Team P R Reilly has introduced a new range of TRW brake fluids including TRW’s Universal DOT 5.1 ESP brake fluid, a world first specially designed for vehicles fitted with electronic stability programmes.

With ESP technology, brake fluid needs to react even more quickly to the system’s sensors to help avoid skidding and maximise the functionality of the system. As a global leader in ESP systems for vehicle manufacturers worldwide, TRW has developed ULTRA DOT 5.1 ESP brake fluid. This fluid has a wet boiling point (WBP) in excess of 180˚C, while keeping the viscosity at -40˚C (below the maximum specification of 750 centiStokes (cSt), required for ESP. All other ESP fluids on the market are DOT4 because the highest minimum WBP any of them can achieve is 175˚C. This means they cannot be used for vehicles with a higher DOT requirement.

As brakes are used, the brake fluid will heat up. Over time, the boiling point of all brake fluids will begin to lower as moisture from the air is absorbed. If the brake fluid boils, ‘vapour lock’ will occur resulting in brake failure for the driver. TRW recommends that brake fluid is changed every year for DOT 3 systems and every 2 years for DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 to maintain maximum braking performance and safety.

DOT 4, like DOT 3 and DOT 5.1, is a polyglycol ether-based fluid (contrasted with DOT 5 which is silicone-based). Fluids such as DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are hygroscopic and will absorb water from the atmosphere. This degrades the fluid's performance, and if allowed to accumulate over a period of time, can drastically reduce its boiling point and compromise braking performance, especially on motorcycles and performance vehicles.

TRW’s Universal DOT 5.1 ESP brake fluid can be used for applications where DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 4 ESP and DOT 5.1 are used. TRW is the only supplier worldwide of DOT 5.1 ESP. It reduces the latent risk of longer stopping distance and a loss of vehicle control. TRW's DOT 5.1 ESP brake fluid keeps its viscosity, even at extremely low temperatures, meaning the brake fluid can react more quickly, whatever the conditions.

For more information about the full TRW programme, please contact the Team P R Reilly sales team on 01 8320006 or email sales@team.ie