How to Handle Spray-On Brake Cleaners
The roads can be very dirty and disgusting. They often affect the brakes over time, causing contaminants and grime build-up to stick to them. It can also be caused by low brake fluid or even a brake job gone wrong. The good news is that you don’t have to take your vehicle into a mechanic just to clean your brakes. All it usually takes is an inexpensive spray-on brake cleaner, which are available over the counter.
The other good news is that unlike a lot of other cleaning jobs, cleaning your brakes does not involve removal of major parts or preparation time. Unless you count removing your tires as removing a major part. It can easily be done in any garage, shed, or driveway. If you’re already good at changing tires and know how to use aerosol sprays, chances are, you’re probably already familiar with spray-on cleaners. The next time you need to remove at least one tire, glimpse at the brakes to see if there are any contaminants or grime building up on them. One thing to be aware of is that some of the chemical build-up can be harmful so you will need to exercise caution when using spray-on cleaners.
When getting ready to clean your brakes, you will need to have a pan on hand to catch the excess cleaner, grease, grime, dirt, etc. Certain locations also have certain restrictions as to how and when you can dispose of your container once you have used it up. For example, some states require that they be stored in a special container. As a result, if you’re not already familiar with your location’s or state’s laws, you’re advised to contact your state’s environmental protection agency office, ask around at a local shop, or contact your city’s disposal office.
You are also advised to wear a protective suite, gloves, and goggles when using your spray-on. They contain chemicals, such as acetone and methylene chloride. They can be very harmful if ingested through the eyes, skin, or mouth causing anything from dizziness to unconsciousness. You want to work only in well-ventilated areas. It’s also a good idea to skin the warning labels for any special protection instructions.
If you happen to use your spray-on on the wrong area of your car, that can also be harmful. For example, it can corrode the paint, or any plastics attached to the car. If you’re going to use your cleaner outside, make sure to do so on a day when there isn’t a high wind. High winds could blow some the cleaner to places where you don’t want it to. Spray-on break cleaners are like air dusters in that their containers are similar in shape and they both have a similar long and thin rod. The only difference is that break cleaners expel actual chemicals while air dusters expel powerful air to remove things like dust particles. Overall, spray-on cleaners for your brakes make vehicle cleaning less time consuming. Just take the precautions mentioned above and you should be fine.