Ok this is a dumb question about brake fluid. Whats the diffrences in Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid? Is it just temperature? I saw the warning to only use Dot 4 after I finished bleeding dot 3 through the system. So will Dot 3 be ok until I do stainless steel lines or Do I need to flush it and use Dot 4? Thanks in advance guys.
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Can someone please help me with this? -
Dot 3 should be OK, but don't overuse your brakes. Remember heat is the killer. Riding the brakes down a long mountain is going to build more heat than a hard short stop.
Use a lower gear rather than riding the brakes.John
88 ///M3 Cinnabar
84 318i Black
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dot 4 has different additives in it and wont harm natural rubber seals and does not absorb water as readilyComment
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As has been stated, the primary difference between DOT 3 & 4 are the boiling points. Dot 4 fluid has a higher boiling point, and hence, is better suited to performance vehicles where the brakes see more use and the additional heat that results. DOT 4's resistance to absorbing water shouldn't really be a factor since you should flush and refill the brake system at least every other year anyway...
If that's not enough tech for you, you could peruse this link:
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Re: question about brake fluid.
Not a dumb question at all. There's alot of misinformation out there about brake fluid.Originally posted by formula driver
You will be fine with the DOT3 fluid. Next time you flush your brake fluid, you can get the DOT4 and run it thru there. As some folks have said, the killer of brake fluid is when it gets contaminated- usually with water. That's why you should flush your brake fluid every year or so, to keep from having this problem.
Bret.Comment
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