While having a discussion, Technician A says that to tell the difference between a brake fluid leak and gear oil from an axle leak, try washing the fluid off with water. Technician B says that neither brake fluid nor gear oil is water soluble so the use of water would prove nothing. Who is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and will mix with water, making it easier to wash off compared to gear oil, which is not water soluble and will not easily wash away with water. This makes Technician A's method a viable way to differentiate between the two fluids.

While Having a Discussion, Technician a Says That to Tell