Which Brake Fluid For My Car? - Setyres

Which brake fluid for my car?

13 May 2020

Are you looking to change your brake fluid but unsure which fluid you should use for your car? Learn what brake fluid is, how often it should be changed and which brake fluid you need for your vehicle with our helpful guide.

What is brake fluid?

Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic fluid, is crucial for lubricating parts of your braking system and for transferring hydraulic pressure through the braking system. When the brake pedal is pressed down, the brake fluid applies hydraulic pressure to the brake callipers, which causes the brake pads to press against the brake discs to slow down your vehicle and bring it to a stop. Your braking system will be ineffective if you do not keep the brake fluid topped up or if you don't choose the correct brake fluid for your vehicle.

How often do you need to change brake fluid?

Typically, vehicle manufacturers recommend your car’s brake fluid be changed at least once every two years or every 24,000 miles. However, as recommendations can differ, check how often to change the brake fluid in your vehicle's handbook or book a free brake check at your local Setyres garage online. Following your car manufacturer's recommendations for changing or topping up brake fluid will help to maintain the quality and lifespan of your vehicle's brakes.

So, which brake fluid should I use for my car?

There are many brands and types of brake fluid available. However, these can be classified as follows:

• Glycol-based – includes brake fluids, such as DOT3, DOT4 and Super DOT4.
• Silicone-based – an example of a silicone-based brake fluid is DOT5.

The most commonly used brake fluids are DOT3 and DOT4 – you can find out which brake fluid you need for your car by checking your vehicle handbook.

The DOT (Department of Transport) rating refers to the boiling point of the fluid. The higher the DOT rating, the higher the boiling point and performance quality of the brake fluid. High-performance sports cars, for instance, would require a higher DOT rating of brake fluid.

Can brake fluid be interchangeable?

Technically, while some brake fluids can be interchangeable, we would advise referring to your vehicle handbook's recommendations. Choosing a different DOT rating can be dangerous as the brakes can be damaged, and your vehicle's performance can be detrimentally affected.

What happens if I use the wrong brake fluid?

Topping up your car’s braking system with the wrong brake fluid can affect the integrity and responsiveness of your brakes. You should check the vehicle handbook to ensure you choose the correct brake fluid.

If you wish to book a free brake check today, visit our brakes page now. Alternatively, if you need any advice regarding your brakes, locate your nearest Setyres branch or contact a member of our team today.