All vehicles, whether you are driving a car, truck, or motorcycle, have brake fluid. DOT 3 and DOT 4 are types of brake fluid used in vehicles. Despite the fact that both fluids are glycol-based, they differ in a number of ways that make them suitable for use in a variety of vehicles and driving conditions.
When you depress the brake pedal, your vehicle slows down as a result of the movement of the vital parts of your braking system, which are carried by brake fluid. In essence, the fluid causes the pistons in the braking system to exert pressure on the rotors in order to slow down your vehicle.
Well, in this article, we will take a closer look at DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid. However, we will get to discuss the answers to the following questions:
- What are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids?
- Are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids compatible?
- What are the major differences between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?
- Which is better, DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid?
- How often should you change the brake fluid?
Read more: Can you use brake fluid for power steering fluid?
Ok, let’s get to it.
Contents
What are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids?
DOT 3 brake fluid
DOT-3 brake fluid is a type of automotive brake fluid that meets the specifications set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States. The brake systems of cars, trucks, and motorcycles commonly use a fluid with a glycol base. DOT 3 brake fluid is considered suitable for most vehicles because it has a boiling point of about 205 degrees Celsius (401 degrees Fahrenheit).
It is a preferred option among manufacturers because it is compatible with the majority of brake system components and seals. Generally, this product looks yellow to amber and smells faintly of glycol. Although this product is only slightly soluble in water, mixing it with water reduces the fluid’s quality. Before they can be sold in stores, all DOT brake fluids must conform to a set of industrial standards.
It is not, however, as heat-resistant as brake fluids DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, which are frequently used in high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles. Furthermore, DOT 3 brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that over time it takes on moisture from the air. This may cause corrosion in the brake system and a drop in the boiling point of the fluid. It is crucial to check your vehicle’s brake fluid condition and level and to replace it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
DOT 4 brake fluid
DOT-4 brake fluid is also a type of automotive brake fluid that meets the specifications set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States. Additionally, it is a glycol-based fluid. Its boiling point is higher than that of DOT 3 braking fluid, at about 230 degrees Celsius (446 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it more appropriate for performance or heavy-duty automobiles that produce greater heat during braking.
Additionally, DOT 4 brake fluid has a higher wet boiling point, which enables it to continue to boil even after absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. As a result, it is less prone to corrosion and less likely to have water-induced brake fade, a condition in which the function of the brake system is compromised as a result of the presence of water in the brake fluid. Another benefit of DOT 4 brake fluid is that it is less hygroscopic than DOT 3 brake fluid, which means it collects less moisture from the air.
Thus, it can operate in a vehicle’s brake system for a longer period of time before it needs to be changed. It is significant to note that DOT 4 brake fluid cannot be utilized in some older brake systems and should not be used in such systems. Additionally, mixing different types of brake fluid is not advised because it might harm the brake system and impair its performance. In order to use the proper brake fluid in your vehicle, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1 brake fluid comparison
It’s important to note that when brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, its boiling point decreases, which can cause brake failure. Therefore, it is advised to use the type of brake fluid recommended by the car manufacturer and to change brake fluid at the recommended interval.
Read more: How to change brake fluid
Are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids compatible?
The DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids can be mixed without causing any problems because they are compatible. It is important to keep in mind that combining the two could result in a lower overall boiling point, which could have an impact on the brake system’s performance.
In order to maintain consistency and ensure optimal performance, it is advised to use the same type of brake fluid throughout the entire system. For specific recommendations, it is always best to consult the owner’s manual of the car or the manufacturer of the brake fluid.
What are the major differences between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?
DOT 3 vs. DOT 4 brake fluid
Here are the major differences between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids in tabular form.
DOT 4 brake fluid is more viscous and has a higher boiling point than DOT 3. While ABS braking systems and both types of brake fluid are normally compatible with each other, DOT 4 is recommended for use with ceramic brake pads.
Which is better, DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid?
Both DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are glycol-based and have a number of the same properties; however, DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is more moisture-resistant. DOT 4 can therefore perform better in high-temperature conditions like heavy braking or even during racing.
However, the majority of brake systems are compatible with both fluids, so mixing them is not a problem. It’s necessary to keep in mind that brake fluid needs to be changed every two to three years, or more often if the vehicle is driven under severe conditions. Always look up the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid specification in the owner’s manual and comply with their guidelines.
How often should you change the brake fluid?
The recommended interval for changing brake fluid varies depending on the vehicle and manufacturer. Some recommend changing it every two years, while others recommend it every three years or every 36,000 miles.
The best place to find the manufacturer’s recommended time interval for changing brake fluid is in the owner’s manual of your car. Additionally, if the brake fluid seems dirty or discolored, it should be inspected and replaced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main distinction between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids is how they react to heat and how well they work with various brake systems. While DOT 3 is frequently used for typical passenger vehicles, DOT 4 brake fluid has a higher boiling point, making it appropriate for high-performance and heavy-duty applications. To maintain safe and dependable braking performance in your vehicle, choosing the proper brake fluid requires a thorough understanding of these distinctions.
That is all for this article, where we took a closer look at DOT 3 vs. DOT 4 brake fluid. Nevertheless, we get to discuss the answers to the following questions:
- What are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids?
- Are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids compatible?
- What are the major differences between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?
- Which is better, DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid?
- How often should you change the brake fluid?
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