DIAGNOSING BRAKE FLUID

Over time, brake fluid wears out. This leaves the brake system vulnerable to corrosion. Of particular concern are the sensitive actuators used to control the ABS, Stability and Traction systems. High levels of corrosion could cause the actuators to fail when needed most.  

 

Click through the topics below to learn more about how to test brake fluid and diagnose when it is worn out.

 

Changing brake fluid may not be GOOD ENOUGH

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Once a brake system is contaminated with corrosion simply changing brake fluid MAY NOT solve the problem. 

Talking Points for BrakeShot. "Info for educating the motorist."

BrakeShot is brake fluid that is backwards compatible with DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 brake fluid. BrakeShot is brake fluid that contains 1 oz of specially formulated concentrated brake fluid inhibitors used to top off one vehicle brake system. The top off should take place only after replacing worn out brake fluid. Worn out brake fluid is defined as any brake fluid that tests above 200ppm copper content. 200ppm copper content and above means brake fluid is broken and should be changed before adding BrakeShot. BrakeShot extends the life of brake fluid and helps protect the brake system (ABS) from dangerous corrosion.

The BrakeShot formula uses patent-pending inhibitors to better protect areas in the brake system most vulnerable to corrosion. When used as directed, BrakeShot protects the calipers, master cylinder, ABS, brake lines and other metal parts from corrosion and degradation, which reduces the risk of brake failure and leads to a longer brake system life.

When a brake system is contaminated with corrosion it is very important to have the fluid exchanged with new fluid. Problem is off the shelf DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 brake fluids may not have enough corrosion inhibitors to protect a brake system that already has contamination. You have probably noticed that some cars come back into your shop soon after changing brake fluid and fail a copper corrosion test. 

A proper brake fluid exchange will always include a top off with BrakeShot brake fluid to help protect the brake system from further corrosion damage.

BrakeShot provides the necessary corrosion inhibitors needed to protect a brake system that has been contaminated with corrosion.

BrakeShot can treat any vehicle with DOT 3, 4 or 5.1 brake fluid.

BrakeShot is used to top off the master cylinder reservoir after performing a brake fluid exchange.

Have you ever added food coloring to water? BrakeShot's patent pending formulation disperses through your brake system much like food coloring disperses in water.

BrakeShot is added at the master cylinder reservoir. Testing shows that it takes 1 week to treat the furthest caliper in an ABS vehicle and 3 weeks in a non-ABS vehicle.

BrakeShot can be used in three easy steps
1. Test your customers brake fluid with a BrakeStrip brake fluid test strip: Remove the cap from the master cylinder reservoir and dip BrakeStrip in the brake fluid for 2 seconds.
2. Read the results. Wait 60 seconds to check the results of the BrakeStrip test pad with the color chart. If the pad shows a color that is above 200 parts per million go to step 3. 
3. Top off with BrakeShot. After exchanging your customers brake fluid, top off the master cylinder reservoir with BrakeShot.

BrakeShot is not an upsell. It is instead offered as an option to a brake fluid exchange. 

You could say to your customer.

"Mr./Mrs. ___ I have tested your brake fluid and there is a high level of corrosion contamination. (Show test strip) I recommend we change your brake fluid today to help ensure a more safe and reliable vehicle. We have a standard brake fluid exchange for $___ or an exchange with additional corrosion prevention inhibitors for $___. Do you prefer the standard or the better corrosion protection exchange?

(This is similar to offering a standard oil change or a synthetic oil change)

Yes. BrakeShot has been certified by ABIC Testing Laboratories, which specializes in brake fluid testing. You can read the lab findings here.

About Us

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We at Phoenix Systems are committed to providing cutting edge tools and technology for the auto care industry. Phoenix Systems was founded with the idea that persistently applying new technologies to existing challenges will result in better solutions. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our customers and their success. We stand by every product we make and are constantly striving to bring new and innovative solutions to market while delivering greater value to our customers bottom lines.

We safeguard stopping power by developing the latest in breakthrough technology. Phoenix Systems holds over a dozen US and foreign patents as a result of our pioneering efforts in the automotive undercar industry. Every tool we make utilizes new patented technology, there are no “me too” tools in this industry.

History

A 1989 Chevy pickup brought Phoenix Systems into existence in 1994 when Jon Petty, the company’s founder, developed a rudimentary Reverse Fluid Injection system to bleed a clutch system. That early prototype was developed and refined into the multi-patented product selection of brake bleeder Reverse Bleed Technology systems used by thousands of professionals and at home mechanics across the country. So effective is the reverse brake bleeder line of products that the MAXPRO is now considered a standard issue tool in the US military.

In November of 2000, Phoenix Systems released another ground breaking piece of technology, the BrakeStrip. After spending thousands of hours on research and development, Phoenix Systems developed FASCAR Technology, which gives an automotive technician the ability to check the quality of a vehicle’s brake fluid with a simple and easy to use paper strip and color code system. This revolutionary copper test system follows Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) guidelines for brake fluid testing.

To date over 40,000 devices have been sold utilizing Phoenix Systems Reverse Bleed technology, and close to 100 million BrakeStrips have been shipped.