Synthetic vs. Regular Brake Fluid

The last synthetic brake fluid that I used was Valvoline DOT 4. It is compatible with non-synthetics and DOT 3, not that I ever used 3, but you could if you were stranded with nothing else.

In any case, I would go ahead and use the synthetic, though the other stuff works fine, the main factor probably being whether you bleed the brakes every year or so.

One large can will competely bleed your system with some left over and it is only a few extra bucks for the synthetic, I think it was $5.99 versus $3.79, something like that.

Don't forget the bleed order like I did. Right rear first, left rear second, right front third, & left front last. Also, keep a hose handy, even after draining the fluid it is going to get everywhere, and you obviously have to be quick to get any off of the paint if it makes contact. This last part may already be obvious to you, but someone else may benefit from knowing it.

HTH,

Pat

YOU CAN FIND DOT5 BRAKE FLUID, IT IS NOT RARE. IT CAN BE GREAT STUFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN USED FROM THE START LIKE ON MY FRIEND'S MOTORCYCLE.

THIS ARTICLE, HOWEVER, EXPLAINS WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO STAY WITH DOT4, ESPECIALLY ON AN OLDER SYSTEM THAT HAS USED NON-SILICONE BASED BRAKE FLUID FOR 16 YEARS. (cap locks off)

Pat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"RepoRealEstateInvestor" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g10g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

I believe DOT 5 is getting very difficult to find, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 have pretty much replaced it and will work just fine in your car.

FWIW, most recommend against DOT 5 in cars with ABS.

NOTE: DOT 5 is a silicon brake fluid, I've been told that European DOT

5 fluid is NOT a silicon brake fluid but a glycol fluid that is the same as DOT 5.1 sold here. Can someone verify that please?