Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid
Hey guys..
During a brake service today, I mistakenly told the tech to use Dot 4 Brake Fluid, and being a good tech, he ignored the label printed right on the fluid resevoir and did just that.
What are the risks of using Dot 4 over Dot 3. Am I in danger of doing any damage to my brake system?
During a brake service today, I mistakenly told the tech to use Dot 4 Brake Fluid, and being a good tech, he ignored the label printed right on the fluid resevoir and did just that.
What are the risks of using Dot 4 over Dot 3. Am I in danger of doing any damage to my brake system?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Re: Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid (dcronkhite)
Dot 4 has higher boiling points both dry and wet (brake fluid absorbs water over time). So basically it is a Premium type of fluid, with the associated higher price.
The only problem you would have would be if he used Dot 5 which is a different type of fluid.
The only problem you would have would be if he used Dot 5 which is a different type of fluid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 32
From: USA
Re: Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid (Speed-Racer)
Speed-Racer,
DOT 5 is silicone based fluid. Do not use it!
DOT 5.1 is synthetic and is ok to use. (I think)
I have used nothing but DOT 4 in my vettes for many years.
Yes it is compatible with DOT 3.
You have a better fluid in now than you did.
DOT 5 is silicone based fluid. Do not use it!
DOT 5.1 is synthetic and is ok to use. (I think)
I have used nothing but DOT 4 in my vettes for many years.
Yes it is compatible with DOT 3.
You have a better fluid in now than you did.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid (dcronkhite)
Hey guys..
During a brake service today, I mistakenly told the tech to use Dot 4 Brake Fluid, and being a good tech, he ignored the label printed right on the fluid resevoir and did just that.
What are the risks of using Dot 4 over Dot 3. Am I in danger of doing any damage to my brake system?
During a brake service today, I mistakenly told the tech to use Dot 4 Brake Fluid, and being a good tech, he ignored the label printed right on the fluid resevoir and did just that.
What are the risks of using Dot 4 over Dot 3. Am I in danger of doing any damage to my brake system?
http://www.shotimes.com/SHO3brakefluid.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,001
Likes: 2,701
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid (Richin Chicago)
Rich-
That's a great link, thanks. One minor corection, the Ford HD fluid now comes in plastic bottles and thus should not be stored for long periods before use.
That's a great link, thanks. One minor corection, the Ford HD fluid now comes in plastic bottles and thus should not be stored for long periods before use.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Dot 3 vs Dot 4 Brake Fluid (Gearhead Jim)
Rich-
That's a great link, thanks. One minor corection, the Ford HD fluid now comes in plastic bottles and thus should not be stored for long periods before use.
That's a great link, thanks. One minor corection, the Ford HD fluid now comes in plastic bottles and thus should not be stored for long periods before use.
I got mine at http://www.thelapd.com
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