Shelf life of brake fluid (dot 3 )

Does brake fluid have a fixed shelf life with regard to getting off paint, I I have had a batch for around 6 months, stripped about six models but it seems to be struggling lately to do its job. I'm not using any different paints than i would normally, any ideas? :confused:

Yes, it does get weaker over time, especially as it is exposed to the air. I keep mine in an air-tight plastic container and it still worked acceptably well after about 3 years.

I periodically strain the muck out of mine and clean the bottom of the container b/c after a while i have a thick buildup of mush in the bottom. I seems to be less effective after it gets really dirty. I've had mine in a big tupperware bowl for over a year and is still running strong.

I periodically strain the muck out of mine and clean the bottom of the container b/c after a while i have a thick buildup of mush in the bottom. I seems to be less effective after it gets really dirty. I've had mine in a big tupperware bowl for over a year and is still running strong.

Yea, same here. After a few months and a few cars stripped my Brake Fluid lost its strength. I would keep it in an air tight container, like SteveK2003 said, for next time.

The other factor to consider is moisture, brake fluid tends to draw moisture so if it's not in a completely sealed container it will also make it weaker/less effective over time.

:banghead:

Mine has been in an unsealed container so I can assume thats my problem, as brakefluid is a product of refining as is petrol etc then I can only think that the chemicals that do the stripping must evaporate off if left open to the air. Will put my next lot in a tub with a lid. Thanks for the info guys. :smile: