Prestone DOT 3 Synthetic Vs. Motorcraft DOT 3 HP

[Falcon_LS]

Given the choice between Prestone's DOT 3 Synthetic and Motorcraft DOT 3 High Performance, which would be a better option? I'm leaning more towards Motorcraft myself (what I've always been using), but have been recommend the Prestone by a couple of people. Thank you.

 

[PT1]

Whichever is less expensive

 

[Scimmia]

Is the Motorcraft the old Ford Heavy Duty? If so, I would go for that, just make sure to change it often.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Prestone is cheaper...it's $2.30 per quart. Motorcraft, which comes in a white plastic bottle, is $3.30 for 12 fl. oz. Not sure about the old Ford Heavy Duty though.

 

[Scimmia]

Ford Heavy Duty brake fluid has been around for a long time, and has a 550F dry boiling point(and that's not a typo). It's wet boiling point isn't that good, though, so it needs changed often. I just don't know if that's what you're talking about with the Motorcraft High Performance.

 

[labman]

I would stick with the Motorcraft if you have always used it. This is from somebody that hasn't used anything but Prestone DOT 4 since they called it Prestone Disk Brake fluid.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Scimmia, the Motorcraft DOT 3 High Performance I've been using has a dry boiling point of 500 F (260 C) and meets Ford Material Specification WSS-M6C62-A. Part number is PM-1-C IIRC.

Labman, what is the main difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4? According to my owner's manual, either is acceptable.

 

[brian12]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Scimmia, the Motorcraft DOT 3 High Performance I've been using has a dry boiling point of 500 F (260 C) and meets Ford Material Specification WSS-M6C62-A. Part number is PM-1-C IIRC.

Labman, what is the main difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4? According to my owner's manual, either is acceptable.
Dot 4 is synthetic and has a higher boiling point. I have the Prestone Chinamart fluid in two of my cars and my motorcycle and it works great for me. I cant comment on the ford stuff.

 

[Scimmia]

Must be different stuff, then. I don't know anything about the Morotcraft, in that case.

All brake fluid is synthetic, so don't get wrapped up in that. DOT4 is a higher standard, it has to have higher dry and wet boiling point than DOT3 does. Some say that because of the changes necessary to get those higher boiling points, DOT4 will absorb water quicker than DOT3, but since it has a higher wet boiling point anyway, it's a moot point as long as you change the fluid at decent intervals.

I'm coming due for a change, too, and I'm going to have to start looking around now that the SynPower is no more.

 

[The Critic]

I've always used the Prestone DOT3 fluid from Walmart. It turns very dark in a short period of time in my cars, but my brake systems have been neglected.

 

[PT1]

I still have a hidden stash of synpower......

 

[novaracer69]

Minimum dry boiling point of 500 °F (260 °C)