Similar to DOT 3, DOT 4 is a glycol-based brake fluid as well.

When it comes to mixing with other brake fluids, DOT 3 can be combined with DOT 4 and DOT 5.1. Protective gear is also strongly advised. However, that does not mean that the chemical compounds inside are easy on the car paint, so be extra careful while using the brake fluid. Mainly, DOT 3 brake fluids are designed to service around-the-town vehicles that do not need any special protection, nor a specific mix of protective chemicals.

Wet Boiling Point – When the brake fluid gets contaminated by water (usually form lousy weather), its heat-resisting properties diminish, and the boiling point depresses significantlyĬoming up as the simplest type, we have a poly glycol-based brake fluid called DOT 3.Dry Boiling Point – This is the moment when the brake fluid is at its pure form, with no water contamination.When it comes to different DOT ratings, we recognize two separate boiling points: In order to prevent confusion in the following section, we would like to establish a couple of terms beforehand. That is why engineers and scientists decided to create a standard for the brake fluids, which every brake car brake system obeys and works under. As we mentioned above, it is crucial for hydraulic liquids and fluids to maintain their liquid state, so evaporating is a big no. The DOT rating refers to the regulated number of degrees a brake fluid can withstand before starting to boil. So, what is DOT, and why does it matter to my car? And, more importantly, the DOT (Department of Transport) tier list and rankings need to be respected, as they are regulated by law for a reason. In terms of variety, there aren’t many brake fluid types. You don’t always want the car to stop completely, and with a fresh batch of adequate brake fluid, you get to control how much pressure the brake pads exert on the moving parts. Lastly, brake fluids enable you better control of the braking system by transferring that mechanical force quicker and with better accuracy.

So, in the long run, you would want to invest a small sum of money now to save more substantial brake system expenses. By this, we mean every other part of the brake system will deteriorate less if the brake fluid works appropriately. The brakes must always be available to the driver, and that is a fact no matter where you live.Īnother important reason for having fresh and working brake fluid inside the brake system is material longevity. Luckily, engineers around the world found a solution to the overheating/evaporating problem by evolving the brake fluid with modern compounds. Why? Well, imagine driving for 5 minutes without brakes. As you probably concluded from the previous section (even in the simple version of the brake system), there is a lot going on once you press that brake pedal.įirst and foremost, the brake fluid must always be active and mechanically effective. There are several practical reasons why every car should have a source of fresh brake fluid, including, of course, maintenance.

Dot 3 brake fluid 32 oz