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What kind of brake fluid does a Dodge take?

Most modern Dodge vehicles require DOT 4 brake fluid, with DOT 5.1 used in some high-performance or specific systems. Older Dodges may use DOT 3. Always verify the exact specification for your model and year by checking the owner’s manual or the under-hood reservoir label.

Brake fluid type matters because it affects boiling points, viscosity, and seal compatibility. The Dodge lineup spans many generations and configurations, so the right fluid can vary by model. Using the wrong grade can lead to brake fade, seal damage, or hydraulic system corrosion over time.

Brake fluid options you might encounter in Dodge vehicles

Below is a quick guide to the common DOT grades you may come across in Dodge cars and trucks, plus what they mean for maintenance and compatibility:

DOT 3: A glycol-based fluid with a moderate boiling point, more common in older vehicles. Suitable only if your manual specifies DOT 3.

DOT 4: Higher boiling point than DOT 3; the most common choice for modern passenger cars and many Dodge models. Often recommended for daily driving and standard performance.

DOT 5.1: Glycol-based like DOT 3/4 but with an even higher boiling point; compatible with DOT 3/4 systems when flushed, and sometimes specified for higher-performance Dodge variants. Do not use DOT 5.0 (silicone) alternatives unless your manual explicitly calls for it.

DOT 5: Silicone-based and not recommended for most modern Dodge systems; not compatible with glycol-based fluids and can cause seal and ABS issues if mixed. Reserved for certain classic or specialty applications.

Bottom line: For most modern Dodges, DOT 4 is the standard, with DOT 5.1 available on certain configurations. DOT 3 is increasingly uncommon on newer models, and DOT 5 is generally not used in contemporary Dodge vehicles.

How to confirm the exact brake fluid spec for your Dodge

To ensure you use the correct brake fluid, follow these steps:

Consult the owner's manual for the exact DOT specification required for your vehicle’s year, model, and engine type.

Check the brake fluid reservoir cap or nearby hood label, which may indicate DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1.

If you don’t have the manual handy, contact a Dodge dealer or a qualified technician to confirm the specification.

When servicing, use a single DOT grade throughout the system and perform a complete flush if switching between incompatible fluids (e.g., from DOT 3 to DOT 4 or DOT 5.1).

Use Mopar-approved or OEM-recommended fluids, especially if your Dodge is equipped with advanced braking systems or performance packages.

In practice, always perform a full flush when changing between different DOT classes to avoid mixing incompatible fluids, which can compromise braking performance and seals.

Summary

The typical answer for modern Dodges is DOT 4 brake fluid, with DOT 5.1 specified for certain high-performance or specific systems. Older Dodges may require DOT 3. Always verify via the owner’s manual or reservoir label, and avoid silicone-based DOT 5 unless your manual explicitly calls for it. If in doubt, consult a professional to ensure you use the correct fluid and maintain optimal braking performance.

Are DOT 4 and super DOT 4 the same?

Super DOT 4 is a premium brake fluid with a significantly higher boiling point than standard DOT 4, offering superior performance and a greater safety margin, especially under high-stress conditions like racing. It is fully compatible with DOT 4 and DOT 3 systems but provides better resistance to vapor lock and brake fade due to its higher heat tolerance.
Super DOT 4 vs. DOT 4

Feature	Super DOT 4	DOT 4
Boiling Point	Higher (both dry and wet)	Lower
Performance	Excellent, with superior resistance to vapor lock and brake fade	Good, but performance can degrade more quickly under high heat
Best For	Performance vehicles, heavy-duty applications, or any vehicle with a need for higher heat resistance	Standard vehicles, a routine brake fluid replacement
Compatibility	Mixes with DOT 3 and standard DOT 4 fluids	Mixes with DOT 3 fluids

Boiling Point: Super DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than standard DOT 4, which is the most significant difference. This is crucial for performance and safety, especially when brakes are used hard and heat up quickly.
Vapor Lock: The higher boiling point in Super DOT 4 helps prevent vapor lock, a condition where vapor bubbles form in the brake lines, leading to a spongy brake pedal and reduced stopping power.
Performance: For everyday driving, the difference may not be noticeable. However, during track days or spirited driving, the higher performance of Super DOT 4 provides a critical safety margin.
Compatibility: You can use Super DOT 4 in a vehicle that requires standard DOT 4 fluid, but you cannot use standard DOT 4 in a system that requires Super DOT 4 unless it meets or exceeds the OEM specification.

Do I want DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid?

You should use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid based on your vehicle's manufacturer specifications, which can be found in your owner's manual. If your car requires DOT 3, you can upgrade to DOT 4 for its higher boiling point, which is beneficial for high-temperature braking or frequent use, but do not use DOT 3 if your car calls for DOT 4.
When to use DOT 3

Daily driving: Most standard cars and trucks use DOT 3 for moderate braking conditions.
If specified: Always use DOT 3 if it is the fluid specified by your vehicle's manufacturer.

When to use DOT 4

For higher performance: DOT 4 has higher boiling points, making it better for high-performance vehicles or situations where brakes are used frequently, like in hilly terrain or towing.
If specified: Some modern vehicles, especially those with ABS systems, may specifically require DOT 4.
Upgrading from DOT 3: If your car currently uses DOT 3, you can upgrade to DOT 4 for improved performance and a higher safety margin. The two are compatible and can be mixed, though it's generally recommended to use the higher-spec fluid if you have the option.

Key differences

Boiling points: DOT 4 has higher dry and wet boiling points than DOT 3, meaning it can withstand higher temperatures before it begins to boil and lose effectiveness.
Moisture absorption: Both fluids are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture over time, which lowers their boiling point. Because DOT 4 has a higher starting boiling point, it has more of a buffer before becoming a safety risk.

Important considerations

Check your manual: Always refer to your car's owner's manual for the correct brake fluid specification to ensure compatibility and prevent system damage.
Do not use lower-spec fluid: Never use a lower-spec fluid (like DOT 3) in a vehicle that requires a higher-spec fluid (like DOT 4).
Do not mix DOT 3 and DOT 5: While DOT 3 and DOT 4 are compatible, DOT 5 is silicone-based and should not be mixed with either glycol-based DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluids.

Is it okay to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?

Yes, you can mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid, as they are chemically compatible, but you should never mix them with DOT 5. Mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 is acceptable because both are glycol-based. Adding DOT 4 to DOT 3 will lower its boiling point, while adding DOT 3 to DOT 4 will lower its boiling point.
This video explains the differences between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid and whether they can be mixed: 1mHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Dec 28, 2021
Compatibility and mixing

DOT 3 and DOT 4: These are compatible and can be mixed without causing harm to the braking system.
DOT 3, 4, and 5.1: These are all compatible with each other and can be mixed.
DOT 5: This is silicone-based and is not compatible with DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1. Mixing them will cause the system to fail.

What to consider when mixing

Boiling point: DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3. Mixing them will lower the overall boiling point of the fluid in your system.
Performance: If your car requires DOT 4 and you mix it with DOT 3, you will reduce the braking system's performance.
Best practice: It is best to check your vehicle's manual and use the specific DOT fluid recommended for your car. If you need to upgrade to DOT 4, it is best to completely flush the old DOT 3 fluid out first to get the full benefits of the DOT 4 fluid.

This video explains what happens when you mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids: 50sMotor MatchupsYouTube · Jan 2, 2024

What happens if I put DOT 3 instead of DOT 4?

If you put DOT 3 brake fluid in a system that requires DOT 4, the main risk is reduced braking performance in high-heat situations because DOT 3 has a lower boiling point. While the fluids are compatible and mixing them is acceptable in a pinch, it's best to use the manufacturer-recommended fluid to ensure maximum brake safety, especially for high-performance or heavy-duty applications.
What happens

Lower boiling point: DOT 3 has a lower boiling point (205∘C205 raised to the composed with power cap C205∘𝐶 dry, 140∘C140 raised to the composed with power cap C140∘𝐶 wet) compared to DOT 4 (230∘C230 raised to the composed with power cap C230∘𝐶 dry, 155∘C155 raised to the composed with power cap C155∘𝐶 wet).
Potential for brake fade: In situations like descending a long, steep hill or aggressive driving, the brake fluid can get hot enough to boil. DOT 3 is more likely to reach its boiling point than DOT 4, which can cause a spongy brake pedal and loss of braking power (brake fade).
Incompatibility with DOT 5: DOT 3 is not compatible with silicone-based DOT 5 fluid. Never mix DOT 3, 4, or 5.1 with DOT 5 fluid, as this can damage the brake system.

What to do

Use the correct fluid: Always use the specific type of brake fluid recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer for safety and optimal performance.
If you mixed them: If you've accidentally mixed the two, it's not an immediate emergency for normal driving, but it's recommended to have the system flushed and refilled with the correct DOT 4 fluid. This will ensure you have the higher temperature safety margin that was originally specified for your car.
Wipe up spills: Brake fluid can damage paint. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.