Looking for suggestions for Honda Brake Fluid

[AccordMDX]

Does the Honda brake fluid have any special formulation like their atf, coolant, steering fluid ? Is there reason enough to stick to their oem brake fluid (which I believe is a dot3) otherwise I was thinking any aftermarket dot4 or dot5.1 (not dot5). Please recommend or suggest what should go into this '99 honda accord 4cyl LX(non-ABS).
Thanks.

 

[brianl703]

I believe that brake fluid is a Federally-mandated specification (the DOT in DOT3 refers to the "Department of Transportation") and therefore all DOT3/DOT4/etc. fluids MUST meet the Federal specifications.

I know that the Honda manual says that not using "Honda Genuine" brake fluid will result in poor braking or some similar B.S.

 

[AccordMDX]

well it must be meeting those specs, and then adding some specifically for the honda braking system ?

 

[brianl703]

That would defeat the purpose of a Federal brake fluid specification.

I think the real reason that the Honda manual says what it does is to scare people into buying fluid at dealership prices.

The question must be asked, however: Are you flushing the brake fluid or adding some because it's low? If it's low then you either have a leak (which should be fixed) or your brake pads/shoes are worn down (and should be replaced).

 

[s98d7fs]

I must say I love how Honda does their marketing...

I'm sure that there are some engineering designs that call for a certain spec'd fluid, but I tell you, they'd have you convinced that they've formulated a new type of steel/rubber/iron/whatever that will COMPLETELY BREAK DOWN AND FAIL if it's not used with Honda's own, witchcrafted, fluids.

Anyway, a good break fluid is Valvoline Synpower, and can be had at many auto parts store for 6 dollars a liter. Also, its spec's are hard to beat for the money. If I remember correctly it's pretty close to ATE Superblue/TYP200 which are priced at $14 a liter.

I've had luck using all the above fluids in an Acura Integra and a Honda S2000, and no catastrophic brake failures yet. In fact, brake performance is goooooooood.

 

[AccordMDX]

sorry I missed important information - I am going to drain/bleed/flush the all the old brake fluid and fill in new one.

 

[Ray H]

You are free to use ANY brand DOT3, DOT4, or DOT5.1 fluid. (the higher the number, the higher the boiling point) Do NOT use DOT5 - that's a silicone fluid which will not mix with leftover conventional polyglycol-based fluids. All polyglycol-based brake fluids are synthetic. (These molecules do not occur naturally.) As noted previously, the "DOT" designations are federally enforced to maintain consistency. However, if you feel more comfortable using Honda DOT3 brake fluid at Prestone DOT5.1 pricing, go for it. It's your money.

 

[AccordMDX]

Ok so the general consensus is that honda brake fluid is not neccessary.
In that case should I just pick up any "brand name" dot4 or dot5.1 from the shelf ? (valvoline?)

 

[IslaVistaMan]

Stick with the Valvoline Synpower DOT3/4...it's good stuff.

 

[Pablo]

I would get the Valvoline or better, my favorite, Castrol DOT 4 and be done with it.

TIP: Get more than you THINK you need - it takes a goodly amount to flush well.

Honda? I love 'em and detest 'em!

 

[thrace]

I called a Honda dealer mail order store who sells Honda brake fluid intending to buy some and the man I spoke to did not think I needed to use Honda brand brake fluid in my Honda. So I use some other brand of DOT3 fluid. So far, so good.

 

[Schmoe]

That's the only thing I use that isn't Honda OEM on our Accords. Who is this Honda mail order store? Prices?

 

[VTEC01EX]

I've been using Valvoline Synpower in my 01 Civic since its first brake job in 03. No complaints, and as of last week when I put on some new pads everything looked and seems to be working great.

 

[Tosh]

I have no intentions on using Honda brake fluid on my upcoming flush. I presume I will use either Castrol LMA or Valvoline, depending on which one I find first. Last time I used Prestone, and I have no complaints.
[I will consider getting Honda coolant, though.]

 

[Bror Jace]

Valvoline Synpower or DOT4 Castrol LMA ... can't see how you could go wrong.

-- Bror Jace

 

[PandaBear]

I second Synpower DOT 4, the DOT3 I have seen ususally turn dark/black very quickly and don't last as long.

 

[Steelhead]

Valvoline SynPower bf has worked fine in wife's CRV for last 50k miles, do full flush every 2 years...
clean, fresh no moisture brake fluid is critical for proper ABS operation

 

[Schmoe]

I mixed DOT 4 with Honda brake fluid on our 02 Accord when I changed out the brake pads, that was about 40K miles ago. Works like a charm so far.