Brake Cleaner

Brake and Parts Cleaner

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Brake part cleaner is a necessary part of any brake repair. Most brake cleaners are specially formulated to be used on all ABS, disc and drum brakes and are designed to remove oil, grease, brake fluid and other debris or contaminants from the brake rotors, calipers and other related brake system parts. It's best to use brake cleaner when installing new brake rotors and pads or performing other brake repairs. Cleaning new brake rotors with brake cleaner removes the cutting oils and factory coating, allowing your pads to break in properly. It is recommended that if the hat or vanes of the rotor are painted to reduce rust, brake cleaner should be used with caution as it can strip paint. If you are disassembling old, greasy and dusty brakes then using brake cleaner can also help clean accumulated debris from the assembly and may improve braking performance without a complete brake job.

Chlorinated Brake Cleaner vs. Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

The main difference between chlorinated brake cleaners and non-chlorinated brake cleaners is the types of solvents used in the formula. Chlorinated brake cleaners are generally more effective at degreasing, dissolving and removing tougher or older residues, contaminants and debris from brake components. However these solvents pose health and environmental risks due to their toxicity. When using these types of cleaners, it's recommended that you ensure proper ventilation and wear the appropriate protective equipment for maximum safety.

Non-chlorinated brake cleaners are a common choice for convenience and contain less harmful Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, than chlorinated brake cleaners. VOCs are hazardous chemicals that easily vaporize under high temperatures and are regulated due to environmental and public health concerns attributed to their use. It's important to remember that VOC restrictions may also limit the use and sale of chlorinated brake cleaner products in your city or state.

If you are performing a full service brake job, cleaning grease or debris from your work area or other parts or just want to maintain your braking performance, having brake cleaner available during your repair can help you get the repair done right. Shop O'Reilly Auto Parts, where we carry a variety of non-chlorinated brake cleaners and chlorinated brake cleaners to help you complete your next brake job.