of stopping the vehicle, it must still be replaced.
The FASCAR Brake Strip is a small strip of plastic that has a specialized reaction zone at the end of the strip. Once dipped in brake fluid the strip begins the copper measurement reaction, changing from white to purple in direct proportion to copper ions suspended in the fluid. Compare the strip to the FASCAR color scale and in as little as 60 seconds you have immediate, reliable proof of whether or not your brake fluid meets recommended guidelines.
Bimmertools is very happy to offer this simple and affordable product.
Our price is just $5.75 for two test strips - including domestic First Class shipping. Priority Shipping is available for $3.00 additional.
Click the photo for details or to order.
https://secure.4siteusa.com/WhatsYourConcept_com/data/%7B6572C89F-48BB-4ACF-87A6-6E53C9CE87A7%7D_stripdip.jpg (https://secure.4siteusa.com/WhatsYourConcept_com/itemDetails.asp?itemID=985)
Thanks for looking!
Ken
