Yipee, brake fluid tester arrived
However, now comes the bad news.
I checked the exact date that I changed the fluid which was 20/1/21 so about 32 months. Over the recommended limit but not too bad certainly by most standards.
Both the brake and clutch fluids went straight into the double red >4% moisture which is the highest position on the light system and according to the instructions means Danger. Change fluid urgently.
But it could be a faulty new tester couldn't it?? So I opened a fresh bottle I had in stock and guess what. Single green light signifying <1% moisture as one would expect with a new sealed bottle.
Now, I also have some of the original 2021 bottle leftover which I had resealed and not opened since as I never needed to top up. That was also single green light <1% moisture so even though it is also 32 months old, it is still as good as new because it was resealed after use.
So, conclusions.
1. My new brake fluid tester does work.
2. Even after 32 months, i.e. only 8 months longer than recommended, the tester when off the scale. Remember all the tester shows is over 4% so it could be a lot higher.
3. I can be a bit cynical about recommended change intervals (and eat by dates) but from now on I will keep a much closer watch on fluid moisture content and change it more regularly.
As a slightly comforting afterthought, I went to Austria in September and did 2 runs up and down the Grossglocker pass and others and the brakes did work. Obviously or I wouldn't be writing this.
