ATE Typ200 DOT4 Fluid on a Honda?

[The Critic]

I am doing a routine brake fluid flush on a co-worker’s 2008 TSX this weekend. I can obtain three 12 oz bottles of Genuine Honda DOT3 for $14 (ouch), or I can use the ATE TYP200 DOT4 that I already have in-stock. Although it is a racing DOT4, the ATE fluid is rated for a three-year service life per ATE.

Does anyone have a recommendation on which one I should use? I have never heard of any adverse effects of using a high-end aftermarket brake fluid on a Honda.

Thanks.

 

[scurvy]

Why would using a 'racing' fluid cause any harm? DOT4 has higher wet & dry boiling points than DOT3, otherwise they are completely miscible. I have used 'racing' brake fluid since new in my Golf (and in the Beetle since we bought it) and neither one knew they were supposed to be 'racing' instead of 'commuting'. Somehow I don't think the brake system in either car knew the difference.

The fact that your buddy is having his/her/its brake fluid changed on a semi-regular basis is IMO more important than what fluid you use. I would put in DOT4 or whatever DOT3 you can get on sale.

 

[INDYMAC]

Many S2000 owners alternate ATE Blue and Amber in their brakes and clutches. No problems reported at all. They like it. I haven't tried it myself though.

 

[Tones]

ATE 200 would likely be fine. Last time I did my truck, I used the regular ATE DOT 4 and it was great.

 

[jtfmdyk]

Originally Posted By: INDYMAC
Many S2000 owners alternate ATE Blue and Amber in their brakes and clutches. No problems reported at all. They like it. I haven't tried it myself though.


Have a liter of the 200 on the bench right now for my AP1 after 3 years of blue. From a performance and longevity standpoint, the DOT4 has worked just fine. The color-assist during the bleed is icing.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: scurvy
Why would using a 'racing' fluid cause any harm? DOT4 has higher wet & dry boiling points than DOT3, otherwise they are completely miscible. I have used 'racing' brake fluid since new in my Golf (and in the Beetle since we bought it) and neither one knew they were supposed to be 'racing' instead of 'commuting'. Somehow I don't think the brake system in either car knew the difference.

The fact that your buddy is having his/her/its brake fluid changed on a semi-regular basis is IMO more important than what fluid you use. I would put in DOT4 or whatever DOT3 you can get on sale.


The racing description is probably just marketing, and does not bother me. The issue at hand is the strict Honda recommendation of only using Genuine Honda DOT3, possibly due to the issue of inadequate polymer lubricants in certain over-the-counter DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids. I have a started a new thread on this topic.

As for the car, I have not flushed the brake fluid yet, but I currently have in my possession, 4L of ATE TYP200 and 6 bottles of Honda DOT3. This is what happens when you cannot make up your mind.