BASF Brake Fluids

HYDRAULAN ®
This high-quality brake fluid helps your braking
system perform to the best of its capability.
Three layers of safety assurance!

www.basf.com/hydraulan
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Three layers of safety assurance.

Welcome to the premium class.

Layer 1

Use in motor vehicles

BASF’s Hydraulan® brake fluid is officially approved for use in a number of

popular cars, and BASF is an original equipment supplier to many motor vehicle
manufacturers. Our brake fluids have been fleet tested under extreme conditions
and exceed the requirements of international standards.

Layer 2

Research and development

In close partnership with the automotive industry, BASF’s world-class team of

experienced chemists and technicians works to continuously improve the
performance of Hydraulan®. This way, we are able to satisfy the most stringent
safety requirements as well as the needs of our customers. BASF is active in
numerous standardization bodies, including ISO and SAE.

Layer 3

Production and logistics

We work with a state of the art quality management system and check every
step of the process: from the raw material stage through to production and
distribution via our worldwide supply network. Every consignment gets a quality
inspection certificate and is delivered entirely in accordance with our customers’
wishes – in tank trucks, tank cars or drums.
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TRIPLE ASSURANCE OF SAFETY

Use in motor vehicles

Hydraulan® – the brake fluid with built-in safety features

What happens when the brakes are applied? The force therefore satisfy high operating requirements. BASF brake
generated, when the brake pedal is actuated, is transmitted fluids have been tested in countless practical trials in close
hydraulically by the brake fluid to the piston in the brake cooperation with automotive manufacturers and suppliers to
cylinder. The movement of the piston causes the brake pads ensure optimum performance and compatibility with all of
to be forced against the brake discs in order to decelerate the components in the braking system.
the vehicle. In this way, brake fluids – also known as synthetic Our Hydraulan® provides maximum safety!
hydraulic fluids – play a key role in vehicle safety and must

POTENTIAL DANGERS HYDRAULAN®

DUE TO A POOR BRAKE FLUID HAS THE SAFETY FEATURES YOU NEED

> Brake failure 1. High boiling point

> Delayed brake response 2. Low viscosity at icy temperatures

> Corrosion 3. Outstanding corrosion protection

> Friction and abrasion 4. Excellent lubrication

> Defective seal resulting in loss of brake fluid 5. Compatibility with a wide range of elastomers

> Unstable brake fluid 6. Optimum thermal stability

7. Excellent low-temperature stability

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FEATURES FOR BEST SAFETY

SAFETY FEATURE No. 1 SAFETY FEATURE No. 2

High boiling point Low viscosity at icy temperatures

The water absorption of the braking system out of the Braking takes place in fractions of a second. The hydraulic
environment can never be totally prevented. On average, pressure generated through actuation of the brake pedal
the brake fluid in a vehicle absorbs 1 % to 1.5 % water per must be transmitted to the wheel brakes instantly. Brake
annum. As a result of the increasing water content in the fluids with high viscosity at low temperatures build up the
brake fluid the boiling point drops. braking pressure more slowly and delay the braking
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is exceeded (the heat response. Hydraulan® brake fluids have an extremely low
of friction caused by braking can heat the wheel brake viscosity, particularly at icy temperatures, and thereby
cylinders and brake fluid to temperatures above 150 °C), optimize the responsiveness of the brakes.
vapor bubbles form, which, unlike liquids, are compressible.
When the brakes are applied, the bubbles are compressed
without the power on the pedal being transmitted to the
wheel brake cylinders. This type of brake failure is known
as vapor lock.
Because of its high boiling point and chemical properties,
Hydraulan® prevents the formation of bubbles and potential
failure of the braking system.

TYPICAL BOILING POINT CURVE IN RELATION TO SERVICE YEARS

DOT 3 DOT 4 DOT 5.1

280

260

240

220

200
Boiling point [ °C ]

180

160

140
CRITICAL
RANGE
120

0 1 2 3
Brake fluid in service in years

Curve valid for 1.5 % water absorption per annum.

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SAFETY FEATURE No. 3 SAFETY FEATURE No. 6

Outstanding corrosion protection Optimum thermal stability

Hydraulan® contains highly effective additives, which reliably
protect various metals in the braking system (e.g. steel, cast
iron, aluminum, brass and copper) against oxidation and
corrosion.
SAFETY FEATURE No. 4
Under extreme operating conditions brake fluids reach
temperatures of more than 150 °C. Despite this high thermal
load the brake fluid must remain chemically and thermally
stable. The use of high-quality glycol ether components and
special inhibitors in Hydraulan® products ensures maximum
optimization of their thermal stability.

Excellent lubrication SAFETY FEATURE No. 7

In order to prevent friction and abrasion, BASF brake fluids

contain ingredients with lubricating properties. Regular test
simulations under extreme conditions prove Hydraulan’s®
excellent lubricating performance.
SAFETY FEATURE No. 5
Excellent low-temperature stability
At extremely low temperatures of between –40 °C and
–50 °C there is the risk of the system becoming locked as
a result of precipitates. All Hydraulan® products offer
outstanding low-temperature stability in order to prevent
brake failure.

Compatibility with a wide range of elastomers

Elastomeric cups are used to seal the brake cylinders

against loss of fluid in the gap between the piston and
cylinder. Hydraulan® provides the necessary slight swelling
of the elastomeric cups, so they form a reliable seal and
prevent loss of brake fluid.

Practical tip:

Change your brake fluid

regularly every two years.
Also pay attention to the
advice of your vehicle
manufacturer.
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Hydraulan® – products and approvals

To ensure trouble-free functioning of the braking system
when a vehicle is in constant use, the automotive industry
sets very high standards for the hydraulic fluids. BASF has
been a competent and reliable partner of the automotive
industry and develops products designed to meet the high-
est quality standards. But BASF also works with the profes-
sional industry associations that set these standards.
BASF is the leading supplier to European motor vehicle
manufacturers and offers a comprehensive range of brake
fluids with official approvals from these companies. Intensive
testing in fleet tests and numerous specific tests on the part
of the motor vehicle manufacturers and brake component
suppliers ensure that Hydraulan® brake fluids deliver optimum
performance. Only official approvals by car manufacturers
ensure safe operation of the braking system.

AT A GLANCE
Our Hydraulan® brake fluids exceeding the DOT 4 standard are officially approved by the following automobile manufacturers:

Product Automobile manufacturers (OEM) OEM standard /

international standard

Hydraulan® 400 NV-1 Ford Europe SA-M6C9103-A

MAN FMVSS 116 DOT 4
Toyota TSK 2602G
VW-Group up to 2005 (Audi, Seat, Skoda, VW) VW TL 766-X

Hydraulan® 404 BMW / MINI QV 34 001

GM Europe (Opel, Saab, Vauxhall) GMW 3356
VW-Group (Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, VW TL 766-Z
Seat, Skoda, VW)

Hydraulan® 407-1 Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) DBL 7760.40

Ford Europe ESD-M6C57-A

Hydraulan® 417-1 Volvo Car Corporation FMVSS 116 DOT 4

Hydraulan® 418 PSA Peugeot Citroën B 71 2430

WE HAVE EVEN MORE TO OFFER:

Hydraulan® 308, 408 and 508 also exceed the international standards and are specifically designed
to the requirements of the retail market.
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Hydraulan® 404 – excellence of innovation

In the field of brake fluids BASF has developed a ground-
breaking innovation!
Hydraulan 404 is a tailor-made brake fluid for vehicles with
®
electronic stability control systems (ESP and DSC). At low
temperatures this brake fluid has an extremely low viscosity.
This enables pressure to build up more quickly and the wheel
brakes to respond more quickly. Thus the pressure buildup
at low temperatures of approx. –20 °C is about 30 % faster
than with conventional DOT 4 brake fluids, so the high safety
potential of ESP or DSC can be used to the full in winter
road conditions. Hydraulan® 404 exceeds the new ISO 4925,
Class 6 specifications and impresses with a boiling point of
at least 265 °C, a wet boiling point of at least 175 °C and a
viscosity at –40 °C of no more than 700 mm2/s.

Group Award 2008:

BASF received the VW Group Award

in recognition of the innovative
performance of its Hydraulan ® 404
brake fluid.
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TRIPLE ASSURANCE OF SAFETY
Research and development
Hydraulan® – leading-edge technology
As “The Chemical Company” BASF is a pioneer in the
research and development of new technologies. With regard
to Hydraulan® products, BASF can look back on more than
50 years of experience and close collaboration with leading
motor vehicle manufacturers. BASF was the first company
to develop low-viscosity DOT 4 brake fluids for modern
braking systems with electronic control systems such as
ESP/DSC, ABS and ASC. A world-class team of chemists
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and technicians is constantly optimizing and increasing the
performance of the products, which are ultimately responsible
for safety in the vehicle. Thus, right up to the present time,
BASF has been setting the market standard. In addition,
being a member of numerous standardization bodies such as
ISO and SAE enables us to contribute to shaping new devel-
opments in test standards and thereby always be able to act
according to the latest trends.
Did you know?
All OEM / ISO laboratory tests
can be carried out at BASF.
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TRIPLE ASSURANCE OF SAFETY
Production and logistics
Hydraulan® – top quality from the raw material through to the customer
In production we rely on a modern process control system
that is able to ensure transparency in the checking of all
production parameters. BASF has implemented a quality
management system certified to ISO/TS 16949. From the
raw material right through to the ready-to-use brake fluid we
exercise the highest degree of care and check compliance
with the defined product specifications at each stage of
production. In this way we make sure that all our products
are of a consistently high quality. We place top priority on
protecting the health of our employees. We are therefore
committed to ensuring safe working conditions.
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Our activities in the field of health, safety and environmen-
tal protection include safety training and instruction in the
handling of chemicals. BASF’s environmental management
system has been certified according to ISO 14001.
BASF supplies brake fluids to the automotive industry (first
fill, parts), as to the retail market. With a worldwide distribu-
tion network we are able to supply Hydraulan® products to
all continents. Customers can choose to receive deliveries
in tank trucks, tank cars or in containers holding between
¼ liter and 200 liters.
HANDLING
There is a safety data sheet for each Hydraulan ®
product. Special attention should be paid to the
following points:
• Avoid contact with skin
• Keep brake fluid away from children
• Brake fluids strip paints and varnishes, so
avoid contact with painted and varnished
surfaces
• All Hydraulan ® products are miscible with
water and biodegradable
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Test, test, test

For triple assurance of safety

The highest safety standards can only be assured through

careful testing. That is why BASF develops brake fluids in
close cooperation with the original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) in the automotive industry. Time-intensive and cost-
intensive test procedures take into account the most extreme
conditions that a vehicle can be subjected to. This is how we
provide a triple assurance of safety for Hydraulan® and ensure
that our customers get a premium product that is officially
approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

EXAMPLE OF AN APPROVAL PROCESS

Sequence (time in months)

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 19-20 21-22 23-24

Laboratory tests by BASF and vehicle manufacturer

Road test under 2nd road test Official ve

winter conditions under winter hicle
manufac
Start of conditions turer’s
Evaluation approval
the approval
completed issued.
process

“Großglockner-Test“
under extreme
conditions

Brake component suppliers’ compatibility test

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The figures speak for themselves

DATA SHEET
Hydraulan® products exceed the requirements set by the international standards in all criteria:

Product International Dry Wet Viscosity

standard ERBP [°C ] ERBP [°C ] at – 40 °C [mm2/s]

Hydraulan® 308 ≥ 250 ≥ 145 ≤ 1.500

SAE J 1703 ≥ 205 ≥ 140 ≤ 1.800

FMVSS 116 – DOT 3 ≥ 205 ≥ 140 ≤ 1.500

ISO 4925 – Class 3

JIS K 2233 – Class 3

Hydraulan® 408 ≥ 250 ≥ 155 ≤ 1.300

Hydraulan® 400 NV – 1 ≥ 265 ≥ 170 900 – 1.100

Hydraulan® 407 – 1 ≥ 270 ≥ 180 ≤ 1.400

Hydraulan® 417 – 1 ≥ 295 ≥ 195 ≤ 1.300

Hydraulan® 418 ≥ 265 ≥ 170 900 – 1.100

SAE J 1704

FMVSS 116 – DOT 4 ≥ 230 ≥ 155 ≤ 1.800

ISO 4925 – Class 4 ≥ 230 ≥ 155 ≤ 1.500

JIS K 2233 – Class 4

Hydraulan® 404 ≥ 265 ≥ 175 ≤ 700

ISO 4925 – Class 6 ≥ 250 ≥ 165 ≤ 750

Hydraulan® 508 ≥ 260 ≥ 180 ≤ 900

FMVSS 116 – DOT 5.1 ≥ 260 ≥ 180 ≤ 900

ISO 4925 – Class 5-1

SAE: Soci ety of Automo t ive E n g in e e r s > S A E I n t e r n a t i o n a l i s t h e l e a d e r i n t h e r e s e a r c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t o f s t a n d a r d s

for tra nsport tec h n o l o g y i n th e U. S. .
F M V SS: Federal Motor Ve h ic le Sa f e t y St a n d a r d > T h e F M V SS cr it e r ia ar e minimu m r eq uir e me nt s f o r v e hicle s af et y in t h e U. S. .
The bra k e fluid re q u i r e m e n ts a r e d e fi n e d w i th th e h e l p o f t h e D O T clas s if icat io n s.
I SO: I nterna ti onal O rg a n iz a t io n f o r St a n d a r d iz a t io n > T h e I S O c o o r d i n a t e s t h e i s s u i n g o f s t a n d a r d s t h r o u g h o u t t h e w o r l d
with the a im of c r e a ti n g i n te r n a ti o n a l sta n d a r d s.
JI S: Ja panes e I ndus t r ia l St a n d a r d > T h e J IS se ts th e J a p an es e in d u s t r ial s t an d ar d .
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CONTACT

BASF SE
Automotive & Refinery Chemicals

67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany

EVO/EA – J 550
Fax +49 6 21-60-5 90 50
E-Mail: hydraulan@basf.com
www.basf.com/hydraulan