The Difference Between DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5 Brake Fluid
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 кві 2021
- Greetings, car enthusiasts! Dave here from First Place Auto Parts, and today we're tackling a common question we often receive: What brake fluid is right for your car or project? Whether you're installing a disc conversion kit or working on your brakes, choosing the correct brake fluid is crucial. In this video, we'll break down the differences between DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5 brake fluids, helping you make an informed decision for your project.
🔍 *Understanding Brake Fluid:*
Brake fluids are classified by the Department of Transportation (DOT), and they come in varying types with distinct characteristics. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture absorption affects the fluid's boiling point, a critical factor in hydraulic brake systems.
💡 *Why Brake Fluid Matters:*
Hydraulic brake systems rely on non-compressible fluid to activate components. The open caps on the master cylinder expose the system to atmospheric air, introducing moisture. Moisture in brake fluid can lead to vapor formation at high temperatures, resulting in a spongy brake pedal and decreased efficiency.
🌡️ *Boiling Points - Dry vs. Wet:*
Brake fluid specifications include dry boiling points (fresh fluid) and wet boiling points (after absorbing moisture). A brake fluid is considered compromised when it reaches 3.7% water content, emphasizing the importance of regular flushing.
🔧 *Types of Brake Fluid:*
1. *DOT 3:* Commonly used until the mid-'90s, DOT 3 has a dry boiling point of 401°F and a wet boiling point of 284°F. It's more susceptible to water absorption.
2. *DOT 4:* Similar to DOT 3 but with a higher boiling point. DOT 4 has a dry boiling point of 446°F and a wet boiling point of 311°F. It degrades less with water absorption.
3. *DOT 5:* Silicone-based, DOT 5 has a dry boiling point of 500°F and a wet boiling point of 356°F. It's suitable for high-performance applications but may result in a softer pedal feel.
👨🔧 *Choosing the Right Fluid:*
Consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the appropriate brake fluid for your specific application. Modern vehicles often use DOT 5 due to its higher boiling points.
🚗 *Stay Connected:*
Follow First Place Auto Parts on UA-cam and Facebook for more insightful product reviews and how-to install videos. We're here to assist you in making informed decisions for your car projects.
👍 *Subscribe & Stay Tuned:*
If you found this video helpful, don't forget to subscribe to our UA-cam channel. Stay tuned for future videos covering installation guides and product reviews to enhance your car projects.
Until next time, keep the hammer down and stay between the guardrails! 🏎️💨
Check out all the parts we carry for your project car at fpautoparts.com/
Follow us on our social pages:
/ firstplaceautoparts
/ firstplaceautoparts
/ first-place-auto-parts
/ firstplace_auto - Авто та транспорт
I learned more in 5 minutes than I learned in 50 years about brake fluid. Very well done. Thanks for sharing.
Very professional video, no time wasted on useless information, exactly what I look for in these type of info videos. Thanks very much, keep up the great work!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, just need to point out something.
Dot 3, 4 and 5.1 Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Dot 5 Brake fluid is hydrophobic (you didn't mention this).
Hygroscopic refers to the ability of a material to absorb humidity from the air. Hydrophobic refers to materials that will repel water.
A hygroscopic substance will actively attract and absorb water, without bonding.
Oils or fats are generally hydrophobic and will separate from water, forming an oily layer.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks very helpful
Good information
Very interesting Information and I learned a great deal
Glad it was helpful!
طيب اخوي اذا في الكتلوج مكتوب فقط دوت ٣ اقدر اغير دوت ٤ من غير اي مشاكل ؟
My 2014 Ford fusion se eco post class for dot 4 only can I use dot 3?
Can I convert my lexus gs300 to dots 5 fluid because it leaks brake fluid and I don't want it to eat mt suspension
My Toyota Rav4 diesel car model 2017 brake fluid is DOT3, what about if I would move to DOT4 ? Is it a real problem or considered an upgrade to a new DOT technology ? Is it beneficial?
You can use 4 and yes it’s higher boiling point is beneficial
Can you use synthetic auto transmission fluid for brake fluid? I see Ford diesel truck owners doing that.
There are a lot of "tricks, fixes & modifications" that float around the forums and internet and when it comes to fluid, we always recommend using what the factory recommends. Trans fluid & brake fluid have different properties and the additive package of both is different based on their usage. Is it possible your thinking of a hydro-boost type brake system? If so and because this type of system is "powered" by the power steering pump, many folk will use trans fluid in their power steering pumps on these types of systems but even in these systems, brake fluid is used in the master cylinder
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts Ahh I forgot to add that. My truck has hydroboost. Your reply jogged my memory that it was used in power steering pumps, not brakes. What is your take on substituting synth trans fluid for power steering fluid? Are they similar in chemistry?
Did you mean to say 5.1?
I have corolla s 2013 put dot3 can i put dot4?
It looks like Toyota recommends DOT 3 on that car so I would just stick with that.
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts inlebanon the weather hot in summer 35 temperature
If you work on your own car and change your brake fluid often use dot4 if you dont use dot3 its simple dot4 is better for more abuse
Incorrect! Dot 5 fluid is silicone based and should never be used in systems that had previously used Dot 3 or 4 glucohol systems! They do not mix and in time will gell up to thick. Also Dot 5 was never used in cars or trucks, Only aircraft and some Harley Davidsons used it. Modern car/trucks with ABS use Dot 5.1! It is glycoho
l based with a anti foaming agent!
TLDR
Dot 5 schould never put in a vehicle
Why?? He said its in most new cars