Best brake fluids
The stability of the vehicle system depends on the quality of the brake fluid. It must retain its properties for a long time, have a high boiling point and optimal viscosity. The ratio of additives and base must comply with the State Standard, it is also important that there is no negative effect on rubber products and protection against rust. To facilitate the selection, a rating has been compiled by experts that considers the best brake fluids of this year. It details the characteristics of the nominees, identifies their advantages and disadvantages, and studies the manufacturers who produce the presented goods.
Content
Which brand of brake fluid is better to choose
Users prefer to purchase funds from trusted manufacturers - those who have proven themselves from the good side. As shown by surveys, these are mainly popular brands that can provide additional guarantees for their products. The rating considers the best companies in terms of reliability and quality of manufactured goods:
- Motul Is a well-known company from France producing lubricants. Produces synthetic-based biodegradable fluids, constantly updating and developing new lines.
- Hyundai - a manufacturer from South Korea has been making cars, spare parts and oils for them since 1967. It is the fourth largest car manufacturer in the world.
- Vag Is a brand from Germany owned by the Volkswagen Group. This well-known corporation occupies a leading position in the production of cars, motorcycles, special equipment and spare parts.
- Castrol - a trade mark from Great Britain, founded in 1899. It produces only lubricants for cars and trucks.
- Eurol Is an independent manufacturer from the Netherlands that has been supplying oils for over half a century. The company is quite popular, it is trusted by users in 80 countries.
- Liqui moly Is another brand from Germany that represents high quality brake fluids. Provides oils and is the general sponsor of Formula 1.
- Toyota - a well-known company that produces not only cars, but also lubricants for them. Provides a guarantee for its products, which, due to excellent quality, increases the service life of spare parts.
Brake fluid rating
The rating is compiled taking into account the opinions of experts and buyers. The nominees were tested to determine the best brake fluids of the year. When selecting candidates for the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:
- Boiling temperature;
- Anti-corrosion properties;
- Protection of units and mechanisms;
- Oxidation stability;
- Not aggressive to rubber parts;
- Lubricating properties;
- Used additives;
- Packaging;
- Volume;
- Manufacturer's warranty;
- Colour.
The price in the selection was also of no small importance, the experts made sure that it corresponded to the quality. All facilities are categorized by DOT (Department of Transportation). Apart from DOT 5, each product is based on polyethylene glycol and boric acid polyesters, while for DOT 5 silicone is used as a basis. From several dozen applicants, only the best were selected in terms of the totality of indicators, as a result of which they were grouped by purpose.
Best DOT 3 brake fluids
DOT 3 products are quite hygroscopic.They are able to withstand temperatures of 205 degrees for dry and 140 degrees for humid environments. This type is used mainly in cars with disc or drum brakes. In this category, there are two nominees who have been selected by user ratings.
Motul DOT 3 & 4 Brake Fluid
Motul brake fluid is suitable for cars and motorcycles with petrol, diesel or gas engines. It provides effective braking even in extreme conditions due to its high boiling point (245 degrees). It is endowed with anti-corrosion properties, plus, it is neutral to seals used in the brake system.
Advantages
- Allowed to mix with silicone-free products;
- Poured into packages of different sizes;
- Even in a “wet” state, it boils at high temperature values;
- Inexpensive.
disadvantages
- Requires annual replacement;
- Slightly increases viscosity when frozen.
Buyers in reviews share that Brake Fluid is prone to moisture absorption, so it needs to be changed often. A big plus is that it can be mixed, so the replacement will not be difficult even for beginners.
Hyundai Brake Fluid DOT-3
Hyundai brake fluid is suitable for Hyundai and Kia cars. It retains fluidity well at very low temperatures, it is used even in systems with a hydraulic drive, plus it is allowed to be mixed with other types of brake fluids. Users note that it is allowed to change the material every two to three years, with a mileage of up to 40,000 km, so it belongs to fairly economical products. At the same time, the cost of Brake Fluid is quite small, which corresponds to the budget class of cars for which it is intended.
Advantages
- Suitable for ABC systems;
- Has antifoam additives;
- There are anti-corrosion properties;
- High boiling point;
- Virtually does not reduce properties when moisturized.
disadvantages
- Presented in small cans only;
- Poorly removes wear products from the system.
It is noteworthy that Hyundai DOT-3 is difficult to find in stores. Buyers note that they could only buy brake fluid in specialized salons.
Best DOT 4 brake fluids
Fluids marked DOT 4 are used primarily in disc brake vehicles in urban traffic. The maximum boiling point in them is 230 degrees in a dry environment and 155 in a humid one. Due to its versatile properties, this category is the most common among modern cars. Out of a dozen contenders for the title of the best fluids of this type, only two were selected, which successfully passed the reliability tests.
Vag Universal DOT-4
The variant is recommended for Volkswagen cars. The kinematic viscosity of this fluid is quite high, the additives protect the brake system from corrosion and wear, and the material is suitable for both cars with the DOT 3 classification and for cars with the DOT-4 class. Vag Universal is presented in a small, metal tube. Thanks to the reliable material, it is protected from negative UV rays, therefore it has a fairly long shelf life. The manufacturer provides additional guarantees for the quality of the product, since the braking system functions stably even in adverse conditions.
Advantages
- Good low temperature viscosity;
- Excellent lubricating properties;
- Does not affect the technical condition of seals and brake hoses.
disadvantages
- The manufacturer does not indicate compatibility with abc;
- High price.
Despite the fact that Vag does not confirm the possibility of combining funds with the ABC system, thanks to testing, this moment was revealed.
The nominee is definitely suitable for the Antilock Brake System, so there will be no difficulties when replacing.
Castrol Brake Fluid DOT4
Comparatively expensive, but good brake fluid pillbox 4. Castrol is presented in a compact, opaque 1 liter bottle, the packaging is hermetically sealed, and quality marks are presented on the labels.This fluid can be mixed with other products of the DOT 3 or DOT4, DOT 5.1 categories and is intended for use in all braking systems, even with high loads. The boiling point is 265 degrees in dry form, and when wet, it reaches 175. Users note that Castrol needs to be changed every two years, while the characteristics allow the product to be used for fast driving.
Advantages
- Protects against corrosion;
- Suitable for all passenger cars;
- Conforms to more stringent standards;
- Available in most stores.
disadvantages
- There is a risk of running into a fake;
- High price.
Buyers note that when ordering Brake Fluid DOT4 via the Internet or buying a product in retail stores, there is a risk of acquiring a fake. Therefore, users are advised to check for certificates and guarantees from the seller.
Best brake fluid DOT 5
This category stands out significantly from the rest, since DOT 5 is not compatible with other types of fluids. It is noteworthy that it does not absorb water and does not corrode paint at a high boiling point. This type of DOT is mainly used for special vehicles that operate in difficult climatic conditions. The experts identified only one nominee, which became the best in all selection criteria.
Eurol Brakefluid DOT 5 silicone
Low-toxic brake fluid. Reviews for Eurol Brakefluid DOT 5 silicone are quite flattering, it has a wide operating temperature range (from 40 to 260), good lubricating properties and retains its stability throughout its entire service life. It is suitable for racing cars, iconic motorcycles and some passenger cars. It has a high level of performance and, judging by user reviews, Brakefluid DOT 5 needs to be changed every two to three years. It should also be remembered that this type is not compatible with other brake fluids.
Advantages
- Has anti-corrosion properties;
- Does not damage paint;
- Available in several volumes;
- Does not affect rubber parts.
disadvantages
- High price.
It is noteworthy that Eurol is dark purple instead of the standard red. This does not in any way affect the properties of the liquid, on the contrary, buyers positively highlight the nominee.
Best DOT 5.1 brake fluids
This type of fluid is exclusively suitable for sports cars. They have a high boiling point, low hygroscopicity, plus they have good viscosity. In this category, two nominees are considered that are in the greatest demand.
Liqui Moly Brake Fluid DOT 5.1
The dot 5.1 brake fluid is suitable for ABC systems. It is formulated with unique additives that provide reliable corrosion protection and reduce oxidation. This brake fluid is compatible with others, it protects the system from vapor lock and has good viscosity-temperature properties. Buyers note that it needs to be changed once a year, and together with the low price, this is a pretty good indicator. Supplied in opaque bottles of different sizes, each has a quality mark and a corporate logo.
Advantages
- Possesses excellent lubrication;
- Has a high boiling point;
- Good thermal stability;
- Suitable for sports cars.
disadvantages
- Differences in performance are possible depending on the batch.
In general, customers like the Brake Fluid DOT 5.1 series, they note the compliance of the real properties with those declared by the manufacturer, plus the fluid is compatible with elastomers. The product is widespread enough to be easily found in stores.
Toyota Universal DOT5.1
Relatively expensive but reliable vehicle for passenger cars. It has a high temperature range and good anti-corrosion properties, which increases the service life of the brake system. Suitable for mixing with other brake systems without silicone and mineral bases and has good hygroscopicity.Users note that when replacing standard fluids with Toyota, braking becomes smoother, more accurate. Universal DOT5.1 is suitable for cars with a four-stroke engine running on petrol, gas, diesel or biofuel.
Advantages
- Suitable for intensive work;
- Compatible with sealing materials;
- Not aggressive to hoses and parts.
disadvantages
- Expensive.
The pour point of Toyota Universal is -50, so the liquid can be used in harsh winter conditions.
Boiling begins at 280 degrees, which indicates the possibility of using the liquid in sports cars.
Which brake fluid is better to buy
When choosing a product, it is better to focus on its quality, characteristics and classification. The lower the class, the lower the cost of the product, the same is true for hygroscopicity. It is also worth considering the effect of liquid on rubber elements, so DOT 3 separates them, and DOT 1, on the contrary, combines them.
When choosing which brake fluid to fill, the experts named the following nominees the best:
- Hyundai Brake Fluid stands out in the DOT-3 category. Has antifoam, anti-corrosion properties and is suitable for ABC systems.
- Castrol Brake Fluid marked in class DOT-4. Suitable for all passenger cars, mixes easily with DOT 3.4 or 5.1 fluids.
- Eurol Brakefluid silicone became the best in the DOT-5 type. It does not attack rubber elements, does not damage paint and has low toxicity.
- Toyota Universal highlighted in the category DOT 5.1. It has good hygroscopicity, has a high boiling point and is suitable for high-intensity work.
The quality of the product must comply with the stated standards, this is what will affect the stable functioning of the brake system. It is necessary to change and check it in time, then the car will serve for many years. Also, experts advise to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations and strictly follow the safety rules.
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