I need to change the brake fluid in a car and was doing some research. DOT 3 brake fluid has a minimum wet boiling point of 284F. The AutoZone Super Heavy Duty Dot 3 is synthetic and has a minimum Wet Boiling Point of 368F. It has better specs then the Prestone and is only $6.50 a quart.
AutoZone
Clutch Fluid Type: DOT 3 Flash Point (Deg): 250 Minimum Dry Boiling Point (Deg): 519 Minimum Wet Boiling Point (Deg): 368 Oil Composition: Synthetic
Prestone
Clutch Fluid Type: DOT 3 Flash Point (Deg): 250 Minimum Dry Boiling Point (Deg): 470 Minimum Wet Boiling Point (Deg): 284 Oil Composition: Synthetic
Has any one use the AutoZone Super Heavy Duty Dot 3? What were your experiences?
..Do not use synthetic unless you fear spillage or water asorbtion flush system,, then use level or grade 4 brake fluid if worried about heat or racing or you drive fast in a mountanous area google "synthetic brake fluid" or just "brake fluid"
Virtually any DOT 3/4 brake fluid will be correct for a street-driven Fiero. Incidentally, all DOT 3/4 brake fluids are "synthetic" (polyethylene glycols and glycol ethers), so any such labeling is mainly just marketing hyperbole. DOT 4 brake fluids will have somewhat higher boiling points than DOT 3 fluids.
The only key point is never to mix DOT 5 fluid, which is silicone based, with DOT 3, 4, or 5.1 brake fluids. Note that DOT 5 and DOT 5.1 fluids are totally different and incompatible even with each other.
[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-01-2011).]
IP: Logged
02:26 PM
solotwo Member
Posts: 5375 From: Grand Rapids, MI. USA Registered: Jun 2002
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Valvoline Clutch Fluid Type: DOT 3/4 Flash Point (Deg): Not Stated Minimum Dry Boiling Point (Deg): 480 503* Minimum Wet Boiling Point (Deg): 311 343* Oil Composition: Not Stated
* The site had list one way and the PDF had it listed another way.
Either way both specs are less than the Autozone numbers. I use to use Valvoline SynPower Brake Fluid Dot 3/4, however I can find it locally. I just read that it was discontinued.
IP: Logged
12:04 AM
Austrian Import Member
Posts: 3919 From: Monterey, CA Registered: Feb 2007
I use Prestone DOT 4. No need for heavy duty brake fluid in a Fiero. Also, buy small containers and throw the unused portion away, as it absorbs water, as soon as you open the container. It stays fresher that way.
Originally posted by ILVMYGT: I use to use Valvoline SynPower Brake Fluid Dot 3/4, however I can find it locally. I just read that it was discontinued.
Yup... They stop all SynPower brand of chemicals but Still in stock at most places... Likely means they stopped using SynPower name. See http://www.valvoline.com/fa.../synpower-chemicals/ I'll update my cave soon.
New products costs a bit more, $5-8 in quart size, so don't brother w/ any Fluid that meet DOT3 only.
quote
Originally posted by Austrian Import:
I use Prestone DOT 4. No need for heavy duty brake fluid in a Fiero. Also, buy small containers and throw the unused portion away, as it absorbs water, as soon as you open the container. It stays fresher that way.
True... Depend on size of job... Small to top off, Front Brake work, etc. Quarts for filling empty rear calipers... Doing whole car can eat a quart, maybe more.
[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-04-2011).]
I rotate between ATE Super Blue, and Motul RBF 600 brake fluids. The difference in color makes it really easy to determine when you've flushed the system completely.
