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The braking system is one of the most important systems of the car, which is responsible for safety during movement and maneuvering. Its work depends primarily on what brake fluids will be in it. The main thing is to choose the highest quality ones. The article displays the rating of the best brake fluids for different types of transport. Characteristics, prices, advantages and disadvantages, selection criteria. The best brake fluid according to motorists reviews.

Types of brake fluid

Brake fluids are classified according to their boiling point:

• Dot 3 — boiling point is 205 ° C, and the base is glycol ether.
• Class Dot 4 — the base is also a glycol ether, however, it contains an admixture of borate esters, which significantly affects the properties of the liquid, increasing the boiling point, which in the case of a pure liquid is 230 ° C.
• Dot 5 — Has a high boiling point of 260°C and is more compressible than glycol ether brake fluid.
• Dot 5.1 are liquids identical to those of class 4, but with the difference that silicone has been added to their composition. The boiling point is 260°C.

Glycol brake fluids are inherently hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the atmosphere over time. Silicon-based fluid is hydrophobic in nature, so it does not absorb moisture and provides longer life. All glycol based fluids are compatible and can be mixed. At the same time, silicon-based brake fluid must not be mixed with any other type of brake fluid.

Best DOT 3 Brake Fluid

Castrol Motorcycle Brake Fluid DOT 3

Made on the basis of polyglycol, is one of the most common brake fluids for all motorcycles and scooters. Wet and dry boiling points exceed minimum standards, providing extra headroom for boiling points under extreme braking conditions. The oil has anti-corrosion properties that protect brake components and rubber seals. It provides increased braking force compared to competing products.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5 l
Boiling temperature	275°C
Country of Origin	Great Britain

Review: “I love Castrol’s fury. Changed the fluid in the complete system, now the brakes feel amazing. Stopping distance, pedal feel, feedback is much better than it was.”

MOTUL DOT 3&4 Brake Fluid

This hydraulic brake fluid is designed for ABS, disc and drum brake systems requiring DOT 3 or DOT 4. It is a versatile product that can be easily combined with conventional fluids. It has a high boiling point of 245°C, which minimizes evaporation and brake failure. Designed to improve vehicle performance and durability. Fluid characteristics far exceed the minimum recommended.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5 l
Boiling temperature	245°C
Country of Origin	France

Review: «Great strut brake fluid at a great price — I’ve been using it for a few years now and it works consistently.»

Best DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Sintec SUPER DOT 4

This is one of the low-cost glycol-based brake fluids of the domestic manufacturer, which meets all quality standards. Demonstrates acceptable characteristics, only slightly yielding to the leaders of the rating. Designed for all types of vehicles where the instruction manual says that DOT4 fluid must be used. This product ensures reliable operation of the system, is neutral with respect to seals and metal alloys used in the brake system, and protects against corrosion.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	240°C
Country of Origin	Russia

Review: “Used this product many times, never disappoints, very good value for money.”

FELIX DOT 4

Another domestic product with high operating temperature and viscosity. The «dry» liquid boils at 250°C. It includes a package of special additives that protect machine components from corrosion and reduce wear. Despite the rather good characteristics, after a year of operation, the liquid begins to lose its properties. The system needs to be replaced every few years, but to avoid danger, it is best to top up the brake fluid after half its life.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	250°C
Country of Origin	Russia

Review: “This is good value for money, fixed the handbrake warning in my car, the product is very easy to use.”

Castrol Brake Fluid DOT 4

The product is used in brake and hydraulic clutch systems. It is considered one of the best for vehicles operating in difficult weather conditions. It consists of a mixture of polyalkylene glycol and borate ether along with other high quality additives and inhibitors. The preparation is designed in such a way that the vapor lock formation temperature is higher than in conventional brake fluid. Provides the brake system with the highest level of protection against corrosion and heat.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	260°C
Country of Origin	Germany

Review: “I always use only this liquid, I buy it in a trusted store to avoid fakes. After the replacement, the pedal became tighter, but in general the brake works confidently.”

Best DOT 5 Brake Fluid

Eurol Brake Fluid DOT 5 silicone

Modern silicone-based brake fluid is a universal product and can be used in vehicles equipped with the latest ABS and ESP systems. It has high thermal stability and excellent mechanical stability, which makes it suitable for use in the braking systems of racing motorcycles and cars. The low compressibility of the fluid ensures that the brakes act quickly at the moment you press the pedal, contributing to increased driving comfort and safety on the road. It is not miscible with other brake fluids and must be completely removed from the system before refilling.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5 l
Boiling temperature	275°C
Country of Origin	Holland

Review: “I use this fluid because the temperature is stable and the brakes last long enough compared to other fluids I have previously used. Very satisfied».

TRW/Lucas PFB125 DOT 5

Specialized hydraulic brake fluid designed for vehicle systems that require DOT 5. Silicone-based, will not absorb water or damage paint or chrome surfaces. Thanks to its special composition, it ensures optimum braking performance and a high level of safety. Effectively prevents corrosion and deposits, and also provides optimal lubrication of seals in the hydraulic system. Product not compatible with DOT 4, DOT 3, DOT 5.1 fluids

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.25 l
Boiling temperature	280°C
Country of Origin	Germany

Review: «Great quality! The brakes work confidently, the pedal began to work harder. I had to wait two weeks for delivery. The product is of high quality, it is not a pity for the money spent.”

Best Brake Fluid DOT 5.1

Motul Brake Fluid DOT 5.1

It is a fully synthetic polyglycol based brake fluid for disc and drum brake systems. Particularly suitable for vehicles with anti-lock braking system (ABS). The product has high performance and stability. It has high dry and wet boiling points. Behaves neutrally with respect to seals in the brake system. Provides the opportunity to use the car without the need to change the brake fluid for 2 years.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	272°C
Country of Origin	France

Review: “For three years I used different brake fluid, which I was very disappointed because they only lasted a season. I later started using Motul DOT 5.1 and had no more durability issues. In terms of price per litre, it’s a bit cheaper than the ones I’ve bought before.»

Liqui Moly Brake Fluid DOT 5.1

This brake fluid has high wet and dry boiling points, which contributes to safe braking over a long period. The optimum service life of the composition is only achieved when it is used separately. Suitable for bleeding all disc, drum and ABS brake systems. Miscible and compatible with high quality synthetic brake fluids. Provides a high degree of lubricity to all moving components in the hydraulic brake circuit and protection against the formation of vapor bubbles.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	0.25 l
Boiling temperature	275°C
Country of Origin	Germany

Review: “Good liquid for the price. Chose on the reviews and settled on it. Good lubricating properties, compatible with other fluids, high quality.”

Comma BF51L Dot 5.1

Brake fluid from a British company has been developed in accordance with international standards. Supports all types of brakes and hydraulic clutches and is ideal for vehicles equipped with ABS systems. Designed for safe and even braking in extreme temperatures. It has good protective and lubricating properties. Has a very high dry boiling point of -278° C. Can be safely mixed with other DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1 fluids.

Characteristics	Meaning
Volume	1.5 l
Boiling temperature	278°C
Country of Origin	Great Britain

Review: “The seller advised this particular liquid, no doubt decided to buy it. The brakes are in perfect order, I replace according to the schedule. So far it hasn’t let me down.»

Selection Tips

To choose the right brake fluid for your car, you should pay attention to its physical parameters, which will prove its high quality. First of all, the concentration of the solvent is important. In a good liquid, it should fluctuate between 70-80%. Another important factor is the lubricant concentration, which is typically 20-25%.

Also worth paying attention to:

• heat resistance — the higher the boiling point of the liquid, the better;
• kinetic viscosity — determines the resistance to fluid flow in a hydraulic system;
• hygroscopicity — the ability to dissolve water molecules that can damage the brake system;
• The concentration of inhibitors is a group of additional substances that provide protection against corrosion and oxidation of the liquid.

How often should brake fluid be changed?

Brake fluid is undoubtedly one of the most important fluids in a car. Its quality directly affects safety. According to the recommendations, the brake fluid should be changed every 40-50 thousand. km or every two years. It is also worth doing when a decrease in braking power is noticeable. Brake fluid keeps the hydraulic brake system working. Therefore, it is necessary to keep it in perfect condition in order to achieve the best braking quality.

The listed brake fluid is presented in different grades so that each reader can choose the best composition for their tasks. These tools are the most reliable and high quality on the market today.

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