Choosing the right brake or fluid is one of the most important decisions that you can make for your car. Fortunately, there are several different types of brakes or fluids that you can choose from. These include silicone, DOT 3, and glycol-based fluids.
DOT 3
DOT 3 brake or fluid is a polyethylene glycol ether-based brake fluid that protects braking systems and brake components from corrosion. It is suitable for use in drum and clutch applications.
The dry boiling point of DOT 3 is 401 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its wet boiling point is 284 degrees fare height. This is a much higher temperature than other types of brake or fluid. This means it has a better capacity to resist high temperatures. Moreover, it is less likely to vaporize.
In addition, it is more compatible with glycol-based fluids. It is recommended for antilock braking systems.
In addition, it can be mixed with DOT 5.1. It is designed to maintain a low viscosity over a wide temperature range. It is also compatible with other DOT-based fluids.
Its lifespan is the most obvious difference between types of brake or fluid. The higher the boiling point, the better it is at resisting heat.
However, it is important to remember that each type of DOT brake or fluid has a different chemical makeup. It is not possible to mix all kinds of DOT-based fluids.
It is best to purchase DOT 3 brake or fluid only when the vehicle manufacturer recommends it. It is not recommended to mix it with other DOT-rated fluids.
It is essential to store DOT 3 brake or fluid in a leak-proof container. It should be kept out of direct sunlight. If you need to dispose of it, check with your local waste authority.
Glycol-based brake fluids
DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 brake or fluids are all based on glycol esters. These are hygroscopic, which means that moisture in the air is attracted to them and slowly absorbs them.
These brakes or fluids are mainly used in domestic and Asian vehicles, but some European cars use DOT 4. These fluids are made of a combination of borate and glycol, which allows them to withstand high temperatures.
Unlike silicone brakes or Fluid, which do not absorb water, glycol-based brakes or fluid are hygroscopic and start to absorb moisture when it is put into the hydraulic brake system. This moisture is then dispersed throughout the system. This process prevents the caliper from boiling.
In some cases, the moisture from the braking system will corrode metal components. This can lead to accelerated seal wear and “frozen” cylinder pistons. If this happens, the brake system will fail.
The boiling point of the brake or fluid is a critical factor for performance driving. It is also important to replace the brake or fluid regularly. Usually, brake or fluids need to be replaced every one to two years. If your brake or fluid does not perform as expected, you should call a mechanic for assistance.
DOT 4 is the highest boiling point of all three types of DOT-based brake or fluid. This is why it is considered the go-to fluid for most vehicles. It is also the most common type of DOT-based brake or fluid in the US.
Silicone brake fluid
DOT 5 Silicone Brake or Fluid is a specialty high-temperature fluid that provides even braking performance at temperatures from -75 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It is designed to minimize corrosion in the braking system by reducing moisture absorption.
It is also a good option for people who want to protect their paint job. However, this particular product is not intended for racing applications. Using it in a race car could result in an increase in sludging and bleeding.
Unlike other formulations, silicone-based brake or fluid resists rust. It is also more durable. This is a benefit to owners of vehicles that are parked for long periods of time or for vehicles that are in storage.
A downside of silicone-based brakes or fluid is the difficulty in getting air into the system. If you are not careful, you may end up with pockets of water that boil or freeze in the system, causing rust and brake failure.
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Besides the downsides, silicone-based fluids are also more expensive. Because of their lower lubricity, you will need to travel farther with the pedal. Despite these disadvantages, silicone-based brakes or fluids are often marketed as “lifetime” or premium brakes or fluids.
If you are considering switching to a silicone-based brake or fluid, keep in mind that you will not be able to use your existing fluid. You will have to change it as part of your vehicle’s brake system changeover.
