---
title: "The Best Brake Cleaners You Can Buy"
description: "Looking for brake cleaners? Our team narrowed down the best brake cleaners on the market. Read this review and save yourself time and money."
date: "2021-02-12"
modified: "2023-06-20"
authors:
  - name: "Mike Bumbeck"
    job_title: "Hands-On Testing Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/mike-bumbeck"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/26730/best-brake-cleaners"
categories:
  - "Gas & Oil"
  - "Maintenance & Repair"
  - "The Garage"
tags:
  - "Buying Guides"
  - "commerce"
  - "NoAds"
  - "Roundup"
---

# The Best Brake Cleaners You Can Buy

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/02/Brake-cleaners-4.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

From start to finish, brake cleaner is an indispensable brake job tool. Well, it has plenty of applications and can be used any time you're trying to remove grime from underneath your car. The laser-focused high-pressure stream of powerful cleaners blasts away grease and dirt, and liquifies harmful brake dust in seconds. Once the crusty old brake parts are off the axle and in the bin, this quick-dry cleaner removes protective oils from new disc rotors and other brake parts for a super clean installation. Just keep it away from your car's paint.

Choosing the right brake cleaner can be vexing at best, so we grabbed a few armloads of cans and put them to work on a front disc brake overhaul to find out which one is the best.

## Summary List of Brake Cleaners

- [CRC Brakleen Non-Flammable](<https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05089-BRAKLEEN-Brake-Cleaner/dp/B000LDR9HI/?tag=drive09e6-20>)
- [Johnsen's OTC Compliant Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner](<https://www.amazon.com/Johnsens-2417-Compliant-Non-Chlorinated-Cleaner/dp/B00C87183Q/?tag=drive09e6-20>)
- [3M High Power Brake Cleaner](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FU44K/?tag=drive09e6-20>)
- [Berryman 2420 Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner](<https://www.amazon.com/Berryman-Products-2420-Non-Chlorinated-Cleaner/dp/B00JIWXB4I/?tag=drive09e6-20>)
- [Lucas Oil Brake Parts Cleaner](<https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-Oil-Brake-Parts-Cleaner/dp/B017OD8V9M/?tag=drive09e6-20>)

## Our Methodology

We chose the best brake cleaners by comparing a host of brand-name formulas. We looked at effectiveness, legality, chemical content, ease-of-use, spray pattern, and drying time, and then compared it with the price it was being offered at. All of these cleaners will do a good job at cutting through grease, but how much is needed, how fast it'll dry, whether its legal in your state, etc., changes a bit between each. Plus, the more value for your money, the better. For more on how we select products, [check this out](<https://www.thedrive.com/announcements/41112/about-guides-gear-and-the-drives-product-reviews-department>).

## Best Brake Cleaner Reviews & Recommendations

![Cleaning brakes with brake cleaners](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/2021/02/Brake-cleaners-6.jpg>)

## Our Verdict

Non-flammable chlorinated formulas like our best overall winner [CRC Brakleen Non-Flammable Brake Cleaner](<https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05089-BRAKLEEN-Brake-Cleaner/dp/B000LDR9HI/?tag=drive09e6-20>) are time-proven favorites. Pick it up by the case or the gallon if the law allows; you’ll save a bundle. Newer non-chlorinated blends are improving, but formulations and availability vary. Relatively new 50-state legal formulas blur longstanding distinctions between chlorinated non-flammable and non-chlorinated flammable types.

## What are the different types of brake cleaners?

Chlorinated brake cleaners contain powerful solvents like tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PERC), methylene chloride, and other organochlorines. This top-shelf heavy hitter cleans parts fast, dries quickly, and leaves no residue. Chlorinated brake cleaner is non-flammable, but it should only be used to clean cool parts; tetrachloroethylene can create deadly phosgene gas if it contacts surfaces above 315 degrees Fahrenheit.

Non-chlorinated, flammable brake cleaner is less potent but no less toxic than its chlorinated cousin and can take longer to dry. Non-chlorinated brake cleaners use a blend of hydrocarbon solvents and alcohol to get the job done. These blends can contain hexane, acetone, toluene, naphtha, benzene, xylene, and methanol. Most non-chlorinated brake cleaner ingredients are extremely flammable. Use caution.

## How much do brake cleaners cost?

Under $5: Many brake cleaners fall into this category, and you usually get what you pay for. It might seem counterintuitive to spend $4.95 for the same quantity as the $2.95 can, but more powerful formulas can get the job done with less.

$5-8: Stepping up with a few more bucks gets you a more effective product and more of it. Mid-range and premium brake cleaners often pack a powerful cleaning punch, a few more ounces in the can, and high-volume spray nozzles for on-target success.

Over $8: Brake cleaner prices vary wildly online. A single can that costs a few bucks at the local auto parts or big box store can list for crazy money online. Buying in bulk or by the case is an economical choice when ordering on the Internet.

## Brake Cleaner FAQs

You've got questions. *The Drive* has answers.

## Author
When he’s not wrestling with one or more first-generation Mitsubishi Monteros and other fine ‘80s-era Japanese cars and motorcycles, Mike Bumbeck evaluates a constant variety of automotive products from *The Drive*’s clandestine Science Barn testing facility in New England.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/mikebumbeck>)