adding brake fluid....different brand.

[97tbird]

I need to add some brake fluid (1997 ford 4.6L v8, 86,000 miles);
the manual recommends Ford high performance DOT3 or similar meeting Ford specs.(I don't know whatv kind of brake fluid is in the reservoir right now)

I ahve a can of unopened Valvoline Synpower synthetic DOT3/DOT4 brake fluid. the can is plastic, unopened, but about 8-9 months old. Can I add this fluid? is it ok to add a synthetic fluid, when I don't know what fluid is in?

 

[labman]

I see no problem with using the can of fluid you have. Brake fluid lasts for years, so 8 months doesn't matter much. You can freely mix any of the brake fluid except the DOT 5 silicone based fluid. I am strong on picking one thing and sticking to it. At least that way, if you do have a problem, you know what it came from.