What brake fluid to choose

The principle of the brake system of a car is based on the displacement of a special fluid from the working volume, which acts on the caliper piston and closes the pads. For effective interaction in the brakes of modern cars used a special thick liquid, called brake fluid. The compositions can be very different, and therefore the task of the motorist is to choose the right model in accordance with the manufacturer’s regulatory recommendations.

Top Brake Fluid Manufacturers

Considering the fact that brake fluid is a multicomponent composition that has a complex chemical formula, its release is the prerogative of well-known world-renowned chemical concerns:

1. Mannol;

2. Liqui Moly;

3. Castrol;

4. Shell;

5. Fuchs;

6. Mobil;

7. Castrol;

8. Bosh;

Before you give preference in favor of the manufacturer of a product, you need to familiarize yourself with the tolerances of manufacturers of specific brands of cars, as well as reviews of specific users who have exploited a particular composition for the required time.

Types of brake fluid

Products on the market can seriously differ in terms of chemical composition, and therefore it is usually divided into the following types:

DOT3

Mineral-based compounds designed for low-speed operation. Provide acceptable braking functionality on low-power civilian vehicles equipped with disc or drum brakes.

Virtues

• The cheapest formulations on the market;

• Stable viscosity index under heat loads;

• Widespread;

• Used for a wide range of cars of domestic and foreign production;

disadvantages

• High hygroscopicity;

• Not able to provide the necessary braking performance in more or less powerful cars;

DOT4

A more advanced version of brake fluid used on modern cars with power up to 150-170 horsepower, equipped only with disc brakes. Not bad cope with dynamic loads and withstand temperature extremes. Recommended for modern domestic cars, as well as foreign cars.

Virtues

• Constant viscosity index;

• Small specific hygroscopicity;

• Long service life;

• It is widely used for various systems equipped with disc brakes;

disadvantages

• More expensive than DOT3;

• When the maximum load is exceeded, it ceases to perform the functions assigned to it;

DOT 5.1

Modern compositions designed for use in powerful sports cars, brake systems which are equipped with multi-piston calipers and have serious mechanical and temperature loads. Able to withstand significant overload without changing chemical composition and density. They have zero hygroscopicity and do not require replacement for a long time.

Virtues

• Designed for harsh operating conditions;

• Zero hygroscopicity;

• Suitable for powerful cars;

• Do not change the viscosity index;

disadvantages

• The highest cost among all compositions represented on the market;

Brake fluid selection options

In addition to conformity to one or another class, brake fluid must have a set of specific characteristics that indicate suitability for use.

1. The boiling point of brake fluid. The parameter that reflects the temperature at which the composition ceases to perform the functions assigned to it. A dry temperature, corresponding to a new liquid, and a “wet” characterizing a used liquid that absorbed a certain percentage of water (as a rule, 3–3.5 percent) are distinguished;

2. Kinematic viscosity. Parameter reflecting the ability of the passage of fluid through the tubes at a given temperature. Qualitative compounds should avoid the ability of excessive thickening at temperatures up to -40 degrees and at the same time not be too fluid when heated to + 40-50 degrees;

3. Presence of enzymes, protecting rubber products from destruction, and metals - from corrosion. They play the most important role in ensuring the safety of the brake system, preventing the destruction of brake hoses and metal seals;

4. Lubricity. A parameter that affects the performance of the brakes in general and caliper design in particular. It is thanks to the ability to lubricate the rubbing pairs is a high-quality and long-term operation of the brake system of the car.
   

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.