Brake fluid ?

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If my car calls for dot 3 fluid is it better to put dot 4 in since it has a higher boiling point and I was told are compatible with each other
 
They are. It won't make any difference, and you will find that dot 3 is hard to find, and there are several fluids somehow advertised as both.
 
I have used valvoline synthetic fluid but I found at waart prestone dot 3 and 4 with a higher boil pt says compatible with 3 and 4 so I assume u can mix them
 
Ok guys disregard this post I just notice the valvoline I have says dot 3 and 4 my bad. Thanks anyway for the post
 
I sincerely doubt you would benefit from the higher boiling point.
Your pads would be smoking - this is a raing thing.
If you drive in mountainous area, it is also possible, when descending, esp. when towing.
Actually, the DOT3 has a slightly greater capacity for waetr retention, which is what you desire.
 
I use the DOT4 anyway, it's a touch less hydroscopic and has a higher wet boiling point - which also results in fewer flushes needed.

I like ATE or Pentosin fluids myself, but Castrol and Valvoline is much easier to get.
 
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nthach, you have it backwards. DOT4 absorbs water at a much faster rate requiring it be changed more often. DOT3 is more stable, that's the main reason most manufactuers use it over DOT4.
 
Originally Posted By: Maritime Storm
nthach, you have it backwards. DOT4 absorbs water at a much faster rate requiring it be changed more often. DOT3 is more stable, that's the main reason most manufactuers use it over DOT4.


I always stick with DOT 3 for that reason but I'm a little OCD when it comes to brake fluid flushes (once a year). I've only used Dot 4 for the clutch.
 
nthatch and maritime - You are both a bit off.
DOT3 absorbs more water, and would require LESS
flushes. DOT3 has more reserve, but at a less important cost of a lower boiling point.

ANYWAY,Water ingestion is not really a big problem today. Car Mfrs. are recommending no brake fluid replacement for 7 years because of the minimal water they are finding.
 
Originally Posted By: Maritime Storm
nthach, you have it backwards. DOT4 absorbs water at a much faster rate requiring it be changed more often. DOT3 is more stable, that's the main reason most manufactuers use it over DOT4.
DOT4 is supposed to be more hygroscopic according to auto textbooks, but my experiences show that DOT4 is less hygroscopic than DOT3.
 
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
nthatch and maritime - You are both a bit off.
DOT3 absorbs more water, and would require LESS
flushes. DOT3 has more reserve, but at a less important cost of a lower boiling point.

ANYWAY,Water ingestion is not really a big problem today. Car Mfrs. are recommending no brake fluid replacement for 7 years because of the minimal water they are finding.


My Honda manual says to change BF every 3 years.

Dot 3 Heavy Duty according to them.
 
All brake fluid is synthetic, and Castrol GT LMA Dot-3 & 4, the LMA stands for low moisture activity.

A post on another forum...

I came across this issue a few months ago. The "new" Castrol LMA Synthetic is the same as the old. New packaging. I spoke with a Castrol rep who told me this. He also said it has always been synthetic fluid the only other change he said is that it has a higher boiling point. So it is compatable with the original LMA... I was VERY worried when I saw the new packaging as Castrol LMA is all I have ever used in the past 25 -30 yearw. There is alot written in the archives on the brake fluid subject.


http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectionge...0Brake%20Fluids
 
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: Maritime Storm
nthach, you have it backwards. DOT4 absorbs water at a much faster rate requiring it be changed more often. DOT3 is more stable, that's the main reason most manufactuers use it over DOT4.
DOT4 is supposed to be more hygroscopic according to auto textbooks, but my experiences show that DOT4 is less hygroscopic than DOT3.

Mercedes, BMW, and VW call for DOT4 fluids due to the temp reserves. ATE, Castrol, Valvoline, and Pentosin market DOT4s with lower hygroscopic tendencies such as GT LMA and ATE Super Blue Racing/Type 200.

For some reason though, Toyota or Honda OEM fluid tends to stay "cleaner" for a good while.
 
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