According to a new study highlighted by British Times, more than a quarter of cars in the UK have brakes that could fail at anytime due to defective brake fluid.

Research conducted for Cosan Lubricants’ Mobil Car Care range at copious independent service garages across the UK found that 26.5% of UK motorists had defective brake fluid, with nearly ten percent even risking their lives every time they drove.

The research tested the quality of brake fluid and results found that overall across Europe, an ominous 41% of vehicles are operating with sub-standard brake fluid.

In case you didn’t know, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, which reduces its effectiveness by lowering the boiling point. Once the boiling point dips beneath 180 degrees Celsius, brake fluid becomes all but useful, potentially causing sudden and inexplicable brake failure.

The research also determined that the age and mileage of a vehicle is not necessarily correlated to the quality of its brake fluid. One in seven vehicles with less than 80,000 miles on the clock had fluid showing a boiling point of less than 200 degrees, with more than a third admitting to not changing their fluid in over two years!

If you live in the U.K. or even Europe, this journalist strongly suggests you visit your local mechanic and see for yourself if your brake fluid is defective. With over a quarter of all cars being affected, it is imperative to your safety that you do so. When it comes to brakes, it can sometimes be a matter of life and death. Don’t let defective brake fluid ruin your car and your life!