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Varieties of brake fluids: which one to choose?
Brake fluids

Varieties of brake fluids: which one to choose?

Varieties of brake fluids: which one to choose?

In modern cars, manufacturers use one of two braking systems - pneumatic or hydraulic. The second type is mainly put on passenger cars. For the system to work effectively, on average, once every 2-3 years, it is necessary to change the fluid in it, which is responsible for braking the car.

 

Now there are four popular brake fluid types on the market that correspond to the American Department Of Transportation classification – DOT 4, DOT 4 LV, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. However, how do they differ and which one to choose for your car?

 

Key points about brake fluid

 

Brake fluid is the substance used in the hydraulic brake system. It transfers pressure from the master brake cylinder to the working wheel brake cylinders. The efficiency of the entire system is affected by 5 main characteristics of the product:

HIGH BOILING POINT

LOW TEMPERATURE FOR SOLIDIFICATION

ANTI-CORROSION AND LUBRICATING PROPERTIES

HIGH BOILING POINT

LOW TEMPERATURE FOR SOLIDIFICATION

ANTI-CORROSION AND LUBRICATING PROPERTIES

LOW ABILITY TO ABSORB MOISTURE

CHEMICAL NEUTRALITY TO RUBBER PARTS

LOW ABILITY TO ABSORB MOISTURE

CHEMICAL NEUTRALITY TO RUBBER PARTS

We compared four popular products

on main criteria to help you decide:

   

      DOT 4 DOT 4 LV DOT 5 DOT 5.1
Boiling point (dry)                    230 °C 265 °C 260 °C 260 °C
Boiling point (wet) 155 °C 170 °C 180 °C 180 °C
Max viscosity 1800 700 900 900
Type

on polyglycol basis       

on polyglycol basis     on silicone basis     on polyglycol basis   

 

 

There is also DOT 3 on the market, but this product is not suitable for many modern cars.

 

DOT 5 preceded DOT 5.1. It differs in type - it is based on silicone, not polyglycol. Thanks to this technology, the substance can be changed every 5 years, but it is more expensive and does not surpass analogues in terms of characteristics.

DOT 4 LV is considered optimal.

Unlike the other products, this fluid has a lower viscosity, which allows for faster pressure build up and down, which in turn provides improved brake response (prevents brake fade).

Benefits:

  • special low-viscosity formula for ABS, ASC, ESP, ESC and EBD systems
  • prevents brake fade, exceeds DOT 4 requirements and the newest ISO 4925 Class 6 norm
  • superior wet boiling point

Benefits:

  • ABS compatible
  • prevents brake fade and exceeds DOT 4 standard requirements
  • protects against performance decline due to water absorption

Brake fluid replacement tips

For your convenience, we have also collected some basic tips for changing the brake fluid in the system:

  • Replace brake fluid every two years.
  • Never mix brake fluids of different types.
  • In cars since 2007, we recommend using DOT 4 LV brake fluid, although this is not always clearly stated by the car manufacturer.
  • DOT 4 LV may be used if DOT 4 is recommended.

We do not recommend changing the fluid on your own, because the specialist additionally will diagnose the car, inspect the brake discs, calipers, etc. And we recommend choosing the best brake fluid to be effective with Bizol.

B_effective