Varieties of brake fluids:

which one to choose?

Varieties of brake fluids: which one to choose?

In modern cars, manufacturers use one of two braking systems - pneumatic or hydraulic. The second type is mainly put on passenger cars. For the system to work effectively, on average, once every 2-3 years, it is necessary to change the fluid in it, which is responsible for braking the car.

 

Now there are four popular brake fluid types on the market that correspond to the American Department Of Transportation classification – DOT 4, DOT 4 LV, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. However, how do they differ and which one to choose for your car?

Key points about brake fluid

 

Brake fluid is the substance used in the hydraulic brake system. It transfers pressure from the master brake cylinder to the working wheel brake cylinders. The efficiency of the entire system is affected by 5 main characteristics of the product:

High boiling point
Low temperature for solidification
Anti-corrosion and lubricating properties
Low ability to absorb moisture
Chemical neutrality to rubber parts

We compared four popular products

on main criteria to help you decide:

DOT 4 DOT 4 LV DOT 5 DOT 5.1
Boiling point (dry) 230 °C 265 °C 260 °C 260 °C
Boiling point (wet) 155 °C 170 °C 180 °C 180 °C
Max viscosity 1800 700 900 900
Type on polyglycol basis on polyglycol basis on silicone basis on polyglycol basis

 

 

There is also DOT 3 on the market, but this product is not suitable for many modern cars.

 

DOT 5 preceded DOT 5.1. It differs in type - it is based on silicone, not polyglycol. Thanks to this technology, the substance can be changed every 5 years, but it is more expensive and does not surpass analogues in terms of characteristics.

DOT 4 LV is considered optimal.

Unlike the other products, this fluid has a lower viscosity, which allows for faster pressure build up and down, which in turn provides improved brake response (prevents brake fade).

BIZOL Brake fluids

Brake Fluid DOT 4 LV

Benefits

  1. special low-viscosity formula for ABS, ASC, ESP, ESC and EBD systems
  2. prevents brake fade, exceeds DOTu202f4 requirements and the newest ISO 4925 Class 6 norm
  3. superior wet boiling point

Product Description

Brake Fluid DOT4 LV has been formulated to complement the latest high-performance electronic braking systems such as ABS, ASC, ESP, ESC and EBD. The...

Brake Fluid DOT4 LV has been formulated to complement the latest high-performance electronic braking systems such as ABS, ASC, ESP, ESC and EBD. The low viscosity of the brake fluid allows a faster increase and decrease of the pressure providing improved responsiveness to varying braking demands as compared to standard DOT4 fluid. BIZOL DOT4LV works under the most demanding conditions and can be used in all hydraulic clutch and brake systems where DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid is specified. BIZOLDOT4LV also provides an improved wet boiling point and effective protection against corrosion. It is non-aggressive against rubber and plastic materials.

Specifications


Chrysler FMVSS 116 DOT 4 | DOT 3/4 | ISO 4925 (class 3)/4925 (class 4)/4925 (class 6) | SAE J 1703/J 1704

Available Packages

Article Nr.Packaging
2874300.5 L

Brake Fluid DOT 4

Benefits

  1. ABS compatible
  2. prevents brake fade and exceeds DOTu202f4 standard requirements
  3. protects against performance decline due to water absorption

Product Description

BIZOL DOT4 is a modern brake fluid that has been formulated to work under the most demanding conditions and can be used in all hydraulic clutch and...

BIZOL DOT4 is a modern brake fluid that has been formulated to work under the most demanding conditions and can be used in all hydraulic clutch and brake systems where DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid is specified. BIZOLDOT4 also has a very high boiling point and provides effective protection against corrosion. BIZOLDOT4 is a high-performance brake fluid which is designed to respond to varying braking demands, meaning it is compatible with ABS braking systems. It is non-aggressive against rubber and plastic materials.

Specifications


Chrysler FMVSS 116 DOT 4 | DOT 3/4 | ISO 4925 (class 3)/4925 (class 4) | SAE J 1703/J 1704

Available Packages

Article Nr.Packaging
2874200.5 L

Brake fluid replacement tips

For your convenience, we have also collected some basic tips for changing the brake fluid in the system:

  • Replace brake fluid every two years.
  • Never mix brake fluids of different types.
  • In cars since 2007, we recommend using DOT 4 LV brake fluid, although this is not always clearly stated by the car manufacturer.
  • DOT 4 LV may be used if DOT 4 is recommended.

We do not recommend changing the fluid on your own, because the specialist additionally will diagnose the car, inspect the brake discs, calipers, etc. And we recommend choosing the best brake fluid to be effective with Bizol.

B_effective

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