What is the most recommended brake fluid?
The most recommended brake fluid is DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 4 brake fluid is a glycol-based fluid that is widely used in modern vehicles due to its superior performance and compatibility with a variety of brake system components.
What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a critical component of a vehicle's braking system. It is responsible for transmitting the force applied to the brake pedal through the brake lines and into the brake calipers, causing the brake pads to press against the brake discs or drums, slowing or stopping the vehicle. Brake fluid must be able to withstand high temperatures and pressures, as well as resist corrosion and maintain its viscosity over time.
Types of Brake Fluid
There are several types of brake fluid, each with its own characteristics and recommended applications:
- DOT 3 - A glycol-based fluid that is suitable for older vehicles, but has a lower boiling point and is not recommended for modern vehicles with more demanding braking systems.
- DOT 4 - A glycol-based fluid with a higher boiling point than DOT 3, making it more suitable for modern vehicles. DOT 4 is the most widely recommended brake fluid.
- DOT 5 - A silicone-based fluid that is not compatible with glycol-based fluids and is primarily used in classic or specialty vehicles.
- DOT 5.1 - A glycol-based fluid with an even higher boiling point than DOT 4, making it suitable for high-performance vehicles and racing applications.
It is important to use the correct type of brake fluid for your vehicle, as mixing different types can cause compatibility issues and potentially damage the braking system.
Why is DOT 4 the Most Recommended Brake Fluid?
DOT 4 brake fluid is the most recommended choice for several reasons:
- Higher Boiling Point - DOT 4 has a higher dry and wet boiling point than DOT 3, making it better able to withstand the high temperatures generated during heavy braking or prolonged use.
- Compatibility - DOT 4 is compatible with most modern brake system components, including rubber seals and hoses, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of vehicles.
- Availability - DOT 4 is widely available and is the most commonly used brake fluid in the automotive industry, making it easy to find and replace.
- Cost-Effective - DOT 4 is generally more affordable than higher-performance DOT 5.1 brake fluid, making it a cost-effective choice for most drivers.
While DOT 5.1 brake fluid offers even higher performance, it is typically only recommended for high-performance or racing vehicles, where the additional cost is justified by the improved braking capabilities.
What brake fluid is the most often used?
DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are glycol-based fluids that absorb water and continue to be the most commonly used in modern vehicles.
How often should brake fluid be changed?
YOU SHOULD REPLACE BRAKE FLUID EVERY FEW YEARS
And the best way to find out how often to change brake fluid is to follow your manufacturer's recommendations. Some manufacturers say you should replace your brake fluid every two years. Others recommend every three years, or every 45,000 miles.
Which brake fluid is the best?
DOT 5.1 is technically ``best'', as it has the highest wet and dry boiling points. However, there are a number of racing fluids that have a higher wet and dry boiling point than 5.1, but can't withstand the bottom end temperatures that 5.1 can, so are rated DOT4.
How often should I change my DOT 4 brake fluid?
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend the brake fluid is changed every 2 years, regardless of the mileage. It may be that the fluid would be good for longer, but why take the chance?. Even if the fluid looks okay, you should still change it.
What happens if I use DOT 5 instead of DOT 4?
They're incompatible, and brake failure may occur if mixed. Moreover, there are serious compatibility issues when using DOT5 in a system that was engineered to use DOT3 or DOT4. Also, users should take care not to mix DOT3 and DOT4 fluids as there could be brake system compatibility issues.
What happens if you put DOT 3 in a DOT 4 brake system?
However, never top up a DOT 4 system with a DOT 3 brake fluid. DOT 3 won't be able to meet the temperature requirements because of its lower dry and wet boiling points.
Is DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 better?
DOT 5.1 fluids are a development of DOT 4 having not only higher boiling points (and retaining them even better than DOT 4 in service) but also having a much improved viscosity (thickness) at low temperatures.
Does it matter what brake fluid you use?
Although DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids are all glycol-based, the chemical composition of each type of fluid is different, so it will have a different effect on the system. To make sure the system works as it should, the best thing to do is to keep using the brake fluid recommended by the manufacturer.
Should I use DOT 3 or DOT 4?
What is the best brake fluid and why? Between DOT3 and DOT4, the formulation of DOT4 is meant to deal with higher temperatures before boiling and is compatible with DOT3 systems, so DOT4 is better to use for both performance and life span improvements when used in a DOT3 system.
Why is DOT 5 brake fluid not recommended?
Brake fluid DOT 5 is a silicone-based fluid making it incompatible with anti-lock braking systems. Additionally, DOT 5 cannot be mixed with other brake fluid types and unlike other fluids, it does not damage the paintwork.
