Brake Cleaner Ingredients - It Still Runs

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Brake Cleaner Ingredients by Jason Unrau

There are two main variations of brake cleaner: chlorinated and non-chlorinated. Both have similar functions and degreasing properties, but they are composed of very different ingredients.

Warnings

Brake cleaner is a skin and eye irritant. Don safety clothing and eyewear when using brake cleaner.

Brake cleaner is toxic. If ingested, contact a poison control center immediately. Do not eat or drink when using this product.

Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Chlorinated brake cleaner is nonflammable; however, it is harsh on your skin and is known to be a possible carcinogen. It is made of two components:

Tetrachloroethylene

This solvent -- also known as perchloroethylene -- is the primary ingredient in this kind of brake cleaner. It is used to remove materials from metal that are not water-soluble. This includes grease, oil, brake fluid and brake dust.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide is used as a propellant in the aerosol format of brake cleaners.

Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Comprised of different chemicals than chlorinated brake cleaner, this version is extremely flammable but is less harsh on your skin. It contains:

Heptane

This chemical distilled from oil is used primarily as a solvent to clean contaminants from metal parts and is not water-soluble. It is safe for use on ABS brakes, as well as disc and drum brakes.

Acetone

This solvent is used to clean contaminants from parts. It is particularly useful in removing water-based contaminants, as it absorbs water.

Carbon Dioxide

This gas is used as the propellant in non-chlorinated brake cleaner.

Warnings

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is flammable. Use it in a well-ventilated area away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Do not smoke around brake cleaner.

References

US EPA:Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylyene) | Technology Transfer Network Air Toxics Web site
PubChem: acetone | C3H6O

Writer Bio

Jason Unrau is an automotive writer with 15 years experience in the automotive dealer environment, including 10 years as and automotive service consultant. He is a Certified Technology Expert, a regular contributor to Gearheads.org, and operates AutomotiveCopywriter.com.