jeff1941

Es300 1997
what brake fluid is best for my car?

Im thinking of either Valvoline Brake Fluid: Dot 3 & 4; Synpower(R); 32 oz. or Prestone Brake Fluid: Dot 3; High Temp; 32 oz. from the locol auto store
Which type of fluid will damage the brake system?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Look on your cap. I believe yours is DOT 3, so any fluid that is DOT 3 approved. Or you can go with Toyota fluid. a bottle (about the same as the ones you get at autozone) is about $4. Similarly priced, but at least you might feel better about using Toyota

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

really, use whatever you want EXCEPT dot 5

3, 4 and 5.1 are all compatible with your system... really, unless you are racing, it's not gonna matter a whole lot, so long as it's clean, no moisture or air...

LexFather

Yeah, all the brands mentioned are fine and none there really superior to the other for daily driving.

Lexmex

ATE SuperBlue is my favorite, I have used that one you mentioned from Valvoline for a few years, also not too bad, but if you aren't going to be changing it out to often, ATE is quite nice.

JesLet

iTrader: (19)

Valvoline SuperSyn.

Lexusfreak

Another for ATE Super Blue! AKA Smurf Blood. It's awesome stuff.

radicalrev

iTrader: (2)

how much brake fluid do you need to replace??

Lexmex

Usually about 1 liter.

radicalrev

iTrader: (2)

thanks!! ATE super blue then...

radicalrev

iTrader: (2)

one more question, so all DOT 4 brake fluids are compatible with DOT 3 required cars?? The 2IS brake fluid is DOT 3...and ATE super blue is DOT 4...so it doesn't matter that I use the ATE DOT 4 brake fluid right?? just want to clear things up...dun wanna have brake failure in the middle of the highway...haha

jeff1941

From what i was told dot 3 and dot 4 is the same except dot 4 has a higher boiling point so its better.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Check with your owner's manual to see if DOT 4 is okay. A lot of times, the chemistry difference between the DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids are not compatible. They may differ and the rubber lines, seals, etc in your brake system may not do well with DOT 4. Sometimes manufacturer makes DOT 4 that are specified to be compatible cars where DOT 3 is required.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

incorrect...

the only difference with DOT 4 is higher boiling points...

DOT 5 is the only of the above listed that is not compatible... it is a silicon based fluid, whereas the others are not... (they are glycol based, and composition depends upon manufacturer, not DOT rating)

they however, should not be mixed - there is a possibility of a chemical interaction, but highly unlikely...

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

here's an interesting read I just found: http://www.motorcycleproject.com/mot...rakefluid.html