What is the difference between DOT3, DOT4 and DOT5 brake fluid?

These brake fluids are designed to lubricate the moving parts of the brake system, withstand temperature changes and maintain a fluid state for proper brake function.

Brake fluid is extremely important to the braking system, because the brakes don't work without fluid..

Always and fill in or change as needed. However, there are different types of brake fluids, and it's best to know which one is used in your vehicle before topping up with another.

DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5 brake fluids are the most commonly used by car manufacturers. These are formulated to lubricate the moving parts within the brake system and withstand changes in temperature while maintaining the liquid state necessary for proper brake function.

However, there are different characteristics and conditions that are supported by each of them. Here we are talking to you what is the difference between DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5 brake fluid. 

– Liquid DOT (conventional brakes). for conventional vehicles they are made from polyalkaline glycol and other hygroscopic glycol chemicals, dry boiling point 401ºF, wet 284ºF.

– Liquid DOT 4 (ABS and conventional brakes). It has added boric acid esters to increase the boiling point for better performance in extreme racing conditions, it boils at 311 degrees and is designed to withstand higher water levels than DOT 3.

- DOT 5 liquid. DOT 5 fluids have a 500ºF boiling point and synthetic base so they should never be mixed with DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluids. Although their boiling point is higher when they start working, by the time they absorb water, this point drops faster than DOT 3. Viscosity 1800 cSt.

It is best to refer to the owner's manual of the vehicle and thus use the brake fluid recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 

The brakes, a hydraulic system, work on the basis of the pressure that is created when fluid is released and pushes against the pads to compress the disc. So without fluid, there is no pressure and it leaves you with no brakes.

In other words, brake fluid It is a hydraulic fluid that allows the force applied to the brake pedal to be transferred to the brake cylinders of the wheels of cars, motorcycles, vans and some modern bicycles.

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