no idea it is probably using the brake fluid
There is no substitute available that can be used for brake fluid. Using anything other than brake fluid could be dangerous and would likely cause damage.
No. Brake fluid is not a petroleum product. Power steering fluid is. Petroleum product will swell and ruin rubber part's brake system is full of rubber parts. You will destroy your brake system using power steering fluid.
You should flush and replace the brake fluid in your brake system every two years. You can change your own brake fluid, but service facilities now do this with brake flushing machines. If you find have a brake fluid leak or you have to bleed your brakes, youll have to restore the brake fluid in your master cylinder to its proper level. Here are some things that you should know about buying and using brake fluid
hydraulic brake fluid, in the USA any brake fluid that matches DOT 3 standards
To put brake fluid in a Ford Focus, you need to locate the master cylinder, which should be on the drivers side under the hood. On this , you'll find the brake fluid reservoir. You unscrew the cap and replenish using the right brake fluid, and screw the cap back on.
Not for motor vehicles, use the correct oil. If brake fluid can burn paint off bodywork I don't think it would be good using it as a lube.
Instead of using hydraulic brake fluid to apply the pads to the brake drums or discs, air pressure is used.
If the shoes have been soaked in fluid, there is no cleaning them. I have tried brake cleaner, even tried using my torch and heating them very hot to bubbl out the fluid - no joy. Replace them if they have been soaked. If you just have a little on the surface, use conventional brake cleaner (spray can).
Remove as much fluid from the Civic brake fluid reservoir as possible, using a syringe, turkey baster, etc.. Open the wheel bleeder valves and let the lines drain. Refill the system with new fluid and bleed the lines to finish the fluid change.
Brake fluid has to be 'bled' out through the valves on your calipers one at a time it is important to have either a vacuum pump for this job or an assistant to manually pump the brakes to force out the old fluid. Using new clean fluid to keep the brake resevoir 'topped' up during the process will prevent air bubbles from being allowed into the system.
On the drivers side of the vehicle, remove plastic vent screen at bottom of windshield. Using a regular screwdriver,to remove the plastic screws. Under it you will find a yellow capped reservoir this is you brake fluid reservoir. Insure you put correct brake fluid. The cap has minimum specifications as to what kind to use.