Over 75 Million Tests & Counting

Why is Testing Your Brake Fluid Important?

Your Cars Most Important Fluid

Brake fluid is essential to stopping your car and can save lives.

SHOP BRAKE STRIPS

Peace of Mind

Every car and driver are different, figure out your best time for a flush.

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Brake & Coolant

We have strips for both.

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Brake Fluid Test Strips

FAQs

Why do I need to test my brake fluid?

Brake fluid wears over time. This leaves the brake system unprotected and vulnerable to corrosion. Brake system corrosion can lead to: ABS damage, brake system failure and longer stopping distance.

How do I know when it’s time for a brake fluid replacement?

  • There is only one proven and accepted way to know the condition of your brake fluid and that is by testing the copper level in brake fluid.
  • BrakeStrip uses a patented copper testing technology developed by Phoenix Systems to determine when to replace brake fluid.
  • It has been determined by brake fluid manufacturers and experts alike that you cannot tell brake fluid condition by color, moisture or time/mileage

What happens if I don’t flush my brake fluid?

Over time the corrosion inhibitors become depleted. When they are significantly depleted, corrosion may occur and lead to:

  • Costly ABS damage and repairs
  • Brake System
  • Longer stopping distance

How does it work?

The technology is complex, but the test is simple. Simply dip BrakeStrip into the brake fluid for one second and the color reaction begins. The reaction zone on the strip will change from white to purple in proportion to the copper level in the brake fluid. Simply match the strip color to the color scale and replace brake fluid at 200 ppm or higher. This provides proof that brake fluid replacement is required.

Why should I use Phoenix Systems?

With over 75 million tests done since 1999, Phoenix Systems patented this technology using copper to identify when brake fluid replacement is required. BrakeStrip with copper testing technology quickly identifies the primary problem with brake fluid. Copper testing is the MAP standard in testing brake fluid.

Why is copper used in testing?

Brake lines have a copper lining that begin a slow corrosion process from the time brake fluid is added during manufacturing. Copper levels can actually predict when more damaging corrosion will occur. It’s like a wear indicator for your brake fluid. Copper plays a vital role in brake system safety. Government studies have proven that copper can actually plate to ABS components causing them not to operate properly resulting in longer stopping distance. In addition, copper can accelerate the corrosion of iron components used in the brake system.

Is this a moisture test?

BrakeStrip is a copper test, not a moisture test. Copper predicts more damaging corrosion, it’s a wear indicator!

Can I trust BrakeStips?

No other brake test finds bad brake fluid as accurately and as often with over 75 million tests done as popular shops like Jiffy Lube, NAPA, and others. We use the industry standard testing and have our technology patented.

Does Brake Fluid Last Forever?

  • “NO,” brake fluid does not last forever
  • Just like engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, brake fluid wears over time.
  • Corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid protect the brake system from corrosion.
  • Corrosion inhibitors deplete over time and leave the brake system vulnerable to corrosion.
  • Copper levels can increase in brake fluid and cause severe brake system problems.

What does a purple BrakeStrip test mean?

  • If BrakeStrip turns purple, you know brake fluid service is required.
  • MAP has determined that brake fluid must be replaced at 200 ppm copper.
  • BrakeStrip turns a bright purple at 200 ppm copper.

What standards are there for brake fluid replacement?

  • Current standards for replacing brake fluid are based on the level of copper in the brake fluid.
  • The Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) guidelines requires brake fluid replacement at 200 ppm copper.

How much should I pay for brake fluid replacement service and what do I get?

  • Expect to pay between $70 and $125 for proper brake flush service.
  • There is no better $100 bucks you can spend for this kind of “peace of mind”.
  • Stopping insurance for your brakes.

I failed a BrakeStrip test soon after I had a brake fluid replacement?

Occasionally we hear this statement, “they told me something must be wrong with the BrakeStrip test because they just changed my brake fluid”.

  • Brake Strips never give a false reading. It tests for copper so there is no way to “fake” the test.
  • The answer is very simple. There is still copper in the brake fluid. The method of brake fluid exchange was not sufficient to remove the copper from the system.
  • Please Don’t blame the messenger!

Trusted by Experts & Shops

We have been around since 1999 and have been used in big chain shops as well as the avid car guy. Over 75 million tests have been used!