Brake fluid for a complete flush

doitmyself said:
That's the general consensus, with a little bit of difference of opinion in some discussions and literature. We overthink this and many of us over-generalize without regard to individual situations. I.E., a daily driver in the flatlands has lesser needs than someone towing in the mountains or racing their cars. Unless you really need the higher temperature ability of DOT 4, it is not "better". And if one neglects their brake fluid, DOT 3 might hold up longer (moisture).

Similar discussion 4 years ago: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/dot-3-vs-dot-4-brake-fluid.345487/ And, I use Prestone because is doesn't sit on the store shelves long.
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my thoughts exactly. (y)
 
factorytuned2012 said:
my vehicle calls for a DOT 3 brake fluid, any particular brands out there you all recommend.. or is all brake fluid essentially equal?
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Prestone .ax dot 3 gas a higher boiling point than their regular fluid. I picked some up at Autozone or advance auto to flush my brakes after one of the rear brake shoes stuck.
 
I am not familiar with industry terms but you shouldnt care about "dry" boiling point you want the "wet/saturated" boiling point for daily drivers.
There is a 2nd boiling point measured with a certain amount of moisture that simulates real world age and conditions.
I recall looking at a PDF with both measurements somewhere and it was enlightening.
I think it was wet/dry boiling point?

https://motorstate.com/brake-fluid-reaching-the-boiling-point/
 
I was visiting family and there is an autozone down the road I went with their house brand DOT 3. Here’s a picture of the old stuff.

IMG_8399.webp
 
Prestone DOT3 says it's synthetic? I would buy it in QTs. That way if you only use 3 QTs you have a sealed QT.

I have SuperTech for when my friend comes over and needs brake work.
 
factorytuned2012 said:
i read that 4 is compatible with DOT 3 but may absorb moisture quicker than the 3 having shorter service life. is this true?

I am either going to go with super tech or O'Reilly whichever I can find locally in stock.
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That's my understanding. DOT 4 is superior because it has a higher boiling point both wet and dry, but since it absorbs moisture faster, it needs more frequent replacement. One article I read said it absorbs water about 20% faster.

Personality, I use DOT 3 in older vehicles and buy whatever is on sale.
 
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