Characteristics of brake fluids from Lukoil
Liquids for Auto

Characteristics of brake fluids from Lukoil

Features

The main requirements for brake fluids are the stability of their thermophysical parameters in the widest possible temperature range and the absence of harmful effects on the brake parts of the car. The predecessor of Lukoil DOT-4 - "troika" - was adapted mainly for drum-type brake systems, and was used by owners of domestically produced cars. Therefore, in this case, the transition to a new fluid is fundamentally optional. Another thing is cars with disc brakes: due to their increased efficiency in braking, they heat up much more strongly, and DOT-3, having a boiling point of only 205 °C, does it worse.

Characteristics of brake fluids from Lukoil

The way out was found in replacing the main component - instead of the usual glycol in DOT-4, a mixture of esters and boric acid was used. Essential components contribute to an increase in the boiling point (up to 250 °C), and boric acid stabilizes the performance and prevents the appearance of water molecules in the composition of the brake fluid (this is possible during long-term operation of the car and at high humidity). At the same time, neither one nor the other component is considered environmentally harmful, therefore, Lukoil DOT-4 brake fluid does not have toxicity during its action. Everything else - anti-foam additives, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, according to the test results, moved from the "three" to the "four", since the effectiveness of the components was convincingly confirmed.

A natural disadvantage of the new composition is its higher cost, which is associated with technological difficulties in the preparation of esters. The owners of cars with disc brakes can only hope that over time, Lukoil will find a less time-consuming way to esterify the feedstock.

Characteristics of brake fluids from Lukoil

Reviews

Systematizing user reviews, we can draw the following conclusions:

  1. Despite the external similarity of the formulations, it is not recommended to mix DOT-3 and DOT-4 in the same brake system. Over time, a precipitate forms, which, if not detected in a timely manner, will cause many problems, ranging from cleaning the surface to the banal jamming of the brakes with the appearance of a characteristic smell. Apparently, some kind of chemical interaction between ethylene oxide and ether still occurs.
  2. Lukoil DOT-3 maintains the prescribed warranty period of 4 years. Given the average temperatures on the braking surfaces, this is not bad.
  3. There is also no negative effect on the state of the surfaces of the brake system, i.e., corrosion inhibitors perform their role properly.
  4. Most car owners in their reviews indicate that the quality of Lukoil DOT-4 is very dependent on the manufacturer. Brake fluid, which is produced in Dzerzhinsk, is better than the same DOT-4, but made in Obninsk. Experts say that the reason is not enough modern (as for obtaining the described brake fluid) production base of the enterprise.

Characteristics of brake fluids from Lukoil

There are several general conclusions: the composition of Lukoil DOT-4 is good, and all the additives declared by the manufacturer cope with their functions. It is clear that one must always be aware of the toxicity and flammability of brake fluids, and when handling them, observe all prescribed precautions. DOT-4 is no exception.

The price of Lukoil DOT-4 brake fluid is from 80 rubles. for a canister with a volume of 0,5 liters. and from 150 rubles. for a 1 liter canister.

Every 2nd driver incorrectly changes brake pads!!

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