Shear stability:ĭOT 3 brake fluid breaks down in heat and loses its viscosity over time. DOT 4 is thicker and flows better at colder temperatures than DOT 5, which has a viscosity similar to water and flows easily even when very cold. The following are the most important properties of each type of brake fluid: Viscosity:ĭOT 3 is the thinnest and flows best at very cold temperatures. If you don’t drive a car that needs DOT 5 fluid for its ABS or power steering system, then DOT 4 brake fluid is a good choice since it’s more stable than DOT 3. This makes it more suitable for cars that get cold, such as vintage vehicles or classic muscle cars, since DOT 3 won’t break down in extreme temperatures. Which Brake Fluid is best for Your Car?ĭOT 3 brake fluid is a popular choice because it is compatible with rubber and plastic seals. It is important to note that DOT 5 fluid isn’t always compatible with ABS and power steering systems because it may swell some types of plastics. It does not contain glycol ethers or silicone, making it suitable for vehicles that may be exposed to high heat or moisture.Īlthough all three types of brake fluid are safe for normal brake systems, DOT 5 is the best choice if you need to avoid exposure to extreme heat or moisture.
DOT 4 brake fluid should be replaced about every two years.ĭOT 5 Brake Fluid: DOT 5 brake fluid is designed to resist absorption of water and resists temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is compatible with all rubber seals but may not always be compatible with plastics depending on the type of plastic and how it was made. It does not contain silicone and can be used in ABS or power steering systems safely. DOT 3 brake fluids should be replaced every two years because the lubricant will break down over time, causing the system to get hot and wear out more quickly.ĭOT 4 Brake Fluid: DOT 4 brake fluid is a synthetic oil with a large amount of glycol ether. It is not compatible with DOT 4 and may cause seals to swell and fail when used in these systems.
It is compatible with rubber but not plastic seals and should never be used in ABS (antilock brake systems) or in power steering. The Differences between the Three Types of Brakes FluidsĪlthough they’re all hydraulic fluids that serve the same function, the different types of break fluid have more important properties than determining how well they work and which type of car should use each one.ĭOT 3 Brake Fluid: DOT 3 contains silicone oil as a lubricant. DOT 4 brake fluid absorbs water more quickly and is suitable for most types of cars because it contains a lubricant, which lessens wear.ĭOT 5 brake fluid absorbs moisture even faster and is a good choice for high-performance racing cars that get very hot or may need to be stored in humid conditions. The lower the number, the less water that is absorbed by the brake fluid when exposed to moisture.ĭOT 3 brake fluid absorbs water slowly and is used in systems that do not get very hot or need to avoid corrosion from moisture. The numbers in the names of each type of brake fluid indicate how quickly they absorb water.
While the liquids may be similar, they each have different properties which allow them to perform better under certain conditions.ĭOT stands for Department of Transportation, which is the federal agency that sets the standards for the different types of brake fluid. DOT 3 brake fluid, DOT 4 brake fluid, and DOT 5 brake fluid are all hydraulic fluids that are used to create pressure in the brake system.
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