FASCAR™, which stands for "Fluid Analysis
by Stimulation of Contamination Alpha Reactions", is a simple visual test
to determine the contamination level of your brake fluid. To test, immerse the
new Strip Dip™ into vehicle’s brake fluid for 1 second and within 30-120 seconds the reaction zone will change colors
depending on the contaminant level in the brake fluid. Use the FASCAR™ color
scale to compare the reaction zone color to determine the FASCAR™ rating.
How Does FASCARTM Work
Brake fluid is formulated with corrosion inhibitors to protect the hydraulic
system. Over time these inhibitors are depleted, reducing the protection they
afford. This "wearing" of brake fluid is accompanied by the
accumulation of complex "alpha" (or first) contamination indicators
that act as a pre-corrosion warning. FASCAR™ accurately measures these alpha
contaminants. The Strip Dip™ is designed to interact with these alpha
contaminants to determine the overall level of brake fluid contamination. The
resulting color of the test strip is an easy, visually accurate method to prove
the need for a brake system flush. FASCAR™ will also measure the residual
contamination left by an inefficient system flush.
What Does a High FASCARTM Rating Mean?
The FASCAR Rating ™ scale from 0 to 100 gives the technician a way to determine
the approximate age of the brake fluid and determine whether the brake fluid
needs to be changed (See Chart below). Age is important because we know that brake
fluid wears over time. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fluid
every one to two years, while others have no recommendation at all. You can know
for sure by using the Strip Dip™. The FASCAR™ rating will vary with brake
fluid age, vehicle mileage and environmental conditions. FASCAR™ ratings of 75
or more indicate the brake fluid’s ability to fight corrosion has been
compromised. For FASCAR™ ratings above 75, we recommend a brake system flush.
What Happens When Brake Fluid’s Ability to Protect is Impaired?
If you wait until your brake fluid fails a moisture test, it’s too late!
After brake fluid corrosion inhibitors are severely depleted, corrosion of the
internal components begins. Corrosion can pit the metal bores of the master
cylinder, slave cylinders and ABS components. This means that pistons cannot
move freely, seals can be damaged and cylinders can develop internal or external
leaks. A thorough brake fluid flush-and-fill seems like cheap insurance.
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