TOP 10 best brake fluids: varieties, which one to choose, characteristics, reviews

The braking system is one of the most important systems of the car, which is responsible for safety while driving and maneuvering. Its work depends primarily on what kind of brake fluids will be in it. The main thing is to choose the highest quality ones. The article displays a rating of the best brake fluids for different types of transport. Characteristics, prices, advantages and disadvantages, selection criteria. The best brake fluid according to motorists reviews.

Types of brake fluid

Brake fluids are classified into classes depending on their boiling point:

• Dot 3 - boiling point is 205 ° C, and the base is glycol ether.
• Class Dot 4 - the base is also a glycol ether, however, it contains an admixture of borate esters, which significantly affects the properties of the liquid, increasing the boiling point, which in the case of a pure liquid is 230 ° C.
• Dot 5 - has a high boiling point of 260 ° C, has a higher compressibility than brake fluid based on glycol ether.
• Dot 5.1 are liquids that are identical to those of class 4, but with the difference that silicone has been added to their composition. The boiling point is 260 ° C.

Brake fluids with glycol are inherently hygroscopic, meaning that over time they absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Silicon-based fluid is hydrophobic in nature, therefore does not absorb moisture and provides a longer service life. All glycol-based fluids are compatible and can be mixed. At the same time, silicon-based brake fluid cannot be mixed with any other type of brake fluid.

Best brake fluid DOT 3

DOT 3 brake fluids are often found in older vehicles and are made from polyglycol. They should not be mixed with other brake fluids. There are many options on the market that are popular.

The rating of the best DOT 3 fluids, according to car reviews, includes the following products:

Castrol Motorcycle Brake Fluid DOT 3

Made on the basis of polyglycol, it is one of the most common brake fluids for all motorcycles and scooters. Wet and dry boiling points exceed minimum standards to provide additional boiling point under extreme braking conditions. The oil has anti-corrosion properties that protect brake system components and rubber seals. It provides increased stopping power over competing products.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5 l
Boiling temperature	275 ° C
Country of Origin	United Kingdom

Review: “I love Castrol's rage. Changed the fluid in the complete system, now the brakes feel amazing. Braking distance, pedal feel, feedback is much better than it was. "

MOTUL DOT 3 & 4 Brake Fluid

This hydraulic brake fluid is designed for ABS, disc and drum brakes that require DOT 3 or DOT 4. It is a versatile product that can be easily combined with common fluids. Has a high boiling point of 245 ° C, which minimizes evaporation and brake failure. Designed to improve vehicle performance and durability. The characteristics of the fluid are much higher than the minimum recommended.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5 l
Boiling temperature	245 ° C
Country of Origin	France

Testimonial: "Great strut brake fluid at a great price - I've been using it for a few years now and it works consistently."

Best brake fluid DOT 4

DOT 4 brake fluid is mainly used in modern car models and those driving at high altitudes. Contains borate ester, which increases dry and wet boiling.

The TOP of the best DOT 4 brake fluids includes:

Sintec SUPER DOT 4

This is one of the most inexpensive glycol-based brake fluids from a domestic manufacturer that meets all quality standards. Demonstrates acceptable characteristics, only slightly inferior to the leaders of the rating. Designed for all types of vehicles, in which the instruction manual says that it is necessary to use DOT4 fluid. This product ensures reliable operation of the system, is neutral with respect to seals and metal alloys used in the brake system, and protects against corrosion.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	240 ° C
Country of Origin	Russia

Testimonial: "Used this product many times, never disappoints, very good value for money."

FELIX DOT 4

Another domestic product with high operating temperature and viscosity. The "dry" liquid boils at a temperature of 250 ° C. It includes a package of special additives that protect machine components from corrosion and reduce wear. Despite the rather good characteristics, after a year of operation, the liquid begins to lose its properties. The system needs to be replaced every few years, but to avoid danger it is best to add brake fluid after half its life.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	250 ° C
Country of Origin	Russia

Testimonial: "This is good value for money, fixed the handbrake warning in my car, the product is very easy to use."

Castrol Brake Fluid DOT 4

The product is used in brake and hydraulic clutch systems. It is considered one of the best for vehicles working in difficult weather conditions. It consists of a mixture of polyalkylene glycol and borate ethers along with other high quality additives and inhibitors. The product is designed in such a way that the vapor lock formation temperature is higher than in conventional brake fluid. Provides the braking system with the highest level of corrosion and heat protection.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	260 ° C
Country of Origin	Germany

Review: “I always use only this liquid, I buy it in a trusted store to avoid counterfeiting. After the replacement, the pedal has become denser, and the whole brake works confidently. ”

Best brake fluid DOT 5

Silicone based DOT 5 brake fluid. Designed for use in vehicles with anti-lock braking systems and powerful vehicles such as racing cars.

The best DOT 5 brake fluids according to consumers are:

Eurol Brake Fluid DOT 5 silicone

Modern silicone-based brake fluid is a universal product and can be used in vehicles equipped with the latest ABS and ESP systems. It has high thermal stability and excellent mechanical stability, which makes it suitable for use in brake systems of racing motorcycles and cars. The low compressibility of the fluid ensures that the brakes are quickly applied at the moment the pedal is depressed, contributing to increased driving comfort and road safety. Does not mix with other brake fluids and must be completely removed from the system before refilling.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5 l
Boiling temperature	275 ° C
Country of Origin	Holland

Testimonial: “I use this fluid because the temperature is stable and the brakes last long enough compared to other fluids I have used before. Very satisfied".

TRW / Lucas PFB125 DOT 5

Specialized hydraulic brake fluid designed for vehicle systems that require DOT 5. Made of silicone, does not absorb water, does not damage paint or chrome surfaces. Thanks to its special composition, it provides optimum braking performance and a high level of safety. Effectively prevents corrosion and deposits and ensures optimum lubrication of seals in the hydraulic system. The product is not compatible with DOT 4, DOT 3, DOT 5.1 fluids

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.25 l
Boiling temperature	280 ° C
Country of Origin	Germany

Review: “Excellent quality! The brakes work confidently, the pedal has become tighter to work. I had to wait two weeks for the delivery. The product is of high quality, it is not a pity for the money spent ”.

Best brake fluid DOT 5.1

DOT 5.1 brake fluids are more stable and have a maximum boiling point during the first part of their life cycle, but as soon as the fluid begins to absorb water, the boiling point drops very quickly. DOT 5.1 brake fluid is compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4 variants and is ideal for extreme operating conditions and racing.

The TOP of the best DOT 5.1 fluids includes the following products:

Motul Brake Fluid DOT 5.1

It is a fully synthetic polyglycol-based brake fluid for disc and drum brake systems. Especially suitable for vehicles with anti-lock braking system (ABS). The product has high performance and stability. Has high boiling points when dry and wet. Behaves in a neutral manner with respect to seals in the brake system. Provides the ability to use the car without the need to change the brake fluid for 2 years.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.5, 1 l
Boiling temperature	272 ° C
Country of Origin	France

Review: “For three years I have used different brake fluids, which disappointed me a lot, because they only served a season. Later I started using Motul DOT 5.1 and I had no more durability issues. In terms of the price per liter, it is slightly cheaper than the ones I bought earlier. ”

Liqui Moly Brake Fluid DOT 5.1

This brake fluid has high wet and dry boiling points, which contributes to safe braking over a long period. Optimum compound life is only achieved when used alone. Suitable for bleeding all disc, drum and ABS brake systems. Miscible and compatible with high quality synthetic brake fluids. Provides a high degree of lubricity to all moving components in the hydraulic brake circuit and protects against vapor bubbles.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	0.25 l
Boiling temperature	275 ° C
Country of Origin	Germany

Review: “Good liquid for a good price. I chose according to reviews and settled on it. Good lubricating properties, compatible with other fluids, high quality ”.

Comma BF51L Dot 5.1

The brake fluid from the British company has been developed in accordance with international standards. Supports all types of brakes and hydraulic clutches and is ideal for vehicles equipped with ABS systems. Manufactured for safe and consistent braking at extreme temperatures. Possesses good protective and lubricating properties. Has a very high boiling point dry -278 ° C. Can be safely mixed with other fluids DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1.

Specifications	Meaning
Volume	1.5 L
Boiling temperature	278 ° C
Country of Origin	United Kingdom

Review: “The seller advised this particular liquid, no doubt decided to buy. The brakes are in perfect order, I replace them according to the schedule. I haven’t let you down yet. ”

Selection Tips

To choose the right brake fluid for your car, you should pay attention to its physical parameters, which will prove its high quality. First of all, the concentration of the solvent is important. In a good liquid, it should fluctuate between 70-80%. Another important factor is the concentration of the lubricant, which is usually 20-25%.

You should also pay attention to:

• thermal stability - the higher the boiling point of the liquid, the better;
• kinetic viscosity - determines the resistance to fluid flow in the hydraulic system;
• hygroscopicity - the ability to dissolve water molecules that can damage the brake system;
• inhibitor concentration is a group of additional substances that provide protection against corrosion and oxidation of the fluid.

How often should the brake fluid be changed?

Brake fluid is undoubtedly one of the most important working fluids in a car. Its quality directly affects safety. According to the recommendations, the brake fluid should be changed every 40-50 thousand. km or every two years. This is also worth doing when there is a noticeable decrease in stopping power. The brake fluid maintains the hydraulic braking system. Therefore, it must be kept in perfect condition to achieve the best braking performance.

The listed brake fluid is presented in different classes so that each reader can choose the best composition for their tasks. These funds are the most reliable and high quality on the market today.