Dot 3 to Dot 4LV?

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Apr 17, 2012
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West Michigan
Has anybody made the switch from DOT 3 to DOT 4 LV? Seems the newer Fords (and others) are specifying the thinner fluid and it sure would be nice to not have to worry about which truck needs which when doing the semi-annual bleed/flush. Any thoughts? As far as I can tell there really is no reason not to except a higher cost....
 
Given DOT 4 LV is intended to make ABS and all the other traction type controls respond quicker I'm surprised that all manufacturers aren't recommending it.

I've been using DOT4 LV in everything for the last 10 years and that includes a 45 year old motorcycle.
 
Given DOT 4 LV is intended to make ABS and all the other traction type controls respond quicker I'm surprised that all manufacturers aren't recommending it.

I've been using DOT4 LV in everything for the last 10 years and that includes a 45 year old motorcycle.
Oh, c'mon! They tell you to never change ATF and to use the thinnest oil and longest OCI that would make it till end of car's warranty. They want total ownership cost look low while pleasing the g-man and earning credits.
If one wants the cheapest while compliant with specs - just follow the specs. There is nothing wrong with DOT 3, just flush it every 2-3 years depending on driving and weather conditions.
A few of us on the forum use Bosch ESI6 fluid, I use and like it too. ESI stands for, as per Bosch: Extended Service Interval (ESI): Lasts 100% longer than DOT 3, 50% longer than DOT 4, and 10% longer than DOT 5.1. Either way, I change mine every 3 years. It may not be the cheapest but it worked great for me so far, no corrosion or deteriorated/bulging rubber brake lines after 10+ years of service, no floaters in the drained fluid either.
LV (low viscosity) fluids work better with ABS systems and in winter conditions, and most cars have ABS now, and you do sure want ABS to work when braking hard on snow or ice. I have video footage from my dashcam of cops effing up and falling over when exiting their cruisers while attending a multi vehicle pile up at an intersection, one of my co-workers was involved in the crash and is on video, black ice as we call it, the one you don't see. Tires and brakes are more important than how strong the engine is.
 
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Oh, c'mon! They tell you to never change ATF and to use the thinnest oil and longest OCI that would make it till end of car's warranty. They want total ownership cost look low while pleasing the g-man and earning credits.
If one wants the cheapest while compliant with specs - just follow the specs. There is nothing wrong with DOT 3, just flush it every 2-3 years depending on driving and weather conditions.
A few of us on the forum use Bosch ESI6 fluid, I use and like it too. ESI stands for, as per Bosch: Extended Service Interval (ESI): Lasts 100% longer than DOT 3, 50% longer than DOT 4, and 10% longer than DOT 5.1. Either way, I change mine every 3 years. It may not be the cheapest but it worked great for me so far, no corrosion or deteriorated/bulging rubber brake lines after 10+ years of service, no floaters in the drained fluid either.
LV (low viscosity) fluids work better with ABS systems and in winter conditions, and most cars have ABS now, and you do sure want ABS to work when braking hard on snow or ice. I have video footage from my dashcam of cops effing up and falling over when exiting their cruisers while attending a multi vehicle pile up at an intersection, one of my co-workers was involved in the crash and is on video, black ice as we call it, the one you don't see. Tires and brakes are more important than how strong the engine is.
The primary move to LV is due to ESP function.
Unless you re at -30 or lower, it is basically same performance between DOT 4 and DOT4LV, except DOT4 is better in extremely hardcore applications, like track.
Your description about some pile up, etc., would be better fitting in explaining, let's say, the difference between max performance summer tires and winter tires.
DOT3 or 4 won't cause that kind of situation.
So, bit less drama!
 
I have a vehicle that calls for DOT4LV, and switched a Toyota that calls for DOT3 or DOT4 to DOT4LV out of convenience (5L jug of Pentosin 4LV was CHEAP) a year ago - working fine.
 
Ya I've flushed my vehicles through to Dot4LV. Presently i'm running that Bosch stuff everyone seems to love. My reasoning is because in the winter time it helps mitigate the clutch freezing up. Added benefit is the ABS does seem to cycle a little quicker.

Only downside of Dot4(LV) that i'm aware of is that you should change it more often as it absorbs moisture more readily
 
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