What condition can result from contamination of brake fluid?

Contamination of brake fluid can lead to reduced braking efficiency, which is a critical concern in vehicle safety. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air over time. When the brake fluid becomes contaminated with water, it lowers the boiling point of the fluid. During braking, especially in high-demand situations, the increased heat generated can cause the contaminated fluid to boil. This results in vapor bubbles forming within the brake lines, leading to a spongy brake pedal feel and a significant reduction in braking power. The hydraulic pressure necessary for effective braking is diminished, impairing the vehicle's ability to stop effectively, which poses a serious risk to driver safety.

Other conditions like increased brake noise, brake fade, and overheating brakes can occur due to various factors, but they are not directly linked to the specific issue of contamination of brake fluid. For instance, increased brake noise may stem from worn brake pads or misalignment rather than fluid quality, while brake fade is often due to overheating brake components rather than the fluid itself being contaminated. Overheating brakes could originate from prolonged braking or poor ventilation in some brake systems, which again is separate from contamination of the brake fluid specifically affecting the system's performance.