Thread Starter
I’m getting ready to do a brake upgrade on my ‘14 SV Sport. Slotted rotors, pads, and stainless lines. Wondering which brake fluid to go with upon install? Brand and capacity would be helpful. Thanks guys!
Senior Member
I used DOT3. Doesn’t require anything special and unless your autocross game,it’s rare that you’ll ever get them that hot to require a higher boiling point
Junior Member
DOT 3 or 5. DO NOT use DOT 4.
The only difference between 3 and 5 is the max temperature tolerance. DOT 5 is backward compatible but mostly for racing applications as far as I understand.
Unless you are on the track you will not need more than DOT 3.
The only difference between 3 and 5 is the max temperature tolerance. DOT 5 is backward compatible but mostly for racing applications as far as I understand.
Unless you are on the track you will not need more than DOT 3.
Senior Member
I’ll tell you how I was taught. I’m lo experts so I’ll leave what I say up to opinion.
DOT5 will work no problem. Yes has a higher boil point. Great for avoiding brake fade. 5 is silicon based. 3&4 are not. So be sure to completely flush and 3 or 4 fluid out before putting 5. 3 and 4 have different a base then 5 and are not compatible. That will cause bubble gaps in your line because they won’t mix.
The second reason I wouldn’t do DOT 5 is because DOT5 does NOT absorb moisture. That is good and bad at the same time. 3 and 4 absorb water. You flush the fluid every few years,unless you put a lot of miles a year.
Now,DOT5. I’ll explain it this way. On a flat surface,drop a drop of water. Next to that drop another drop of water. Slowly start to blow one towards the other. When they meet up,what do you get. A bigger drop of water. DOT5 does not absorb water but regardless your brake system will. Now your system will continue to build that moisture bubble up. That bubble will eventually travel to your calipers and SURPRISE,your brakes don’t work.
DOT5 will work no problem. Yes has a higher boil point. Great for avoiding brake fade. 5 is silicon based. 3&4 are not. So be sure to completely flush and 3 or 4 fluid out before putting 5. 3 and 4 have different a base then 5 and are not compatible. That will cause bubble gaps in your line because they won’t mix.
The second reason I wouldn’t do DOT 5 is because DOT5 does NOT absorb moisture. That is good and bad at the same time. 3 and 4 absorb water. You flush the fluid every few years,unless you put a lot of miles a year.
Now,DOT5. I’ll explain it this way. On a flat surface,drop a drop of water. Next to that drop another drop of water. Slowly start to blow one towards the other. When they meet up,what do you get. A bigger drop of water. DOT5 does not absorb water but regardless your brake system will. Now your system will continue to build that moisture bubble up. That bubble will eventually travel to your calipers and SURPRISE,your brakes don’t work.
Thread Starter
Hey guys! Thanks for all your input! Some useful, some not so much... anyways, I jus went to th dealership and bought OEM Dot3... worked out well cuz I bought 3 bottles, capacity being 32oz, that gave me a little xtra for bleed purposes... cost me $20, mission accomplished!