Synthetic Brake Fluid or Non

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Oct 2, 2023 | 09:46 AM
  #1  
I'm coming up on 3 years ownership of my 2021 ES 350 (12,000 miles) and preparing for brake fluid change. I'm bringing my own to my independent mechanic buddy. He says DOT 3 brands are all pretty much all the same, mentioned Prestone. During shopping for it, I see there is now synthetic brake fluid---a bit more expensive but only the best for my Lexus if synthetic makes it the best. So my question its whether synthetic brake fluid will perform better and last longer. Three years from this change, the Lexus warranty will be expired so I'll not worry about changing it again three years from now iff the synthetic will last longer. What is the consensus on this issue? Is it any better than regular brake fluid?
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Oct 2, 2023 | 09:52 AM
  #2  
I used to DIY brake fluid flush and things like that and my general plan was to use OEM fluids in case a different brand somehow wouldn’t mix correctly. So I get antifreeze, brake fluid power steering fluid and differential oil from the dealership.
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Oct 2, 2023 | 10:10 AM
  #3  
Don't think you can buy conventional brake fluid anymore all are made from polyethylene glcol. I use whatever DOT 4 is on sale.

edit - Amsoil has a nice comparison
https://blog.amsoil.com/dot-3-and-do...he-difference/
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Oct 2, 2023 | 10:26 AM
  #4  
It's mostly all the same in terms of brand. Use the highest spec your manual says is allowed.

changing the brake fluid essentially removes moisture and air which in turn prevents corrosion and gives you better brake feel and effectiveness.
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Oct 2, 2023 | 10:51 AM
  #5  
Looking at DOT 4, as car is in Florida in winter and warm weather in summer up north. This brand seems impressive.

Red Line 90402 Rl-600 Brake Fluid, 16 Ounce, 2 Pack $44.00 for 32 oz.

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Oct 2, 2023 | 11:14 AM
  #6  
Quote: I'm coming up on 3 years ownership of my 2021 ES 350 (12,000 miles) and preparing for brake fluid change. I'm bringing my own to my independent mechanic buddy. He says DOT 3 brands are all pretty much all the same, mentioned Prestone. During shopping for it, I see there is now synthetic brake fluid---a bit more expensive but only the best for my Lexus if synthetic makes it the best. So my question its whether synthetic brake fluid will perform better and last longer. Three years from this change, the Lexus warranty will be expired so I'll not worry about changing it again three years from now iff the synthetic will last longer. What is the consensus on this issue? Is it any better than regular brake fluid?
I recommend to let a Lexus dealership do it, they have all the tool and supply needed for this job and they will follow a written procedure from Toyota/Lexus. Hard to screw this up if you ask me, also cheap enough to let them do it and don't have to worry about anything else. Maybe do it when you are due for an oil change. Last I did it was $130 I think. Let your trusted mechanic do bigger and more expensive jobs such as brakes
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Oct 2, 2023 | 03:35 PM
  #7  
Use OEM fluid.
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Oct 3, 2023 | 06:59 AM
  #8  
Quote: Use OEM fluid.
Is it Lexus brand or Toyota brand?
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Oct 3, 2023 | 10:27 AM
  #9  
Mobil 1 makes it for them and they rebrand it Toyota or Lexus.
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