USA1C5

I thought this would be the best forum to ask this question because we probably buy and use more brake fluid than most.

Does an un-opened container of brake fluid have a shelf life? I know after a container is opened it should be used very soon. My guess is it don't or it would have a date on it, but I don't know for sure. What do you think?

CHJ In Virginia

I usually buy my ATE Super Blue a case at a time. It lasts me about 3 years. NO problems that I have seen from storing it that long.

VetteDrmr

No, it has no specific shelf life. And, an opened container doesn't go bad rapidly, if that was the case you'd have to flush your brake system every month or so. Keep it capped tightly, and it won't absorb much in the way of water vapor (unless you think it's pulling the water vapor through the sides of the bottle).

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

Kanmer

But my case lasts only a year doing 2 cars. If I open a can and don't use it within 3 months then I use the rest for clutch fluid as the clutch fluid stands very little if no chance to boil.

I used to change brake fluid between every event. Now its down to about 3 to 4 events. I bleed the brakes before the event and once during. I figure this case should last at least a couple of years.

Bob

Bill Hetzel

Before you put the bottle away, squeeze the bottle until the fluid is almost to the top, then put the cap on. Now there's very little air in the bottle.

986_C6

Great idea!

I also use my Ate for clutch fluid after the unused opened bottle has been sitting for a few months.

USA1C5

Thanks for the input, good to know, I use ATE blue and gold. I remember you from Summit Point, Shenandoah Circuit about October of last year.

So far I havn't bought brake fluid by the case (it would probably be a little cheaper that way), but I do have about 4 Liters on hand and about a 1/2 Liter can open. I better use it as brake fluid very soon it's about 1-1/2 to 2 months old now. I think I'll do what you mentioned and swap out the clutch fluid with it. Thanks for the idea. I did swap out the clutch fluid a couple months ago but you can't do it too often I guess. How often do you swap clutch fluid?
I also remember you and Nancy at several events, last was NCM@VIR I think it was. You ran off and left me after you got past the traffic that was holding you up.
Howard


I can see where that would be a good idea. My ATE fluid is in a can instead of a bottle but I can still squeeze out most of the air before I cap it. Good idea, Thanks.

ZR1 MK

A metal can is the best as its said the plastic does transfer moisture after time. The brands I use are in plastic containers, so I dont buy more than one seasons supply.

Bill Hetzel

Don't worry about the 2 month old ATE, it's fine and should easily go a year. The sealed cans - longer. I have no problem using any fliud thet's in a sealed can that sat over the winter.

The plastic cans will absorbe moisture but it would take a very loooong time. You'll get more moisture in the fluid by just pouring it into the M/C.

And just FYI, while your m/c's are sealed with the rubber diaphram, I have a race car that has m/c's vented to the air. The calipers get bled before every race but it has nothing to do with moisture.

Bill Dearborn

There is no way to know how long the fluid sat on some distributor's shelf before it was shipped to the retailer and then to you so if it had a shelf life it would probably be used up before the fluid got to you.

Bill