I got some synthetic brake fluid, can I use it in the 95 Taurus and 02 Dodge Caravan?
Pro's and Con's, just a better fluid is it, runs cooler.
Pro's and Con's, just a better fluid is it, runs cooler.
Synthetic Brake Fluid Advantage?
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Seems to me that all brake fluid can be considered synthetic. What brand is it? Metal or plastic can? What is the DOT rating?
Kestas
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You're right, all brake fluid is synthetic. I don't think I've ever seen brake fluid that isn't synthetic.
I've never understood what makes brake fluid synthetic, but I think the main advantage is boiling point of the fluid for high performance brake operation. Usually a fluid that is rated DOT 4 is better in that regard. Someone who travels in the mountains or drives aggresively would probably have better brake operation when things get hot, due to the higher boiling point. That being said, I use Valvoline's "synthetic" DOT 4 in everything that requires brake fluid, except my old 52 Ford Tractor. It gets DOT 3.
To answer your question, yes you can use it. Just make sure it is not DOT 5 or says silcone brake fluid since DOT 5 is not compatible. Your fluid should say DOT 3 or 4, and it's probably DOT 4 if it's synthetic.
To answer your question, yes you can use it. Just make sure it is not DOT 5 or says silcone brake fluid since DOT 5 is not compatible. Your fluid should say DOT 3 or 4, and it's probably DOT 4 if it's synthetic.
As mentioned earlier, other than DOT 5 which is silicon based, ALL brake fluid is synthetic. It has been for decades. That includes DOT 3, DOT 4, the higher standards of DOT 5.1 and DOT 6, and even the older standards of 70R1 and 70R3.
Big Jim wrote: "other than DOT 5 which is silicon based, ALL brake fluid is synthetic."
DOT 5 is silicon based, but it is also synthetic. The base fluid is polydimethylsiloxane.
By the way, I think that DOT 5.1 is (like DOT 3&4) based on polyethylene glycol.
DOT 5 is silicon based, but it is also synthetic. The base fluid is polydimethylsiloxane.
By the way, I think that DOT 5.1 is (like DOT 3&4) based on polyethylene glycol.
I've seen it advertised, but I can't find anything on a Google search. Perhaps someone else here is familiar with it.
From the Wiki..
In the USA brake fluid comes in a number of forms, standardized under by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT 2 is essentially castor oil; DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are composed of various mineral oils, glycol esters and ethers; and DOT 5 is silicone-based. As of 2006, most cars produced in the U.S. use DOT 3.
In the USA brake fluid comes in a number of forms, standardized under by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT 2 is essentially castor oil; DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are composed of various mineral oils, glycol esters and ethers; and DOT 5 is silicone-based. As of 2006, most cars produced in the U.S. use DOT 3.
Kestas
Staff member
The links probably explain the confusion. There is no DOT 6 - just thinner DOT 4s.
i thought all brake fluid was syn.
Kestas
Staff member
I believe they all are.
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