Acustrip Company, Inc.

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Trump campaign official Chris LaCivita said Democratic Pennsylvania commissioners will face jail time over their recount effort amid Sen. Bob Casey refusing to concede the race.

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03/07/2019

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03/13/2018

Brake Fluid Basics
Specifying and testing brake fluid correctly can extend system life and ensure safety

For obvious reasons, brakes are one of the most important systems on any vehicle. But one of the key components of any brake system-- the fluid that provides the hydraulic power needed to ensure safe stopping distances— is often one of the most overlooked maintenance items.
Over time, moisture is absorbed by brake fluid and when moisture content rises the boiling point of the fluid is lowered to where it can affect the system’s ability to stop a vehicle. This is usually indicated by a noticeable change in pedal pressure, often described as a “spongy” feeling that refers to either the pedal depressing harder or more easily than usual.
Moisture in brake fluid also causes corrosion that can adversely affect the fluid’s ability to protect brake systems and accelerate wear of brake system components. It, too, can result in poor braking performance and lead to costly and potentially catastrophic failures.
To begin, using the correct fluid is essential. Brake fluids can be grouped into glycol-based and silicone-based categories that are classified in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards based on their boiling point.
DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are glycol-based brake fluids comprised of mineral oils, esters, glycol esters and synthetic oils. These fluids seal brake systems very effectively. However, they also more readily absorb moisture from the atmosphere.
DOT 5 is a silicone-based fluid that doesn’t absorb water. However, if water gets into the brake system, it sinks to the bottom and rusts components internally.
Most vehicles use DOT 3 brake fluid while some performance models require DOT 4 fluid because it can handle the higher heat of brake rotors without creating bubbles that impact brake pedal feel and reduce braking ability.
DOT 5.1 fluid has an even higher boiling point and works well with vehicles equipped with ABS and traction control systems. DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 are compatible with each other. However, it is not advisable to mix fluid types and never mix silicone- and glycol-based fluids.
A common misconception to be aware of as well is that dark-colored brake fluid needs to be changed. Color, however, is not an indicator of brake fluid quality as some fluids naturally change color from light to dark as they come in contact with rubber brake system components.
Basic brake fluid maintenance practices can alleviate and prevent problems, including routine evaluation of the level of the brake fluid and checking for contaminated fluid caused by leaks through the brake lines or master cylinder. Assessing the fluid’s condition at each PM or oil change is the best way to prevent premature brake system damage due to corrosion, even in sealed systems.
Testing for moisture content in brake fluid is a valuable preventive maintenance practice that can be done quickly and inexpensively relative to the cost of new brake system components. Monitoring the condition of brake fluid with a moisture test strip can quickly indicate if the fluid’s boiling point has been compromised. The presence of moisture in brake fluid, along with heat and air will oxidize the fluid, resulting in it being acidic (lower pH) and causing corrosion. In general, a pH reading of less than 7 will accelerate the rate of corrosion.
Many auto manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every two years. The process to change the fluid is a low-cost item that yields savings.
Acustrip Company provides a number of brake fluid test products. The ACUSTRIP ACU6000 Series Moisture Test for Brake Fluid and the ACUSTRIP 8000 Series (ACUTEST-2) use test strips to check for moisture. In addition, the ACUSTRIP Brake Fluid pH Test for In Service Brake Fluid uses ACU61000 or 61070 test strips to check pH to identify acidic brake fluid that is likely to result in costly brake component failure.
For more information, visit www.acustrip.com.
Copyright ACUSTRIP Company, Inc 2018

02/26/2018

New Article on Antifreeze Coolant Basics
Antifreeze Basics
Ensuring the correct antifreeze and testing for effectiveness is critical to cooling system performance

By Ron Schornstein
President and CEO
Acustrip Company

Almost two thirds of all engine failures can be attributed to cooling system problems. Today as well, new engine designs for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions have raised operating temperatures and pressures, adding to the demands on cooling systems.
The proper antifreeze is vital to engine operation and protection. Advanced coolants are formulated for corrosion and scale build up prevention, high temperature stability and heat transfer, protection from freezing, and compatibility with hard water and plastics.
Traditionally, freeze protection and heat transfer has been provided by a mixture of water and ethylene glycol in a recommended concentration of 40% to 60% by volume. More recently, propylene glycol has been introduced as a less toxic alternative to ethylene glycol. Developments have also led to the introduction of Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants because the corrosion inhibitors in OAT products last longer than those in traditional antifreeze.
For new vehicles, manufacturers choose an effective coolant based on engine design. National standards such as ASTM D 3306, 4985 and 6210 are used as minimum specifications. Vehicle OEMs and coolant manufacturers, such as Champion, Ford, Fleetguard, Heritage, Cummins, Volvo and Mack, Navistar, Penray, Prestone, OWI, Caterpillar, Valvoline, WIX, Navy, US Coast Guard, Donaldson, and others have their own specifications and many also have private label products.
When coolant fluid levels are low, it is recommended that refills are made with formulations with the same specifications to avoid compatibility issues, and so the warranty is not affected. In addition, even beyond the warranty period it is still advisable to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s coolant recommendation.
While vehicle cooling systems are under pressure and designed to be sealed and leak free under normal circumstances, monitoring coolant levels during inspections and routine preventive maintenance can help detect leaks and address problems before they lead to costly repairs. These include defective or deteriorated seals, blown head gaskets and improperly torqued head bolts, warped or cracked cylinder heads, cracked blocks or cylinder heads, corrosion damage to cylinder liners, and thermostat and water pump failures.
Most vehicle and coolant manufacturers recommend the use of test strips during coolant system inspections and maintenance. Acustrip provides a variety of coolant test strips that can be used during routine service to help ensure that coolant is adequately protecting cooling systems.
The ACU1050 Complete Test Kit is for testing conventional or extended life coolants in autos and trucks for nitrite, freeze point, molybdate, pH, and reserve alkalinity levels.
The ACU1550 series (ACUTEST1) measures all types of coolant for freeze point and boil over, as well as corrosion protection. The ACU1550 and 40132 series are suitable for testing OAT-based (IAT, NOAT and HOAT) coolants.
The ACUSTRIP ACU5050 Series CTS-5 Cool Check 3-Way Water Check test strips are an easy, effective way to determine if coolant make-up water meets OEM, TMC and ASTM specifications for pH, chloride and hardness levels.
The CTS/3, CTS4, 3000 and 40240 series are available to test Heavy Duty Antifreeze Coolants matching OEM maintenance specifications. They also provide added test ranges for evaluation of protection of the supplemental additives in cooling systems using all OAT-based (NOAT and HOAT) coolants. The strips measure pH and concentration of antifreeze coolant inhibitors.
To accompany test kits, Acustrip also offers the DCR500 duo refractometer to measure both ethylene and propylene based coolant/antifreeze mixtures according to ASTM Method 3321 Standard Practice for the Use of Determining the Freezing point of Aqueous Engine coolants. Available as well are the Acustrip pH pen, which provides a digital readout of the pH level that is crucial to the protection of a cooling system, and a conductivity pen to measure the concentration of total dissolved solids.
For more information, visit

02/03/2018

ACUSTRIP Dip n Read
Test for Antifreeze coolant detection in transmission fluid

Shopping for a Mercedes-Benz? Good for you, but don't buy anything untill watching this video. In this new series I hightlight common or ridiculously expensi...

11/30/2017

ACUSTRIP Company Inc helps you identify Mold/Bacteria and be sure cleaning has eliminated it

10/13/2017

Become a Diagnostic Detective