Can I mix brake fluid from different manufacturers
Content
It doesn't matter what kind of car you own - the braking system of your iron horse must always work properly. Not only your life depends on this, but also the fate of other road users. There are two diametrically opposed opinions about mixing brakes. One category of experimenters is quite happy with the result, while the other, on the contrary, recalls that incident as a bad dream. Don't ask why they did it. The reasons were roughly the same:
- Tormozuha leaked out, and to the nearest store still go and go.
- There is no money, but you need to go urgently.
The car owners did not notice the connection between the class of the cars and the final result. What's the matter? Let's try to figure it out.
Brake fluid types
International automotive experts have officially patented only 4 types of brakes:
- DOT 3. Substance for large and slow-moving trucks with drum-type brake pads. Boiling point 150 ° C.
- DOT 4. Boiling point is much higher - 230 ° C. Almost a universal remedy. It is used by both retailers and owners of higher class cars. The limitation in application is only for owners of sports cars.
- For them, brake fluid is produced under the DOT 5 marking. The boiling point is much higher.
- DOT 5.1. - an advanced version of DOT 4. It boils no earlier than it heats up to 260 degrees Celsius.
Pay attention to the classification. If absolutely necessary, it is technically allowed to mix all brake fluids, except for the one used for sports cars. Never put DOT 5 in any other category!
In DOT 4 or 5.1, you can add brake fluid for trucks. Note that brakes with this mix will work, but the boiling point will inevitably drop. Do not develop the maximum permissible speed, brake smoothly. After a ride, be sure to change the fluid and bleed the system.
Important! If the car does not have an auto-lock system (ABS), you cannot add liquid with such a mark on the bottle, even if the class matches yours.
Brake fluid composition
According to their composition, brake fluids are:
- silicone;
- mineral;
- glycolic.
Mineral brake fluids for cars are aksakals in their field. The era of brakes began with brake fluids based on castor oil and ethyl alcohol. Now they are produced mainly from refined petroleum products.
Most manufacturers take glycol as a basis, which is more versatile in use. Their practically only drawback is their increased hygroscopicity. As a result, the replacement procedure has to be carried out much more often.
DOT 5 for sports and racing cars is another story. They are made only of silicone, due to this, they have such properties. But the main disadvantage of these fluids is poor absorption: the fluid, getting into the brake system, does not dissolve in the substance, but settles on the walls. Corrosion of the hydraulic system of the car will not keep you waiting long. That is why it is forbidden to add silicone-containing fluids to glycolic or mineral fluids. It is also not recommended to mix the latter with each other. If they are mixed, then the rubber cuffs of the hydraulic line will come to an end.
Council... Only mix liquids with the same composition.
Brake fluid from different manufacturers
Basically, we have already covered the most important parameters. You can not mix liquids with different compositions, you need to pay attention to the class. Everything would be fine, but manufacturers delight their customers with new developments that should improve the composition of their product. For this, various additives are used. Their composition and properties are usually indicated on the label. What happens if you mix brake fluids of the same class, composition, but different manufacturers - no one will give you an exact answer.
We recommend that you do not mix the brake fluid at your own risk, but replace it with a new one. In case of an extreme situation, use the advice and be sure to flush and pump the entire system after the end of the forced experiment.
Questions and answers:
Can I add another brand of brake fluid? All brake fluids are formulated to the same international DOT standard. Therefore, products from different manufacturers of the same class differ slightly.
Can I just add brake fluid? Can. The main thing is not to mix liquids of different categories. Glycolic and silicone analogs must not be mixed. But it is better to change the fluid in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
How do you know which brake fluid is? DOT 4 is sold in almost all stores, therefore 90% of the car is filled with just such a brake fluid. But for greater confidence, it is better to drain the old one and fill the new one.
