sothpaw2

Hi,

I have some ATE Super Blue in its sealed, metal container, never opened. Trouble is, I bought this stuff 20 months ago (when I had my C4). The garage where it sits is not heated or A/C controlled, but it does not get to freezing in there and it is shut almost always (including hot summer).

I need something for a track day coming up.

Now, my assumption is that I CAN NOT use this due to age. I had another brand boil on me from a sealed, never opened, plastic container. Am I right to pitch this stuff? I have to find a place that has it in stock, and thinking about it, how do I know when I buy it off the shelf that he hasn't had it on his shelf for 20 months?

Opinions? Experience?

Thanks

AU N EGL

for the price of new $15-$17 a can, is it worth it??

xsiveone

It's not worth the risk IMO. At the very least, it could ruin your day. Is it worth it to you to ruin track time by taking a chance on old fluid?

Miaugi

Use it for your "regular" car, most people never bleed or flush the fluid on their daily drivers so it's bound to be better than what's in your other car, especially if your other car is 2 years old or older.

sgsvette

metal containers attract moisture, and one that has been sitting around as long as yours is sure to have some in it.
DON'T take the chance, if there is something you don't want to fail it's your brakes.

larryfs

it probably sat on the store shelf for 6 months before you brought it.
I only buy brake fluid from high volume part houses, otherwise you get dusty old cans.

sothpaw2

That's why I posted--I was thinking of buying it at the speed shop right here today but I bet it's been sitting in there a long time.

I looked for a date it but I there is none. I bought in at the Summit point in WVA.

What high volume. parts house do you use? Maybe I should just do that; I don't know any that carry it.

Thanks for all the opinions--that's what I thought.

xsiveone

I wouldn't use it in a "regular" car either. DOT 4 fluid is more hygroscropic than the DOT 3 that comes standard in most cars. For a car that isn't tracked or doesn't have the fluid changed that often, I would stay with DOT 3.

Miaugi

I didn't know that DOT 4 was more hygroscopic than DOT 3 so you have a good point.

Ok, last suggestion....use it in the clutch?

UstaB-GS549

It's a sealed metal container. I don't know that ATE or anyone else puts a "Use Before Date" on their containers. It's not beer.

You can boil pretty much any fluid. Even the guys running SRF bleed brakes.

I would use it in my car without hesitation.

Just another opinon.

STEVEN13

Steven

rikhek

There is no shelf life, it is fine......

Don't' know where people come up with some of these "opinions".

Rick

rcr162

It's fine. The metal can and the plastic seal under the cap will prevent any exposure to air or moisture, which is the problem with brake fluid. When I was in the Army in the 1970's we still had C rations (in metal cans) which came with a little can opener, cigarettes, matches, and chewing gum. Anyway we looked at the dates on some of the cans and they were from the 1950's! They tasted fine to us.

rbl

I also use it in my SRF and I do aggressively bleed my brakes before every event but I only replace the fluid occasionally.

Interestingly, I have found on the Corvette and the SRF that the clutch fluid shows the most sign of contamination / darkening.

sothpaw2

Have any of you guys used ATE Blue on track that is that old before? At least this means I shouldn't worry so much about how long the stuff has been on the store shelf!!

Interesting to see how there are differences.

Thanks

Andy

Mojave

I agree with opinions posted above: if it is unopened and factory sealed, it's fine. Who knows how long it has been since ATE sealed it. If it was that big of a deal, they would have use by dates.

I would say use it. If not, give it to me. I'll be happy to use it.

CHJ In Virginia

I just used ATE Blue that was over 2 years old two weekends ago on Summit Main for three days - 397 track miles and not one bit of fade. Bought a bunch on special at $8.80 per litre. As long as it is in the can not opened with the seal intact it will be fine. NO problem at all with using it. Now if the can was opened and 1/2 full and had been sitting for 2 years that is another thing all together. I would chuck that fluid.

Miguels

Buy the new one and return the old one

davidfarmer

if it is sealed, never opened, I would use it in a heartbeat.

John Shiels

no air can get in it so no moisture. Probably buying stuff older than that many times.