CRC Launches Brakleen Platinum Brake Cleaner

CRC Industries introduced a non-chlorinated, all-in-one brake and parts cleaner and reformulated its red-can Brakleen to be non-flammable.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Auto Parts

Three unlabeled aerosol cans stand on a steel workbench beside a brake rotor and caliper in a plain auto-repair shop, shot in soft daylight. — CRC Industries launched Brakleen Platinum, a non-chlorinated all-in-one brake and parts cleaner, and reformulated its red-can Brakleen as a non-flammable, patent-pending product with less than 10% VOC. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

CRC Industries launched CRC Brakleen Platinum Brake & Parts Cleaner, a non-chlorinated product with less than 10% VOC and the company's first all-in-one cleaner for brakes and parts. CRC also reformulated its red-can Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner into a non-flammable, patent-pending formula with less than 10% VOC.

Why it matters

CRC said it is reformulating its red-can product as regulations continue to evolve, shifting its brake cleaner lineup toward lower-VOC and non-flammable options. The Platinum product is designed to let technicians finish maintenance with fewer cans.

Both products contain less than 10% VOC, and the Platinum formula is reported at 10 times the cleaning power of leading low-VOC non-chlorinated formulas. CRC has used the Brākleen name for brake cleaning for more than 55 years.

The players

CRC Industries

CRC Industries is a maker of automotive and industrial maintenance chemicals, and the brand behind the long-running Brakleen line of brake cleaners.

The details

Brakleen Platinum is available in 49 states and Canada, while the reformulated red-can Brakleen is available in all 50 states. Both products will be introduced at the SEMA and AAPEX 2026 trade shows in Las Vegas.

November 3, 2026: CRC announced both products and a 20-minute AAPEX session.
November 3, 2026, 1:30 p.m. PST: CRC experts present an AAPEX session on the evolution of brake cleaning.
SEMA and AAPEX 2026: Both products are set for introduction at the trade shows.

Market Landscape

The launch reflects a broader shift among aerosol solvent makers toward low-VOC and non-chlorinated chemistries as regulators tighten limits on volatile organic compounds. CRC's move to a non-flammable red-can formula positions the Brakleen line to remain on shelves as those limits evolve.

Technicians and do-it-yourself owners can use the Platinum formula to complete brake and parts cleaning with fewer cans. The non-flammable red-can option is available in all 50 states, so buyers across the country can purchase the reformulated product.

The takeaway

Shops and buyers planning for SEMA or AAPEX 2026 product demos can see both formulas in person at CRC's booths. Choosing a low-VOC, non-flammable cleaner now can reduce compliance concerns as regulations keep tightening.