Chlorinated Brake Cleaner vs. Non Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Attribute	Chlorinated Brake Cleaner	Non Chlorinated Brake Cleaner
Chemical Composition	Contains chlorinated solvents	Does not contain chlorinated solvents
Environmental Impact	May have higher environmental impact	Generally considered more environmentally friendly
Effectiveness	Effective in removing brake dust and contaminants	Effective in removing brake dust and contaminants
Odor	May have a strong odor	May have a milder odor
Flammability	Highly flammable	Flammable
Health Hazards	May pose health risks if inhaled or ingested	May pose health risks if inhaled or ingested

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining and servicing your vehicle's braking system, using the right brake cleaner is crucial. Brake cleaners are designed to remove dirt, grime, oil, and brake dust from various brake components, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Two common types of brake cleaners available in the market are chlorinated brake cleaner and non-chlorinated brake cleaner. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two types to help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.

Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Chlorinated brake cleaner, as the name suggests, contains chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene. These solvents are highly effective in removing grease, oil, and other contaminants from brake parts. One of the key advantages of chlorinated brake cleaner is its fast evaporation rate. This allows for quick cleaning and drying of brake components, reducing the overall time required for brake maintenance. Additionally, chlorinated brake cleaner is known for its strong degreasing properties, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications and heavily soiled brake parts.

However, it is important to note that chlorinated brake cleaner has some drawbacks as well. The use of chlorinated solvents has raised environmental concerns due to their potential to contribute to air pollution and ozone depletion. Furthermore, chlorinated brake cleaner may not be suitable for use on certain types of rubber, plastics, and painted surfaces, as it can cause damage or discoloration. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the instructions and ensure compatibility before using chlorinated brake cleaner on specific components.

Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner, on the other hand, does not contain chlorinated solvents. Instead, it utilizes alternative solvents such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or heptane. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner is considered to be more environmentally friendly compared to its chlorinated counterpart. It has a lower impact on air quality and does not contribute to ozone depletion. This makes it a preferred choice for those who prioritize eco-friendly products.

Non-chlorinated brake cleaner also offers excellent cleaning capabilities. It effectively removes brake dust, oil, and grime from brake components, ensuring optimal brake performance. Moreover, non-chlorinated brake cleaner is generally safe to use on a wide range of materials, including rubber, plastics, and painted surfaces. This versatility makes it a convenient option for various brake maintenance tasks.

Comparison

Now that we have discussed the attributes of both chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners, let's compare them based on different factors:

Cleaning Performance

Both chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners are effective in cleaning brake components. Chlorinated brake cleaner, with its strong degreasing properties, is particularly suitable for heavy-duty applications and heavily soiled parts. On the other hand, non-chlorinated brake cleaner offers excellent cleaning capabilities without the use of chlorinated solvents. It can effectively remove brake dust, oil, and grime, ensuring optimal brake performance.

Evaporation Rate

Chlorinated brake cleaner has a faster evaporation rate compared to non-chlorinated brake cleaner. This allows for quick cleaning and drying of brake components, reducing the overall time required for brake maintenance. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner may take slightly longer to evaporate, but it still provides efficient cleaning results.

Environmental Impact

Chlorinated brake cleaner has raised environmental concerns due to the potential impact of chlorinated solvents on air quality and ozone depletion. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner, on the other hand, is considered to be more environmentally friendly. It has a lower impact on air quality and does not contribute to ozone depletion. Therefore, if you prioritize eco-friendly products, non-chlorinated brake cleaner is a better choice.

Compatibility

Chlorinated brake cleaner may not be suitable for use on certain types of rubber, plastics, and painted surfaces. It can cause damage or discoloration to these materials. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner, on the other hand, is generally safe to use on a wide range of materials, including rubber, plastics, and painted surfaces. This makes it a more versatile option for various brake maintenance tasks.

Regulations and Restrictions

Due to environmental concerns, the use of chlorinated solvents in brake cleaners is regulated or restricted in some regions. This means that chlorinated brake cleaner may not be readily available or may have limitations on its use in certain areas. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner, being more environmentally friendly, is often more widely available and less restricted.

Conclusion

Choosing between chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaner depends on your specific needs and priorities. Chlorinated brake cleaner offers fast evaporation and strong degreasing properties, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. However, it has environmental concerns and compatibility limitations. Non-chlorinated brake cleaner, on the other hand, is more environmentally friendly, versatile, and generally safe to use on various materials. It provides excellent cleaning capabilities without the use of chlorinated solvents. Consider the cleaning performance, evaporation rate, environmental impact, compatibility, and any regulations or restrictions in your area when making your decision. Ultimately, selecting the right brake cleaner will help ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle's braking system.