Good Brake Fluid Opinions

[4x4taco]

Looking for a high quality brake fluid for a DOT 3 system, Late model honda. I've used various brake fluid in the past, mainly Prestone, Advance auto brand and Valvoline SynPower Dot 3/4. From what I gather the synpower is the best I can get locally...? From what I've experience it's the only brake fluid that could handle 150-0mph stops in my Vette and not give out. When I ran the cheap [censored] after 2-3 stops I'd lose brakes. What do you guys think of the Synpower? Has anyone found something better? I noticed this weekend napa has "DOT 4" fluid, never seen it before.

 

[Colt45ws]

Im using Amsoil Dot 3. If you look at their specs, though, the Dot 3 product meets Dot 4 and their Dot 4 product meets Dot 5.1. They are actually under-rating them.

 

[Johnny248]

I have Amsoil Dot 4 in my Eclipse, and I've used the synpower in the past. I thought that vettes used dot 5 fluid? Anyway, I think that for 99.9% of the people out their, any brand name dot 4 will be good.

 

[tom slick]

Do you guys ever notice a difference between brake fluids? I don't mean old/fresh, I mean Amsoil/ATE/LMA vs. Prestone/store brand, etc.

 

[StevieC]

I'm using Amsoil DOT-4 in my Santa Fe...

 

[SubLGT]

The Synpower is not even available anymore, from what I have read.

 

[Johnny248]

I'm pretty sure the Synpower is available stiff, but they changed the name? Anyway, for Tom Slick, I really can't tell you about any difference. I flushed my system and installed the Amsoil in my brake/clutch system when I replaced my rubber brake hoses with braided stainless. So yes, my brakes are better since, however there was more than one variable. Also, I think if you own a sports/car or road or autocross race it you would see more benefit because of the temperatures involved. One thing I am watching on my is what the fluid looks like over time. Some of the fluids advertise as being extra dry, or resist water which is the main problem with fluids, so we will see.

 

[sparkplug]

I have Valvoline DOT4 in my Jeep now. I have great pedal feel. Not spongy at all. But then again that could be because of new brakes all around plus a good bleeding.

 

[mikered30]

I dont think synpower is available anymore. Valvoline DOT 3/4 is available, and the wet boiling temp was lowered.

 

[Dualie]

for some reason the ATE i just flushed out of my superduty was SUPER CLEAN! after 75,000 miles the fluid usually looks like i drained it from the oil pan but this time it was very clear.

 

[ionbeam22]

There is no difference what so ever between brake fluids. These things have requirements and formulations that are pretty much set by law.

 

[labman]

Could be, but I like to stick with a brand name. Of course, I wonder if I can continue to trust Prestone since is has gone through several owners since Union Carbide. It is now owned by Honeywell, who also owns that fine old name, Fram, ack!

 

[PT1]

Valvoline Synpower is no longer made. I bought a huge stash from a discount drug mart closeout. It has been replaced with Valvoline DOT3/4. For a high performance car like a vette I would buy a high performance brake fluid for sure. You want something with a boiling point over 450F

 

[labman]

Any specs or controlled testing to verify some brands are ''high performance''? The Prestone DOT 4 I bought at Wal-Mart lists 500F dry boiling point.

 

[tom slick]

Anyone boil their brake fluid during normal driving?

 

[Dualie]

Its been my observation that your more likely to set fire to your brake linings now aday then you are to boil your fluid.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: sparkplug
I have Valvoline DOT4 in my Jeep now. I have great pedal feel. Not spongy at all. But then again that could be because of new brakes all around plus a good bleeding.
It is like when you have your car tuned up, the filters changed the tires aired and aligned then change all the fluids to syn oils and notice the mpgs increased .2 tenth

 

[labman]

I have seen a number of posts here where I am not sure the person understands the difference between fade from heat and boiling.

 

[Ken2]

Originally Posted By: ionbeam22
There is no difference what so ever between brake fluids. These things have requirements and formulations that are pretty much set by law.

Not exactly. The DOT specs are the minimums. Each maker can exceed the minimum if they choose to do so for competitive reasons, and some do so. The DOT specs are performance specs, not ingredient formulas. Thus, DOT5 is a performance spec that was previously only met by a silicone fluid. That performance spec is now met by the usual polyglycol ether fluids with slightly different chemical composition that carry the DOT4+ or DOT5.1 label.

 

[SierraFan]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Anyone boil their brake fluid during normal driving?

Can't say that I do...