Brake fluid must meet minimum standards set by which organization?

The correct choice regarding the organization that sets minimum standards for brake fluid is the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT establishes federal standards for various automotive fluids, including brake fluid, which is crucial for vehicle safety and performance.

This regulation ensures that brake fluid meets specific quality and performance criteria, such as boiling point, viscosity, and resistance to moisture, which are critical for maintaining effective brake function. Brake fluid is vital for the hydraulic braking system; it transmits the pressure from the brake pedal to the brake components. Therefore, the standards set by the DOT help ensure that the brake systems of vehicles function safely and reliably under various operating conditions.

The other organizations listed, while they have their areas of focus, do not set the specific standards for brake fluid. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is involved in vehicle safety regulations but does not handle fluid standards directly. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) creates specifications and standards for a wide range of materials and products but is not the governing body for automotive brake fluids. Lastly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is focused on public health and safety issues rather than automotive standards. Hence, the DOT is indeed the appropriate authority for brake fluid