Time to bleed the brakes again and I have 2, 2yr old *unopened* bottles of ATE brake fluid in the metal canisters. Even though it is unopened, its still 2+yrs old. Is this stuff still safe to use?

 

I would use it, but I'm no expert. I know brake fluid does have a shelf life, but I would think it's longer than 2 years.

Notes from Searching
* As brake fluid ages, it absorbs moisture, causing corrosion inhibitors in the fluid to break down, and it promotes internal corrosion. Moisture contamination also lowers the boiling temperature of the fluid, which increases the risk of pedal fade under hard use.
* Fluid in metal cans resist moisture better and therefore have a longer shelf life than fluid in plastic containers.
* Motul guarantees their products for 2 years.
* Autoparts stores often have test strips which can tell you if the fluid is good or not.
* The higher the DOT level, the shorter the shelf life.


Modified by Mike C at 2:50 PM 1/4/2005

 

Should be fine if its still sealed and unopened.