Is there a good reason to have different formulations of brake fluid for domestic vs. Asian vehicles?
Asian vs. Domestic DOT 3 Brake Fluid
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Is there a good reason to have different formulations of brake fluid for domestic vs. Asian vehicles?
I always thought that DOT brake fluids are a USA Federal specification and that any DOT 3 brake fluid, by regulation, could be used in any vehicle that called for DOT 3 brake fluid.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2012-title49-vol6/xml/CFR-2012-title49-vol6-sec571-116.xml
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2012-title49-vol6/xml/CFR-2012-title49-vol6-sec571-116.xml
Not very helpful but this is what the manufacturer (Recochem) has to say about it:
https://oemeasymatch.com/faq-brake-fluid/
They all share the same safety data sheet so I think it's some kind of marketing method to try to get you to buy it over other brands.
Looks like you're right
https://oemeasymatch.com/faq-brake-fluid/
They all share the same safety data sheet so I think it's some kind of marketing method to try to get you to buy it over other brands.
Looks like you're right
I wonder if they have different dye in them like the different types of antifreeze which have identical formulations (e.g., Toyota red, Honda blue, Nissan/Subaru green)? I still have a sealed can of ATE TYP 200 DOT 4 brake fluid with dye (blue) & another that is un-dyed (amber).
FYI, Recochem also has a purple label DOT 3 brake fluid for Euro makes.
FYI, Recochem also has a purple label DOT 3 brake fluid for Euro makes.
The manufacturer's statement you provided implies that the vehicle manufacturers have specific specifications that exceed the basic DOT 3 specifications. Or it may just be weasel words to make the buyer think that.
Didn't ATE get in trouble for selling SUPERBLUE in the US? The issue is that there's a specific requirement in the FMVSS specs for DOT rated brake fluid for color. Glycol brake fluids have to be "clear to amber" while silicone is purple.
https://hooniverse.com/braking-news-ate-super-blue-deemed-illegal-for-us-distribution/
I never quite got the point as it's going to mix. Blue to clear/amber is probably going to be pretty obvious when there's no more faint blue left. But amber to blue and the blue is just going to mix with any amber and look blue. Unless maybe it's about looking for a whether or not there's "intermix" that looks kind of cloudy.
Yes, as you indicated, selling the "Super Blue" version was outlawed in the U.S. in 2013. That is when I bought six cans of it being cleared out at a good price. You are probably correct that Recochem is simply differentiating the DOT as a marketing ploy.
The regulation prohibiting the sale of that product existed long before 2013. They didn't bother to enforce it until then.
Some dumb people will see Ford on the DOT 3 crap and buy it. Ford has been using DOT 4 LV brake fluid in F150's and other models for a few years now.
Why are you even looking at Dot 3 when Dot 4 is just a buck or two more per quart, has a higher boiling point and is $8 at any Walmart.
I've heard of some "heavy duty" DOT 3 brake fluids that might have higher dry boiling temps than some DOT fluids, although probably not DOT 5.1. I've heard some use that for racing and then make sure that it's changed before a race.
The DOT 3s share the same SDS with the DOT 4s as well, the only one of their brake fluids that does not share the same SDS is the Super DOT 3.
A SDS is only intended to identify the OSHA/NIOSH precautions necessary to safeguard the health of the person(s) handling the hazardous material specified. In some cases, it may also address the safe storage/disposition/transportation requirements for the material. As such, the SDS may be identical for substances that have different composition or performance characteristics but require the same PPE (e.g., type of respirator, nitrile gloves, goggles) for safe handling. For example, the SDS for Krylon enamel spray paint may be the same for blue paint vs. yellow paint, even though the pigmentation and curing times may vary.
I've heard that new DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3, but that DOT 4 is much quicker to absorb moisture, such that in real life DOT 3 often outperforms DOT 4.
The three vehicles in the family all specify DOT 3.
Most of the premium euro brands spec Dot4 so it can't be too much of a problem, especially if you change it every 2-3 years.
I do try to keep the brake fluid clean (typically syringing out the master cylinder and topping up with fresh annually, and doing a proper bleed every two to three years), so DOT 4 would likely work.
In this case there's one generic sheet that covers both the North American/Asian/Euro DOT 3 and the North American/Asian/Euro DOT 4, there's separate sheets for "TURBO POWER DOT 3" and "SUPER DOT 3".
The compositions listed on all three sheets are different, and fairly comprehensive. GHS does allow for using one generic sheet to cover several minor variances, but in this case it seems safe to say that despite any differences in additives the North American/Asian/Euro DOT 3/4 are all in fact DOT 4 based.
GM, Honda, and Toyota have all had issues with DOT 3 that had insufficient lubricity.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...ake-fluid-supplier-change.337783/post-5680899
Personally my thinking right now is that DOT 5.1 for everything is probably the way to go. Some vehicles do require DOT 4 LV (ISO 4925 Class 6), but the difference between it and DOT 5.1 is pretty negligible and likely inconsequential in real world use.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...ake-fluid-supplier-change.337783/post-5680899
Personally my thinking right now is that DOT 5.1 for everything is probably the way to go. Some vehicles do require DOT 4 LV (ISO 4925 Class 6), but the difference between it and DOT 5.1 is pretty negligible and likely inconsequential in real world use.
JHZR2
Staff member
I have read thst too.
I thought that too, but some time back Toyota I believe had issues with non OEM brake fluids, which makes me wonder…
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