Comparing Truegard® Brake Cleaner and CRC

Brake cleaner is an extremely versatile solvent that can be used for a lot of things beyond simply keeping brakes gunk free. When you’re comparison shopping for the right one, the first thing you have to decide is if you need chlorinated or non-chlorinated brake cleaner.

Chlorinated Versus Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaners

Both chlorinated and non-chlorinated brake cleaners have toxic chemicals. However, chlorinated solvents contain more harmful ingredients than non-chlorinated ones, things like perchloroethylene (perc), methylene chloride (MeCl), and trichloroethylene (TCE), all of which are considered to be volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Because of these chemicals, chlorinated brake cleaners can be harsh on plastics, paint, gloves, and hoses. Chlorinated brake cleaners cannot be sold or used in California or New Jersey.

Non-chlorinated brake cleaners do not contain the same toxic chemicals. However, they are still highly flammable because they may contain acetone, heptane, isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, or toluene. Non-chlorinated brake cleaners generally cost slightly more but are less harmful to the environment.

Comparison Shopping for Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

One of the largest suppliers of brake cleaner is CRC (which offers both a chlorinated and non-chlorinated formula). It is a popular option for consumers who generally buy it by the can. However, this isn't a good, budget-friendly option for businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles or a mechanic shop that is applying brake cleaner multiple times a day.

CRC’s brake cleaner is available in 55-gallon drums, and the price is generally around $1,500 (~$27 per gallon) when you shop online.

Truegard^® non-chlorinated brake cleaner is a much more economical and equally effective alternative. Keller-Heartt manufactures it, and because the focus is on bulk supplying customers, it is less than half the price of CRC’s product (~$12.50 per gallon).

Truegard^® brake cleaner is a professional-strength formulation designed to clear out residue quickly and easily. It is suitable to use on brake linings, drums, cylinders, springs, disc brake pads, and other related brake parts. It effectively cuts through grime and evaporates quickly to prevent rusting.

Another consideration if you do buy in bulk is how much delivery will cost. Keller-Heartt does offer free standard delivery, and shipments are made within 24 hours of an order being placed, so figure that into your total costs as well.

Sure Shot Solution

An inexpensive way to apply brake cleaner or other chemicals, such as solvents, lubricants, and penetrating oils, that you purchase in bulk is a Sure Shot spray can. The Sure Shot spray can holds 32 ounces of your chosen liquid. It features a chrome-plated steel construction and has brass nozzles for safety and convenience. The internal parts on all Sure Shot cans are corrosion resistant.

If you have questions about other ways you can save money on your fluid needs by either switching to Truegard^® products or strategically partnering with Keller-Heart, please give us a call at 1-800-423-7513, or contact us anytime online.