Stopping your car 101: Brake Fluid: Choosing the right fluid can take some thought.
Firstly Brake Fluid 'BF' is a liquid that withstands compression and has a high boiling point. If a liquid boils it turns into a gas (steam) which can then be compressed. This is a cause of a spongy brake pedal. DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are hygroscopic and absorb moisture over time. This is why it is recommended to change your BF regularly.
Basic Rule of Thumb:
- Any BF with a Dry Boil Point 'DBP' less than 280°C/360°F is a road use BF, this includes DOT 5.1
- Racing BF has a DBP of over 300°C/580°F,these are still mainly DOT 4 rated.
-The more heat generated in your brakes the higher temperature rating your BF needs to be. This temperature can be generated from long heavy brake applications and/or from thermally inefficient disc pads transferring heat into your calipers and/or your brakes being too small for how the vehicle is being used.
Please note: DOT 5.1 is a fast road BF designed for longer service intervals, DOT 5 is a silicon based fluid and should not be considered for race use.
Firstly Brake Fluid 'BF' is a liquid that withstands compression and has a high boiling point. If a liquid boils it turns into a gas (steam) which can then be compressed. This is a cause of a spongy brake pedal. DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are hygroscopic and absorb moisture over time. This is why it is recommended to change your BF regularly.
Basic Rule of Thumb:
- Any BF with a Dry Boil Point 'DBP' less than 280°C/360°F is a road use BF, this includes DOT 5.1
- Racing BF has a DBP of over 300°C/580°F,these are still mainly DOT 4 rated.
-The more heat generated in your brakes the higher temperature rating your BF needs to be. This temperature can be generated from long heavy brake applications and/or from thermally inefficient disc pads transferring heat into your calipers and/or your brakes being too small for how the vehicle is being used.
Please note: DOT 5.1 is a fast road BF designed for longer service intervals, DOT 5 is a silicon based fluid and should not be considered for race use.
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