Brake fluid safety warning

Johannesburg - The SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) has ordered the withdrawal of Dartex Super Dot 4 brake fluid from shop shelves.

The SABS warned the public against buying this product as it does not comply with the regulations.

This follows after a number of scientific tests were done on the product, which was found to have a negative effective on the braking system of vehicles, the SABS said in a statement on Monday.

Subsequently, the SABS ordered the manufacturers, Firtz Enterprises, to withdraw the product from the shelves with immediate effect.

"Brake fluid is a major content in the car braking system. It supports high temperatures of more than 150 degrees celsius next to the structure of discs and drums.

"A continuous use of non-quality brake fluid such as DARTEX Super Dot 4 will result in your car losing its braking efficiency, corrode safety rubbers, lead to leakages and eventually to total brake failure," the SABS said.

The bureau further warned that there was no guarantee that all products had been removed from the shelves, but said inspectors would follow up.

Consumers who had used this product were advised to replace their brake fluid as soon as possible and to have their brake systems inspected.