

No, not all DOT 3 brake fluids are compatible. Although you’d expect all brands of DOT 3 brake fluid to be compatible with each other, this is hardly the case. Regarding viscosity, DOT 3 brake fluid has a relatively low viscosity of 1500 at -40F while DOT 4 has a viscosity of 1800 at the same temperature. DOT 3 brake fluid has a high hygroscopic level compared to DOT 4 and DOT 5 brake fluids. Remember that the brake fluids are largely differentiated by their boiling points, and the brake fluids with the higher DOT number has a higher the boiling point.īesides the boiling points, the brake fluids are also differentiated by hygroscopy or the affinity of the brake fluid to hold water. In dry conditions, DOT 3 has a minimum boiling point of 401F and 284F in wet conditions, against DOT 4’s boiling point of 446F and 311F in dry and wet conditions respectively. Although this boiling point is lower than that of DOT 4 brake fluid, it’s enough to enhance the function of the brake fluid in vehicles that do not require aggressive braking. Glycol gives the brake fluid its affinity for water. Note that DOT 3’s brake fluid ability to handle the high heat in wet or dry conditions comes from its structure – DOT 3 brake fluid is made of ether and glycol.

It also functions in wet and dry conditions, also allowing the fluid the capacity to handle the high heat conditions in the brake system. This brake fluid has the capacity to handle the heat. The popularity of the DOT 3 brake fluid also comes from this brake fluid having the standard measurements necessary for your vehicle’s normal braking system. But, not all Asian or European cars use DOT 3 brake fluid, and a good number actually use DOT 4 brake fluid. DOT 3 is also the most common brake fluid used in domestic, as well as the Asian vehicles. Thanks to the glycol (alcohol) component, this fluid is hygroscopic, and it absorbs all moisture from the brake fluid. So, if you’ve been wondering about where the DOT resistance on the brake fluid comes from, know that it comes from the US Department of Transportation’s that issues all the details on the standards of the different motor vehicle fluids in the company.ĭOT 3-brake fluid is a glycol-based brake fluid. To ensure that the brake fluid you use is ideal for the prevailing conditions around the use of the vehicle, the Department of Transportation (DOT) rates the brake fluids depending on the fluid’s temperature resistance. The temperature resistance of brake fluids is the factor that gives rise to different classes of brake fluids. What does the DOT rating on brake fluid mean?
