Brake fluid opinions!

[Ducati996]

I’ve seen no opinions pertaining to brake fluid unlike motor oil, grease & transmission fluid.
I’ve always used Walmart or valvoline brake fluid never had issues.
Am I missing something or is brake fluid generic in nature with no selling points other than price?

 

[Rand]

they are pretty much the same.. dot 3. dot 4 dot 5 dot 5.1 etc.

 

[researcher]

Most are supposed to be made to DOT specs, DOT3, DOT4, etc.. But in the past Toyota and Honda had recalls for faulty brake master cylinders because of using generic aftermarket DOT3 fluid. Both automakers claimed that their fluid had extra ingredients that didn't cause wear to internal parts of the brake system. Now that could be up for debate but if they claimed it and it wasn't true an opportunistic lawyer could have fun in court for those statements. So it makes you wonder if the automakers DO (at least Toyota or Honda) have a special formula for their brake fluids.

 

[97prizm]

I’ve seen no opinions pertaining to brake fluid unlike motor oil, grease & transmission fluid.
I’ve always used Walmart or valvoline brake fluid never had issues.
Am I missing something or is brake fluid generic in nature with no selling points other than price?

I've always used ATE as they used to sell it in blue and amber Color. That way you could alternate and know if your fluid had been flushed. Apparently according to the DOT or some regulations brake fluid can't be blue.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Bosch ESI6 is a popular brake fluid.

However, if you change it regularly, it doesn't matter that much. If the mfr says to change it every few years, and you do, just get the cheapest DOT3 or DOT4 and use that. Regular fluid flushing is more important that what brand you use.

 

[vwmaniaman]

I have used O'Reilly's fluid in daughters Honda CRV with no problem for 6 years. She is a rural mail carrier and has over a hundred stops per day. She goes thru pads a lot. Amy brand of pad.

 

[72C10]

Personally I would get whatever is cheap and up to spec for your vehicle, unless you are racing it.

Typically it's Prestone for me and I change it every couple years-ish.

 

[Furious]

Brand doesn't matter just use the correct specification for your vehicle.

 

[BrainThicknessVariation]

I’ve seen no opinions pertaining to brake fluid unlike motor oil, grease & transmission fluid.
I’ve always used Walmart or valvoline brake fluid never had issues.
Am I missing something or is brake fluid generic in nature with no selling points other than price?

If you're just riding the Ducati on the street, then you can go with whatever is cheap. If you're tracking it, obviously get something with a higher boiling point like Motul RBF 660.

 

[B6_Dolphin]

I've always used ATE brake fluid.

 

[edyvw]

I’ve seen no opinions pertaining to brake fluid unlike motor oil, grease & transmission fluid.
I’ve always used Walmart or valvoline brake fluid never had issues.
Am I missing something or is brake fluid generic in nature with no selling points other than price?

For street driving it is fairly simple.
On the track, brake fluid falls into a hot "political" topic among people.

 

[dubber09]

Bosch ESI6 is a popular brake fluid.

However, if you change it regularly, it doesn't matter that much. If the mfr says to change it every few years, and you do, just get the cheapest DOT3 or DOT4 and use that. Regular fluid flushing is more important that what brand you use.

I like that Bosch BF, works great with ABS, in cold, doesn't deteriorate much in 3 years between flushes.

 

[Stimp]

I like that Bosch BF, works great with ABS, in cold, doesn't deteriorate much in 3 years between flushes.

I have also had good results with this fluid in both of our cars. Will continue using it in the future.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I've always used ATE as they used to sell it in blue and amber Color. That way you could alternate and know if your fluid had been flushed. Apparently according to the DOT or some regulations brake fluid can't be blue.

I miss having that blue to alternate my flushes.

 

[shortyb]

Older cars and bikes I use the RBF660 Motul. Newer cars with advanced ABS and brake vectoring etc. generally use an LV (low viscosity) fluid. Be mindful of that.

 

[97prizm]

I’ve seen no opinions pertaining to brake fluid unlike motor oil, grease & transmission fluid.
I’ve always used Walmart or valvoline brake fluid never had issues.
Am I missing something or is brake fluid generic in nature with no selling points other than price?

I had a guy that I built racecars for over the summers and he liked the Ford or motorcraft as it had a really high dry boiling point but not great wet.

 

[sds911]

ATE dot 4 on my 911. Not sure yet on my GX460 - dot 3 is oem, but dot 4 is ok. And lexus dealer in San Antonio told me they use dot 5.1 iirc.

Have some dot 3 from Walmart and may use it on the GX. Don’t recall if it’s super tech or valvoline etc. Waiting for my bleeder adapter to arrive and possibly do pads and rotors first.

And I test my current fill with phoenix brake strips for copper content and a cheapo electronic moisture tester.

 

[JimPghPA]

Bosh ES - 16 is better than the average. Cost a lot more, but is much better. Most vehicles require about 1.75 quarts ( two 1 quart cans) to do a good flush. The front brakes use a lot more than the backs.