Brake fluid is made up of a chemical that:

• A. readily absorbs water and forms a precipitate
• B. is a strong acid used to neutralize bases
• C. has a high boiling point to withstand engine heat
• D. is highly reactive with metals

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of brake fluid in a vehicle's braking system. Brake fluid must transmit force effectively and operate under high temperature conditions without boiling.
2. Step 2: Consider the properties required for brake fluid. It should not absorb water to the extent that it forms a precipitate, as this would impair function. It also should not be a strong acid or highly reactive with metals, as this would cause corrosion.
3. Step 3: Recognize that brake fluid needs a high boiling point to prevent vaporization under the high heat generated during braking, which ensures consistent hydraulic pressure.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the given options against these criteria. The correct property is that brake fluid has a high boiling point to withstand engine heat.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the key characteristic of brake fluid is its high boiling point, which prevents vapor lock and maintains braking performance under heat stress.