Which brake fluid is better DOT 3 or DOT 4?

DOT 4 and DOT 3 Brake Fluids From the table above, we can see that the main difference between DOT 4 and DOT 3 brake fluids is that DOT 4 brake fluids have higher minimum dry and wet boiling points – and this is why majority of car makers recommend DOT 4 brake fluid over DOT 3 as it provides an extra margin of safety.

Can you use DOT 4 instead of DOT 3?

You can absolutely use DOT4 in place of DOT3 brake fluid.

The DOT4 will not harm your DOT3 system in any way. Do not use DOT5 fluid (silicone based fluid), as it is completely different. You can possibly use DOT5. 1, which is compatible with DOT3/4.

What is better DOT 3 or DOT 4?

DOT 4 brake fluid. The primary differences between the two include the following: DOT 3 brake fluid will absorb less water than DOT 4 from the air over time, meaning you'll need to have your fluid changed less frequently. DOT 4 brake fluid has higher dry and wet boiling points, making it safer for higher temperatures.

Is synthetic brake fluid better?

Some very high-end synthetic DOT 4 and 5.1 synthetic fluids can give a better pedal. But, it is so small of a difference that only the very, very, very best drivers can feel it. It is mostly in their head. Some silicone-based fluids can provide a softer pedal because it is more compressible than glycol-based fluids.

Which brake fluid should I use?

By far, DOT 3 is the most popular. It's been in use for a very long time. Fresh DOT 3 has a boiling point of 401 degrees Fahrenheit; fully degraded, it drops to 284 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluids

What is DOT 3 brake fluid used for?

Product Description. Mobil Brake Fluid DOT 3 is a high performance hydraulic brake fluid for use in automotive disc, drum and anti-skid brake systems and clutch systems.

What happens if use wrong brake fluid?

Using the wrong fluid can cause poor lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure. A mechanic might not be able to reverse the damage, even by flushing the transmission. Mistakenly adding motor oil or brake fluid can also destroy your transmission.

Does brake fluid brand matter?

Does it really matter? YES! It's very important– the fluid specified by the original vehicle manufacturers must be used. DOT 3 & 4 brake fluid is a mineral based fluid.

Can I mix brake fluid?

Yes, it's safe to mix brake fluids of different brands, but they need to be of the same grade. When brake fluids of the same grade are mixed, let's say, DOT 3 and 4, the worst that can happen is having a brake fluid with a lower boiling point.

How long is brake fluid good for once opened?

Most manufacturers recommend that any open bottle of DOT brake fluid should be used within 12 months, or else discarded. Keep in mind that a full year is the very outside limit of what would be acceptable.

Can I mix synthetic brake fluid with regular brake fluid?

In a nutshell : Don't mix the DOT ratings, unless you're adding a higher rating resulting in a raised boiling point. Don't mix glycol based and silicone based fluids (ie don't mix DOT 5 with any other rating) Given that axiom, you can mix brands of brake fluid for the same rating/base material.

How often should brake fluid be changed?

A good rule to follow is to have your mechanic check your brakes and brake fluid during every oil change. They'll be able to give you the best feedback on how your brakes are working and if they need new fluid. Most drivers find they need to change their brake fluid every four to five years.

Does DOT 4 brake fluid absorb water?

DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are glycol-ether compounds--the most common stuff used for brake fluids. The major drawback to glycol brake fluids is that they are hygroscopic: they absorb water. When brake fluid gets wet, its boiling temperature goes down.

Does brake fluid expire?

Here is the short answer: Yes, brake fluid can go bad. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which reduces its performance. For that reason, it's best practice to change brake fluid every two years.

Is all DOT 3 brake fluid synthetic?

End of dialog window. Yes, Dot 3 mixes with all types EXCEPT Dot 5. Dot 3 is synthetic brake fluid and Dot 5 is silicone brake fluid. Synthetic and Silicone do not mix.

Can I use any brake fluid for my car?

Check your vehicle's owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the type of brake fluid you should use. Also, the cap usually states what kind of brake fluid is required. For the vast majority of vehicles, a standard glycol-based DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid should be used.

Is all brake fluid the same?

There are multiple different types of brake fluid that can be used for your vehicle. However, these are grouped into two headings: Glycol based - this includes brake fluids such as DOT3, DOT4 and Super DOT4. Silicone based - an example of a silicone-based brake fluid is DOT5.

Is DOT 4 brake fluid synthetic?

DOT 3, 4, and 5 are all synthetic. DOT 3 and 4 are glycol-based products that differ only by their boiling points (DOT 4 is slightly higher). DOT 5 is silicone-based (also synthetic). Do not experiment with your brake system by using anything other than glycol-based DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Can DOT 3 be used for power steering?

Can you use DOT 3 instead of power steering fluid? No, because DOT 3 is glycol-based and will eat away at rubber seals while causing damage to the power steering pump due to a lack of lubrication.

What does DOT stand for in brake fluid?

All forms of brake fluid are given a DOT rating. DOT simply stands for Department of Transport, which sets the safety regulations for the acceptable performance of different brake fluids. The DOT ratings given to brake fluids are based on the liquid's dry and wet boiling points.

What color should DOT 3 brake fluid be?

This brake fluid absorbs moisture from the environment, thus reducing its boiling point. DOT 3 brake fluid has a clear bluish color when it is new. It is well compatible will all the other brake fluids apart from DOT 5.

How often should you change DOT 4 brake fluid?

There is no set time to change the brake fluid in your vehicle. The timing varies by type of car, the driving conditions you typically encounter, and the manufacturer's recommendations. But a good rule of thumb is to check it during regular oil changes, and expect to change it every four to five years.