Brake Fluid shelf life?

[Bullitt347]

I got this can of brake fluid about 12 years ago.
It has been stored in a climate controlled garage ever since.
I see no "expiration date" on the can.
Would you use this brake fluid?

At the time the State of Washington decided that they could not have a brake fluid be any color other than a clear/yellow.
This stuff is Blue. I think they were afraid of people thinking it was washer fluid or something stupid like that.
It was used primarily in road race applications, typically we would use it in Lotus Elise/Exige that saw a lot of track duty/open track events.
The State was making all the shops that had it dump it out and we were not allowed to use/sell it.
I "stole" this can and took it home and have had it ever since.
Thinking of using it in my Drag Race Mustang as the fluid is rated for very high temps.
What say you?
Use it or dump it.

 

[LILCBRA]

If it's not been opened I'd guess that you'd probably be alright. But if it's been opened I may be hesitant. Humidity can affect it since brake fluid is hygroscopic, so it would depend on how well the can's seal protected it.

 

[Bullitt347]

If it's not been opened I'd guess that you'd probably be alright. But if it's been opened I may be hesitant. Humidity can affect it since brake fluid is hygroscopic, so it would depend on how well the can's seal protected it.

Original, unopened.
I suppose I could open it and see how it looks. But don't want to do that until I am actually ready to use it.
The can shows no rust/corrosion on the outside. I imagine the inside is just as well preserved.

 

[91AOD5.0LX]

I would dump it and not look back

 

[nickyb]

Dump it!

 

[Blackhawkxx]

Thinking of using it in my Drag Race Mustang as the fluid is rated for very high temps.
What say you?
Use it or dump it.

You really don't need super high heat rated brake fluid in a drag car like you would on a road race car. In your case changing it often is probably more important than the special fluid.

 

[rednotch]

Free paint stripper at this point......

 

[Qtrhrse23]

Check it out. Might be OK. Get rid of it if it has moisture. But if its all brown, try it. Its just brake fluid. Hydraulic/brake fluid lasts forever.

Was that number on the front a date code? 04.2016

 

[OX1]

Could try on of these on it............

Amazon.com: OBDKCAN Brake Fluid Tester High-Precision Brake Fluid Moisture Tester with 8.5" Gooseneck Probe Digital Brake Fluid Test Tool with Light Data Hold Backlight, Testing for DOT3, DOT4, DOT5.1 : Automotive

Amazon.com: OBDKCAN Brake Fluid Tester High-Precision Brake Fluid Moisture Tester with 8.5" Gooseneck Probe Digital Brake Fluid Test Tool with Light Data Hold Backlight, Testing for DOT3, DOT4, DOT5.1 : Automotive

www.amazon.com

 

[Bullitt347]

Check it out. Might be OK. Get rid of it if it has moisture. But if its all brown, try it. Its just brake fluid. Hydraulic/brake fluid lasts forever.

Was that number on the front a date code? 04.2016

Nice catch.
Probably is a date code.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Metal sealed can would prob fare better than a plastic bottle, but I still wouldn't use it. Really it all comes down to if moisture was able to permeate the can.

 

[Bullitt347]

Worse case I will just keep the can as a conversation piece.
I mean, how often do you find Blue Brake Fluid?

 

[General karthief]

Yeah....you're gonna bet your life, limb and the cost of your ride on 10 year old brake fluid ?
DOT 3 or 4 will work in your car, major difference is 4 has a higher boiling point vrs the 3 and the 3 will absorb less moisture than 4.
Street car you won't know the difference.
10 year old brake fluid is a no-go for me don't care what color it is.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I mean, how often do you find Blue Brake Fluid?

They have dyes you can add to brake fluid for the same effect. I have a small bottle of it somewhere but it turns the brake fluid bright blue.

I forget what i used it for

 

[DadLife0724]

They have dyes you can add to brake fluid for the same effect. I have a small bottle of it somewhere but it turns the brake fluid bright blue.

I forget what i used it for

I bet you used it to dye brake fluid blue.

 

[nickyb]

Its good for leak detection