Brake Fluid Types Compared: DOT 3, 4, 4 LV, 5 and 5.1

All the different types of brake fluid can get a little crazy DOT 3, 4, super DOT, 4 LV, 5, 5.1... In reality there are only two truly different types of brake fluids: Poly Glycol and Silicone. Everything else is just a difference in quality.

[@hetewei]

great explanation, watch it at 2X speed

[@Teletha]

1.75 is more natural

[@BixbyConsequence]

@@Teletha I kinda' feel 1X is more natural but I'm crazy that way.

[@charlesdean9178]

L O L !!

[@DjAlebo]

I preferred 1.25X

[@brianmedina3044]

literally tried all of the speeds while reading this comment, and anything other than normal is normal. pretty much explains my life.

[@Ej-en2lz]

This video should have 10 million views. No other video I have found answered every single question about brake fluids 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@trevkeay5555]

Brilliant, clearly presented, informative, nice pace, Superb delivery! Thank you

[@ZambonieDude]

Wow Quality content on KZbin! Excellent video. although for DOT 5.1 in another video try using a darker color because it’s really hard to read the specifications for DOT 5.1 in that light blue color.

[@catharinacarroll7908]

Dude thanks for working that out for the KZbin's ☆☆☆☆☆ regarding the information.

[@LRBP]

Kudos to you Sir, I was loosing my mind over my truck needing Dot 4 LV brake fluid, I live in a tropical climate and we have hot temperatures all year, I can´t no longer get Dot 4 LV in my country, I can now see why. Thanks a lot!

[@TheDaddystressed]

Outstanding. Cleared up a lot in one video.

[@simonjones7785]

great explanation of a very technical subject

[@SuperDizzy13]

Very helpful, I was considering using silicone brake fluid before I watched this video. I think 5.1 will be a better choice now.

[@roarkshsha]

Wish I had found your video earlier. Thanks.

[@keithexum7312]

Great presentation. Thank for doing it👍🏻

[@POW2000]

Feel like back in high school chemistry class...good lecture!

[@imranhajee4136]

Thanks and very cool presentation

[@KaranJesrani]

Super informative video. Request if you can create a video how much boiling point is enough for specific location/weather.

[@leonhill6800]

Great informative video I wanted to know the difference between brake fluids and your video explained it perfectly. Lets put it this way if I can understand it, anyone can. If they don't, then. they seriously should not be messin' with brakes!!! :(

[@Pthophen]

Great knowledge I love it.

[@kenhagen938]

Excellent information! I've never educated myself on the different DOT brake fluids, just put in what the manual called for. It's nice to know I can mix any of the glycol fluids or upgrade my system for better fluid performance. Thanks.

[@danielgaskell5490]

don't mix, different additives....mixing is allowed for emergency filling only...no manufacturer suggests mixing without completely replacing later.

[@mr.terwilliger5728]

Hope you make videos again. Even if they aren’t Porsche related. Hell even narrating Harry Potter 😂

[@leonhill6800]

Oh forgot to say, can you do the same type of vid for Dexron type hydraulic fluid, please?. :)

[@esmehenderson6003]

great explanation - thanks

[@johnluby3525]

Thanks, super helpful!!

[@BensCoffeeRants]

There's a lot of DOT4 Brake fluids that are rated with higher boiling point temperatures than DOT5.1 *Ok you did mention this, good. I think the reason they do this, is because of the potential confusion or mix-ups between 5 and 5.1 brake fluids manufacturers are afraid to use that 5 number for marketing purposes. It's safer to just call it a High performance DOT4 fluid.

[@michaeldookie2037]

excellent explanation this was a very informative video

[@BurnersCars]

Great! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for stopping by!

[@IIONNICC]

Penmanship is amazing.

[@mikec1096]

Thank you!

[@ankitverma8288]

awesome very informative.

[@lawrencegatt4515]

What is the best wayto change brake Fluid. And how . ? From Australia 🇦🇺 love 💓 your program. 🥂🌲🎄

[@DG-od4si]

nice video

[@deemdoubleu]

Yes, could have mentioned colour which can be helpful for doing fluid changes

[@stevencardona6492]

You clarified a bunch of stuff for me and you stopped my cousin from making a mistake he has a Harley Davidson that has Dot 5 brake fluid he purchased dot 5. 1 I saw this video and I immediately send it to him cuz he was going to mess his bike up very good information I will give you a thumbs up

[@Jahnahgo]

Thank you, save me a bad mix op. high 5 for that.

[@familymemories462]

Fantastic

[@mmmmkkkk5366]

Please can put formula for produce dot3 ..and thanks for your explain

[@siddhantaren4010]

its amazing

[@BHOLA_MechTech]

nice video ☺

[@BurnersCars]

Thanks! I enjoyed your channel, also!

[@BHOLA_MechTech]

i have sent you a message on your facebook page please reply soon :)

[@Teletha]

what i want to know is difference between 5.1 and 5.1. Meaning the difference in quality over different brands. Is all 5.1 the same quality and will last as long?

[@anaiah02]

Oh you are good, very helpful.

[@BurnersCars]

Thanks!

[@pdiz]

Still on the fence about converting to DOT 5 for my old-school muscle car... As long as I can flush everything cleanly and/or replace with new parts, I'll probably go there, but in the meantime, I have all these bottles of DOT 3/4/5.1 to use up, so... No point in wasting resources just yet. I just like the idea my car can sit for a long period of time and not absorb water and rust out the components... I don't need the "performance" of anything other than DOT 5... But, I digress...

[@jontnoneya3404]

This is a good start BUT it's 7 years old and DOES NOT MEET FORD STANDARDS!!! My 2013 Ford Explorer Sport requires Dot 4 LV BUT it also says that the fluid MUST meet or exceed: "WSS-M6C65-A2" AND "ISO 4925 Class 6". Failure to use a fluid that meets or exceeds those standards may in fact damage your braking system. You can google those standards to find out more information but basically they have less viscosity which is needed for ABS systems that may also utilize automatic braking while using cruise control. All Poly Glycol brake fluids are NOT created equal so you should check your owners manual and BE SURE TO CHECK THE FOOTNOTES, so that you get the proper fluid for your brakes.

[@johnrodriguez1145]

What would you recommend for 2018 Honda Accord? I want to upgrade the brake fluid

[@UNR4V3L]

Great!

[@CarsSimplified]

Silicone brake fluid is compressible? I've never heard of that, and goes against what I know about liquids.

[@MyLonewolf25]

Cars Simplified ALL liquid is compressible Just some are MUCH harder to do so

[@BixbyConsequence]

Silicone fluid tends to entrain very small air bubbles that are difficult to bleed. I'm not sure if the reputation for silicone fluid's "compressibility" comes from that or just the pure fluid.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

I wonder if some brake fluids are quicker or slower than others to absorb moisture, I'd like one with good longevity because that stuff isn't so great environmentally to keep flushing for occasional track use.

[@juhdah2146]

Great class! I’m guessing DOT 4 LV is the same as DOT Plus?

[@laurynasbraskus6602]

Yes.

[@skyfusor2796]

You failed to mention the importance of those recommended fluids as all being hydroscopic thus attracting moisture and eventual rust except for Dot 5 Silicone which is none hydroscopic and will outlast other fluids several times! Silicone fluid will not damage paint like the others and must be changed regularly. Silicone fluid compressible, yes, but only slightly. "Water contamination also leads to corrosion of brake pipes, wheel cylinders, calipers, and master cylinders, resulting in pipe leaks, “frozen” cylinder pistons, accelerated seal wear, and the formation of sludge. Silicone fluids avoid these problems by being non-hydroscopic (not moisture-absorbing), while glycol fluids can absorb as much as 6% water just by being in a “sealed” automotive hydraulic system for a few years. This moisture is generally absorbed from the air. Some moisture even works its way into brake hoses. Most comes from master cylinder cap vents and resultant condensation in the air space above the fluid, and from allowing cans of brake fluid and master cylinders to remain open to the atmosphere for too long. " This quote from Moss Motoring, The Real Story, May 3, 2000

[@lawrencegatt4515]

What about Australia in the south in Melbourne Australia. State Victoria.

[@stevencardona6492]

I have a Vulcan 900 that uses Dot 4 brake fluid I will upgrade to the 5. 1 brake fluid

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Good info about the Viscosity affecting the ABS... in my case, I hate ABS so I would want a thicker fluid that doesn't trigger ABS easily. Think that would work? I thought it might have been my tires since those were changed, but I did notice ABS doesn't kick in as much and I also had my brake fluid switched to a different type. I'm sure ABS still works though when really needed, in winter with snow and ice ill have a good opportunity to test that out.

[@arthurr8670]

Abs will activate based on computer info, which it just mainly from monitoring the wheel speed sensors. Changing the fluid might make it work better, but that's about it. If you don't want abs, you might be better looking at how to electrically turn it off. I do say only do that if you drive in certain conditions, otherwise you're stopping distance will be worse. If you're abs is activating when the wheels aren't slipping, sliding, locked up, then you have an issue. Most likely a faulty wheel speed sensor. Take it somewhere that can fix that.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

@@arthurr8670 I think the issue was really sensitive brakes that basically stop hard with a light touch of the pedal, it's hard to modulate braking so combined with snowy /slippery conditions in winter it would trigger abs too often and easily which I'm fairly certain was not helping with the stopping distance. I have a less aggressive pad now and haven't noticed an issue but I really do like those more aggressive pads for the summer.

[@skylinefever]

I never realized that DOT4LV only had an effect in very cold weather. I use DOT4LV anyway.

[@nathanhouston7174]

That's because it doesn't. Its designed to assist the ABS and allow it to engage quicker and easier. ALL ABS systems have small valving.... Temp has minimal effect on brake fluid.

[@universaltech2147]

Helo Dear I hope you will be right Dear Sir I have Made a Break oil with 1. Tryclourethlne (TCE) 2. Castor Oil ( Technical Grade ) Dear Sir Problem is that i cant what is Dot level of this composition, whether its is Dot 3 or Its Dot -4 Kindly Guide me the process how i can check its Dot Level please waiting for your reply

[@jayguy173]

Well done explained in lamens terms for the normal vehicle owner.

[@BurnersCars]

Thanks! That's exactly my goal with these videos.

[@danielgaskell5490]

Long story short, change your brake fluid every two years and your brake hoses every 5-6 if you use DOT 3 or 4. The hygroscopic properties of 3 & 4 really demand a 24-month change regardless of miles. Pressures from the master cylinder will cause the inner hose to expand regardless of any coating; and the additives in 3 & 4 fluid IN EVERY BRAND OF BRAKE FLUID CAUSE RUBBER TO EXPAND regardless of the posting authors' knowledge or lack thereof. Only stainless steel braided brake lines contain an inner teflon tube; NO OEM brake lines use teflon. The author makes assumptions with no connection to how these materials behave in use or how 99% of cars on the road have only rubber hoses. Sad.

[@omamini3350]

excelent

[@bobs2440]

If DOT5 does not absorb water, why is does your table indicate a difference between it,s wet and dry boiling points? Those numbers should be the same.

[@bellahbachir6010]

شكرا

[@dickdog1]

There is actually one reason to stick with DOT 3 in system specified for such, or at least there used to be, I am not sure how far technology has advanced. The reason being is that DOT3 does not absorb water as much as DOT4, and being here in a very hot humid climate most of the year, that may be beneficial over your DOT4 /LV. Now, there is a recent brake fluid called 'Valvoline DOT3 AND 4', which is supposed to have a low water absorbtion , with ostensibly all the benefits fo the higher boiling points?

[@BurnersCars]

Excellent point. However, if you flush your brake fluid every two years, I imagine water absorption wouldn't be a major issue?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Also if wet boiling point is high enough and you never race the car, it's probably still sufficient.

[@mdev8846]

Modern Japanese cars use DOT 3 brake fluid.

[@qwertyiscoolmungel]

im actually watching for downhill mtb brakes, so just wondering if the viscocity matters for that, as im wondering if dot 4 is actually better than 5.1 for feeling less spongy? very helpful vid theres no anti lock system on mtb haha so not sure how relevant the viscocity is?

[@wasabininja5223]

2x speed feels like normal talking LOL

[@SamuelRodriguez-yj7cl]

If do not flush the whole braking system with rubbing alcohol the old dot fluid will mix with the silicone base fluid and will actually create a gummy substance. Then your screwed.

[@jeebusk]

I can't easily read the dot5.1 specs

[@arthurr8670]

I'm surprised DOT 3 is even sold now. I've been using DOT 4 for a long time, in older systems, and I have no reason to use DOT 3.

[@mdev8846]

Modern Japanese cars use DOT 3 brake fluid.

[@arthurr8670]

@@mdev8846 you can use dot 4 in place of dot 3 and get the added benefits

[@meatcreap]

This is super helpful! I'm wondering if there are any differences between the PolyGlycol formulae in terms of compatibility with seals in the calipers/master cylinders. I have a motorcycle from the 70's that specifies DOT 3 be used, however my front master cylinder needed to be replaced and I purchased one that recommends DOT 4 fluid. Am I putting any of my caliper seals or rubber lines at risk if I "upgrade" to DOT 4? Again, thank you for the clear and concise video -- I really appreciate it!

[@vedranbitcoin2827]

DOT 4 and 5.1 contain boric acid which degrades rubber. I would stick with DOT3 if other parts do not support DOT 4 or 5.1.

[@paulanderson79]

There is another issue with silicone based Dot 5 fluid. The fact that it's not hygroscopic (ie. does not absorb water) is as much its downfall as it is its benefit. Any water in the hydraulic system will accumulate in the lower parts of the system. The reason for this is that DoT 5 is less dense than water. In practice this is a serious issue. The lowest parts of the hydraulic system are the brake calipers themselves. This is where most heat is generated. We all know that water boils at around 100 degrees Celsius at standard temperature and pressure. That's the downside of DoT 5. Boiling water in calipers means brakes don't work. Now, DoT 5 is fine for racing situations when the whole system is flushed before and after each session on the track. Water has no opportunity to accumulate. On the road I would suggest avoiding DoT 5 altogether. Besides which, silicone derived DoT is an old spec now. I use synthetic DoT 4 low viscosity fluid in my cars. More accurately I get my garage to use DoT 4 LV fluid. I'm not great at working spanners LOL Have your brake fluid replaced every two years and use a top tier DoT 4 or DoT 5.1 fluid.

[@MyLonewolf25]

When you have dot 3 in a 2010+ car rip XD time for 5.1 when I upgrade the brakes

[@BurnersCars]

Not sure I follow.

[@MyLonewolf25]

Burner's Cars nah I just currently am running 3 dot because it's still stock But I'm kind surprised because it's a 2010+ car and has abs and is not running dot4 So since I'm planning a big break upgrade ( because I want disk rears ffs ) the next time I do servicing anyway I might as well get better fluid while I'm at it

[@skylinefever]

I don't know why it is surprising to see DOT3 in a 2010 and up car. My mom has a 2011 Honda CRV and the cap calls for DOT3. My dad has a 2017 Honda Fit and it calls for DOT3. I always replace with DOT4LV.

[@SamuelRodriguez-yj7cl]

You can use dot 5 but you have to flush your whole brake system with rubbing alcohol.

[@vontar1]

thank you. I am getting brakes redone on my motorcycle. it calls for Dot 4. They guy helping told me to get Dot 5 that it wouldn't matter as we are going to flush the system. I have decided to go with 5.1 and not worry about not getting all the old out and having a small mix.

[@jac15myers]

Omg i was gonna say the same thing.... He talks. Soooooo slow even at 2x speed hahaha

[@troy3456789]

I think your numbers are way off in the dot 4, dot 5, and dot 5.1 dry boiling points. They are way too low. 5 and 5.1 have over 500° dry boiling points.

[@wangsheng1640]

It is glycol ether not polyglycol.

[@danielgaskell5490]

For racing your recommendation is good - DOT 4 because of the quick reaction of the calipers, higher boiling point and lack of compression (spongy) feel. However, for street use you can't beat DOT 5 PARTICULARLY IN A NEWER CAR! Reason? The additives in DOT 3 & 4 cause the rubber in brake components to swell! Old cars need this bc who wants leakey calipers seals. HOWEVER, THE BRAKE HOSE INNER DIAMETERS GET MUSHY AND EXPAND WITH DOT 3 & 4 and so as the hose expands you get less caliper force on the pads and less friction on the rotors. DOT 5 will not ruin new hoses since no rubber swelling additives and since it doesn't attract water will not ruin the caliper attached to the lowest brake line every 5 years due to the moisture falling out of "suspension"! DOT 5 all the way!

[@BurnersCars]

Interesting. I've never personally used DOT 5 since it's an ordeal to switch over. Do you notice a spongier feel to the brakes from DOT 5's compressibility?

[@danielgaskell5490]

Yes, when you first press the pedal there is a definite "give" until resistance is felt.

[@MyLonewolf25]

Daniel Gaskell um... in the video it showed dot 5.1 as having the higher boiling point.... sooooooo Imho I'd go dot 5.1 because of that Peddle feel is usually more than fine with steal braided lines same goes for reaction it gets much better with steel lines Viscosity doesn't matter nearly as much as boiling temperatures and you'd want a lower viscosity anyway for quicker reaction because viscosity is the resistance to flow in a fluid....

[@danielgaskell5490]

BTW, you MISREAD the boiling point chart, 4, 5 and 5.1 all have the same boiling point. Don't forget the poly glycol is softening the seals of all the calipers and even steel-braided lines WILL NOT keep the inner diameter of the inner hose from increasing (there is a hose in a hose with brake hose going from the steel line to the caliper. 5.1 isn't worth your time.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Daniel Gaskell DOT 5 just plan sucks, worst pedal feel, and does not mix w the others. No point for a car that gets used, it exists for hanger maidens!

[@dinot71]

This guy has no idea what he's talking about. You cannot mix silicone and glycol together unless you don't want to have brakes in your car.

[@mohammeddmalik]

He said quite clearly that dot 5 cannot be mixed with the others...