This system was subject to cables and mechanical failure during the most important time of stopping a vehicle. As technology advanced hydraulic braking systems replaced the old mechanical systems. The hydraulic system eliminated cables and levers that needed to be readjusted as brake shoes or pads were worn down during daily use. Leather and different rubbers have been used to seal the hydraulic brake systems. The newer hydraulic system uses brake fluid to help equalize pressure on all braking surfaces and improves the response of braking systems because cables are not stretched as more pressure is applied at the pedal.
Heat is generated as the brakes are applied on a moving vehicle.
The heat is slowly transmitted through the braking materials and to the brake fluid. This heat can be very extreme and could make a fluid boil, thus, allowing brake fade to occur. To help eliminate brake fading a fluid with high boiling point is used in all hydraulic braking systems. Each brand of brake fluid must be submitted to the Bureau for registration. In the laboratory we examine the labeling of the containers.