Today in shops for motorists a huge selection of technical solutions for use in the brake system of vehicles is presented. What brake fluid is still better? Installing the best automobile brake pads on a car without using a high-quality solution can minimize all motorist undertakings in this matter. This topic is relevant and requires detailed study.
The brake system filler is a liquid solution consisting of 95% base and 5% dyes, additives, additives. It is used as an intermediary in the transfer of the physical effort of the driver from the main cylinder to the working mechanisms on the wheels of the machine. A fluid classification technical regulation has been developed by the Department of Transportation of the United States of America. Short for DOT. By the type of base it is divided into silicone, mineral and glycol. Below we consider DOT 4 brake fluids and find out which one is better?
Brake fluid with DOT 4 marking is a high-quality technical solution. Its base is glycol. The scope is extensive - hydraulic brake and clutch systems of cars of different classes (cars, trucks, special vehicles). If the brakes operate with DOT 4 fluid, you can be sure of their full and safe operation.
| Category | Title | price, rub. | Short description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best foreign brands | MOBIL BRAKE FLUID UNIVERSAL DOT 4 | 500 | It is characterized by the preservation of viscosity in a wide temperature range. |
| LIQUI MOLY SL6 DOT 4 | 700 | At low temperatures, viscosity increases. This does not allow the use of the composition in the Far North. | |
| CASTROL REACT DOT 4 LOW TEMP | 590 | When interacting with system parts, the composition does not have a destructive effect on them. | |
| The best brands of car manufacturers | TOYOTA DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID | 630 | Laboratory studies have established that the viscosity of this composition is close to ideal at a full range of temperatures. |
| FORD SUPER DOT-4 | 400 | Parts made of rubber and metal are not significantly susceptible to the negative effects of this solution. | |
| NISSAN Brake Fluid DOT 4 | 730 | Physico-chemical indicators are much higher than average. | |
| The best domestic brands | SINTEC SUPER DOT 4 | 100 | Satisfactory viscosity values are maintained during severe frosts and at high temperatures. |
| Rosdot 4 | 269 | The initial viscosity parameters remain unchanged at various temperature conditions. | |
| LUKOIL DOT 4 | 190 | The boiling process begins at 240 degrees. This figure is reduced to 170 degrees after a run of 60 thousand kilometers. | |
| Alaska DOT-4 | 150 | Decent viscosity makes it possible to use in territories with different climatic zones. |
Main characteristics
The main indicators characterizing the physicochemical properties of the brake fluid solution are:
- Viscosity.
- Boiling temperature.
- Hygroscopicity.
- Anticorrosion properties.
Viscosity
One of the main parameters. Its values should be constant at different operating temperatures. If the viscosity increases at negative temperatures, this circumstance may lead to malfunctions in the brake circuit of the car. Too low a viscosity index (fluidity), in turn, can lead to leaks in the system. It is important that this parameter is unchanged under different temperature conditions.
Boiling temperature
The pads of the machine, while braking, become very hot.Then, thermal energy is transmitted through the cylinders to the liquid solution. Sometimes, with intensive braking, the composition can boil. During the boiling process, air bubbles form. Once in the circuit, they can form a so-called air plug. As a result, the brake pedal may fail when it is pressed, and insufficient force will lead to adverse effects. Accordingly, the higher the boiling point, the less likely the formation of air bubbles that adversely affect the operation of the brakes in the car.
Hygroscopicity or moisture absorption
Also a very significant parameter. As mentioned above, heat is generated during braking. This thermal energy heats the solution. And then, after its cooling, condensate forms in the form of water. Water droplets falling into the liquid can also interfere with the effective operation of the car's brakes. Firstly, at low temperatures, the technical solution can go into the next state of aggregation and freeze. Secondly, water negatively affects metal parts, reducing their corrosion resistance. For technical brake solutions, the lowest values for this parameter are most acceptable.
Anticorrosion properties
This is the low ability of the composition to be loaded into the brake circuit of the machine to exert a negative corrosive effect on the metal and rubber parts of the system. This is important because oxidation of metals and loss of elasticity of rubber parts can lead to leaks.
The service life is approximately 60-70 thousand kilometers or replacement must be made 1 time in 2 years. With an increase in the operating life, all the physicochemical properties described above begin to gradually be lost. Even incomplete loss of performance can lead to very negative consequences.
The best foreign brands
Best Performance Fluid
It is characterized by the preservation of viscosity in a wide temperature range. The boiling point is 265 degrees Celsius. The presence of humidity practically does not affect the quality characteristics. Reliably saves metal parts and rubber parts of a car stop system.
Price: from 500 rub.
At low temperatures, viscosity increases greatly.
At low temperatures, viscosity increases. This does not allow the use of the composition in the Far North. Boiling occurs at a temperature of 230 degrees. The ability to absorb moisture at an average level, which classifies it with increased absorption of a moist environment. Motorists note excellent anti-corrosion properties.
Price: from 700 rub.
Excellent performance
High viscosity values. Severe frost or heat does not affect the viscosity of the solution. This is an ideal product both for the northern regions of our homeland, and for territories with a hot climate. The boiling point is 265 degrees. A humid environment does not adversely affect performance. When interacting with system parts, the composition does not have a destructive effect on them.
Price from 590 rub.
The best brands of car manufacturers
The best fluid for Toyota cars
The Japanese concern Toyota produces excellent brake circuit fillers. A striking representative of this manufacturer is the product - TOYOTA DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID. Unfortunately, it is recommended to use them only on machines of this brand. Laboratory studies have established that the viscosity of this composition is close to ideal at a full range of temperatures. The boiling process begins at 275 degrees. This is one of the best values. Hygroscopicity and anticorrosion properties are also at a high level.
Price: from 630 rub.
Recommended for use on all brands of machines
Another modern composition for the brake system.Thanks to the use of modern additives in the production, it was possible to achieve excellent results in viscosity and anti-corrosion properties. The boiling process of this technical composition begins at a temperature of 265 degrees. Parts made of rubber and metal are not significantly susceptible to the negative effects of this solution. There is a nice bonus - it can be used on all brands of cars without restrictions.
Price: from 400 rub.
Great fluid, but only for Nissan and Infiniti
Use is limited to Nissan and Infiniti cars. Physico-chemical indicators are much higher than average. Viscosity values without restrictions allow the use of brake at different times of the year throughout Russia. The boiling point is 272 degrees.
Price: from 730 rub.
The best domestic brands
Not the best option to use.
Technical solution of domestic production. Satisfactory viscosity values are maintained during severe frosts and at high temperatures. The boiling point is 240 degrees, which is not bad for the brakes of the minimum price segment. But after 30 thousand kilometers, boiling occurs at 150 degrees, which indicates a low hygroscopicity. The chemical composition of this solution does not allow neutral interaction with metal and rubber parts of the system. Pretty soon there is corrosion and deformation of the rubber.
Price: from 100 rub.
After 1 year, requires replacement
The initial viscosity parameters remain unchanged at various temperature conditions. Extreme points also do not affect viscosity. This brake boils at a temperature of 255 degrees. After a year of operation, the boiling point drops to 160 degrees. Accordingly, satisfactory hygroscopicity indices are not necessary. Neutral chemical interaction with the details of the system and low cost can cover other disadvantages.
Price: from 269 rub.
A good option for the money
Laboratory studies show that this composition has low viscosity values, which can lead to unstable operation of the brakes at extreme temperature values. The boiling process begins at 240 degrees. This figure is reduced to 170 degrees after a run of 60 thousand kilometers. This is a good indicator of hygroscopicity. Corrosion-resistant properties are the positive side of this product. With constant use, the car circuit will remain without significant changes in physical characteristics.
Price: from 190 rub.
Average performance
Decent viscosity makes it possible to use in territories with different climatic zones. The boiling point is 230 degrees Celsius. After a period of 2 years, the solution will need to be replaced due to a significant loss of hygroscopicity and boiling point. You don’t have to worry about the state of the system itself. The chemical composition provides a neutral interaction with the elements of the brakes of the machine.
Price: from 150 rub.
Recommendations when choosing a brake fluid
When choosing a paramount need to pay attention to the 4 characteristics that are described above. They indicate how much each liquid is suitable for use under various conditions.
Among brake solutions of foreign manufacturers, motorists prefer CASTROL REACT DOT 4 LOW TEMP and MOBIL BRAKE FLUID UNIVERSAL DOT 4. High boiling threshold, preservation of excellent viscosity indicators at different temperature conditions, low hygroscopicity, neutral chemical interaction with metal and rubber parts are positive side of the use of these compounds. The negative side is the rather high price for this product. LIQUI MOLY SL6 DOT 4 is slightly inferior to its foreign colleagues in terms of hygroscopicity and boiling point. The price is comparable to CASTROL and MOBIL.
The cost of the original brake fluid is high. Toyota and Nissan recommend using it on their cars or on Lexus and Infiniti cars, respectively. Ford products, on the contrary, can be used on other brands of cars. Their physicochemical parameters are close to ideal, which makes it possible to use them for a long time without fear.
The characteristics of the liquid compositions used in automobiles and manufactured in our country do not differ in outstanding indicators. But the manufacturer LUKOIL DOT 4 more meets the maximum requirements. Hygroscopicity of products is not lower than that of foreign manufacturers. The viscosity and boiling points are closer to those of the original brake fluids. Motorists note high anti-corrosion properties. The price is quite reasonable and is not much higher than the price of other domestic manufacturers.
Which product from the above examples is the best automotive brake fluid? Each owner of the car will give his answer, based on personal experience.
