Toyota and DOT 3
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Sounds like someone used DOT 5 and sued them. But actually there was a recall on my Highlander where the seals were incompatible with aftermarket fluids and would leak. They replaced the seals. So they might be more sensitive after that.
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I think that Toyota/Lexus try to use fluids that are easily obtainable to the customer. I like that! Though, I don't have anything new from Toyota but, I remember that most of the fluids of their older models used just basic...DOT3, DEXIII ATF(now T-IV & WS) and the P/S Systems use ATF. Most owners still use any anti-freeze/coolants instead of RED or PINK with no issues.
Their brakes are easy to replace/install without any special tools/books too! I like doing basic maintenance on Toyota's. At least the older ones
Their brakes are easy to replace/install without any special tools/books too! I like doing basic maintenance on Toyota's. At least the older ones
DOT 3 meets all of the necessary standards. And is readily available everywhere.
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German vehicles have always required DOT4 and generally speaking everything else uses a DOT3, IIRC.
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Dot4 has a higher boiling point but also won't last as long when neglected as it does not absorb water as readily.
Idiot-proofing
Idiot-proofing
Originally Posted By: brandini
Dot4 has a higher boiling point but also won't last as long when neglected as it does not absorb water as readily.
Idiot-proofing
DOT3 is readily available everywhere and passes all of the tests necessary. World fluid concept. So all mechanics know a Toyota gets DOT3.
Dot4 has a higher boiling point but also won't last as long when neglected as it does not absorb water as readily.
Idiot-proofing
DOT3 is readily available everywhere and passes all of the tests necessary. World fluid concept. So all mechanics know a Toyota gets DOT3.
Originally Posted By: GSCJR
German vehicles have always required DOT4 and generally speaking everything else uses a DOT3, IIRC.
Yep, that was the case with my old Audi. Oddly enough, the G calls for DOT3, yet the Genuine Nissan stuff they have at the Canadian dealerships is DOT4. Go figure....
German vehicles have always required DOT4 and generally speaking everything else uses a DOT3, IIRC.
Yep, that was the case with my old Audi. Oddly enough, the G calls for DOT3, yet the Genuine Nissan stuff they have at the Canadian dealerships is DOT4. Go figure....
DOT4 fluid is slightly different chemically from DOT3 (the addition of borates), and certain elastomers in the brake system may not live with DOT4. I was using DOT4 in my Tundra and had the master cylinder seals leak...I'm not sure why except perhaps an incompatibility with the DOT4 chemistry.
Toyota determined that the braking system does not get hot enough to require DOT4 fluid, so they called for DOT3.
I used DOT4 in some of my parents cars, and it worked perfectly.
According to automotive books, DOT4 degrades more quickly than DOT3. That in mind, I see DOT4 stay cleaner than DOT3 anyway.
I like Toyota's DOT3 fluid. It tends to stay cleaner than generic DOT3 from a parts store, or "GM Delco supreme" fluid.
I used DOT4 in some of my parents cars, and it worked perfectly.
According to automotive books, DOT4 degrades more quickly than DOT3. That in mind, I see DOT4 stay cleaner than DOT3 anyway.
I like Toyota's DOT3 fluid. It tends to stay cleaner than generic DOT3 from a parts store, or "GM Delco supreme" fluid.
I used DOT 4 in my Tundra for 7 years with no issues. I have heard the same about DOT 4. I'm not convinced it degrades more quickly, but even if it does, the wet boiling point is so much better than the DOT 3 wet boiling point that I would still rather use DOT 4.
There have been a few folks around here that are pretty well informed and understand chemistry and claim that certain
DOT 4 or DOT 3/4 fluid has a different chemical make up that is slightly more caustic and can degrade certain seals compared to a straight DOT 3 fluid.
We need more data on this. It would be interesting to hear from Valvoline and Shell on this matter too.
My 96 VW Golf specs DOT 4, but my 94 Honda Accord specs DOT 3.
Even though DOT 4 had been around for quite some time before the Honda came out so they must have had a reason why they specifically mention DOT 3 only.
DOT 4 or DOT 3/4 fluid has a different chemical make up that is slightly more caustic and can degrade certain seals compared to a straight DOT 3 fluid.
We need more data on this. It would be interesting to hear from Valvoline and Shell on this matter too.
My 96 VW Golf specs DOT 4, but my 94 Honda Accord specs DOT 3.
Even though DOT 4 had been around for quite some time before the Honda came out so they must have had a reason why they specifically mention DOT 3 only.
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Stick with owners manual -- as someone said DOT3 is good enough for most driving conditions.
The longevity of the brake system is in bleeding every 3 yrs and refilli ng with fresh fluid, keep the master, booster, lines etc. all clean.
The longevity of the brake system is in bleeding every 3 yrs and refilli ng with fresh fluid, keep the master, booster, lines etc. all clean.
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