Brake Cleaner vs. Engine Degreaser

If you didn’t know better, you may mistake brake cleaner for engine degreaser and vice versa. And you’re not the only one. Google is full of at-home mechanics wondering if they can use an engine degreaser instead of a brake cleaner. In this article, we’ll explain the function of each solvent in a garage setting.

What is Engine Degreaser?

Engine degreaser is an essential and cost-effective petroleum-based cleaner. It can be used to easily clean engine parts, oil spills, engine bays, or to degrease the bilge on your boat. We recommend our Wolfchester Heavy Duty Degreaser to remove all oils, lubricants, adhesives, and contaminants. Just be careful not to get it on your car’s exterior as it can remove paint as well.

You spray it on, let it soak, and then hose it off. It can be washed off with water or dry on its own. If there’s especially thick grease and grime involved, then use a heavy duty parts brush to give it a little extra power.

Wolfchester Heavy Duty Degreaser should be your go-to for all grease and grime removal.

What is Brake Cleaner?

Break cleaner is a solvent that relies on isopropyl alcohol to ensure it evaporates quickly. This leaves your brakes or other electrical components (i.e., alternators or contacts) of your car spotless (no disassembly required!). The Wolfchester Brake & Parts Cleaner Aerosol is non-chlorinated and safe for use on braking systems. It will quickly and effectively free brake parts from dust, grime, and fluid build-up. It’s also helpful in cleaning small oil stains on the driveway.

To use, spray it liberally on all brake parts, including discs, drums, pads, and calipers. Allow the product to penetrate the dirt and grime and then wipe away with a lint-free cloth or rag.

While doing this, you’ll want to be careful of its extra cleaning power. Brake cleaner can easily damage delicate plastic and rubber parts when used incorrectly. Be sure to only use it only on your brakes and other unpainted metallic surfaces for best results.

Final thoughts

Overall, it’s not wise to use an engine degreaser to service your brakes. Often, this is tempting to people as brake cleaner is more expensive and thus used more sparingly. However, the engine degreaser will leave behind an oily residue that is harmful to your brakes. Always use both as directed! Visit Wolfchester for all your automotive and industrial consumables.