'13 Fit : Should I use DOT 3 or

[odie]

DOT 4 ? Is the 4 better ? Level is BLACK line . Plan to draw it out and replace original fluid .

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Either is fine. It doesn't matter which brand you use, or if you use DOT 3 or DOT 4, as long as you change it regularly. Honda says either every 3 years regardless of mileage, or some of the newer Hondas have a code in the MM for brake fluid. But you can get away with replacing it when you do the pads and rotors.

Walmart brand DOT 4 is $5.74 a quart. You can get that one, or another brand on sale somewhere, so nothing wrong with stepping up to DOT 4 with the higher boiling points.

It seems your pads are about half worn.

 

[odie]

Thanks , the rotors and pads were installed last spring . The pads are O.E.M. and rotors are the NAPA Ultra with polymer coating . Is the DOT 4 synthetic ? I think it's not to be used .

 

[slacktide_bitog]

All DOT 3/4 brake fluid is synthetic. You can use any brand of DOT 3 or DOT 4 with no problem

In fact, some brake fluids, like Valvoline, are labeled DOT 3&4

 

[andyd]

You can use DOT 3 or 4. You CAN;T use DOT 5. It is incompatible with 3 and 4. All brake fluid is synthetic.

 

[The Critic]

Use DOT3 if you plan to follow the Honda service interval.

Only use DOT4 if you plan to service more often.

 

[Luftmasse]

Use DOT3 if you plan to follow the Honda service interval.

Only use DOT4 if you plan to service more often.

In your opinion, do you think the Dealer's DOT 3 make a different? Especially Toyota and Hondas?

Because I find Prestone DOT 3 has a softer brake pedal feel.

 

[odie]

Just looked at online owners manual and states Heavy Duty Dot 3 , not 4 . Thanks all .

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

Use Valvoline DOT 3/4. Or DOT 3. Or DOT 4. Brake system won't know the difference unless you blab.

 

[The Critic]

In your opinion, do you think the Dealer's DOT 3 make a different? Especially Toyota and Hondas?

Because I find Prestone DOT 3 has a softer brake pedal feel.

Not all DOT3 brake fluids are created equal.

 

[gathermewool]

Not all DOT3 brake fluids are created equal.

EDIT: I was responding mostly to painfx. I didn't realize that the new forum format only quotes to one level.

In light use, they certainly perform exactly the same. It's how they perform at the extremes of temperature and when saturated with moisture that matters in some cases.

Basically, all brake fluids are hydraulic, so if you feel a difference in every day braking, something is wrong (e.g., you didn't bleed the calipers correctly)

/

I used Bosch DOT 5.1 in both of my Subies a while back, just for the heck of it. No noticeable change in braking.

 

[nthach]

Use DOT3 if you plan to follow the Honda service interval.

Only use DOT4 if you plan to service more often.

I’ve always used Castrol or ATE DOT4 to take advantage of the longer service intervals.

 

[Trav]

DOT 4 ? Is the 4 better ? Level is BLACK line . Plan to draw it out and replace original fluidView attachment 25539 .

Just get the DOT 3-4 from Valvoline and call it good.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/valvoline-dot-3-and-4-brake-fluid-32-oz-601458/7080002-P