Car Brake Fluid has DOT 3 and DOT 4, Which One is Better?
In general, the general public calls this brake fluid as brake fluid. In fact, the liquid in question can blend with ordinary water, not in the form of oil. Basically, DOT 3, DOT 4 and so on brake fluids have hygroscopic properties. Hygroscopic itself is the ability of a substance to absorb water molecules from its environment either through absorption or adsorption. So brake fluid is able to absorb water, while oil can't mix with water right?
So what's the difference between DOT 3 and DOT4? As reported on thevehiclelab.com website, remDOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids have the same material that has hygroscopic properties but there are two things that make the difference. The first is the chemical it contains and the second is the boiling point. Keep in mind, DOT 4 does not always work optimally if used in a car or vehicle that recommends DOT 3. If you accidentally add non-standard fluid, the brake components can be damaged. In DOT 4 brake fluid, there is a chemical mixture that makes the boiling point higher, reaching 255°Celsius. While the DOT 3 brake fluid has the highest boiling point of 245° Celsius.
For example, you have a car filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. Due to several factors, such as being washed, being exposed to rain or breaking through a flood, the brake fluid is mixed with 3% water. The mixed brake fluid can cause the boiling point to drop to 145° Celsius from the previous 255° Celsius. This means that the brake fluid boils faster, doesn't it. Boiling water causes steam, and the steam forms air bubbles. In the performance of the braking system, if there are bubbles it will be very dangerous because it reduces the ability of the brake fluid to distribute the pressure that pushes the brake pads. Because the braking system is very dependent on the ability of the fluid to pressurize the canvas, if it is not replaced for too long, the canvas will not work and the brake failure symptom occurs.
Actually the color difference is just to make it easier to control whether the liquid runs out or not. For the selection of DOT 3 or DOT 4, you can see the specifications of each car, but remember, if your car says 'use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid' you can use DOT 4 brake fluid on the DOT 3 braking system but not with DOT 3 brake fluid. otherwise. However, if it says only DOT 3 or DOT 4, you can only use DOT 4 or DOT 3 brake fluid according to the specifications of each car. It's a good idea to get into the habit of draining brake fluid at least once a year or every 20,000 km on a car and 10,000 km on a motorcycle. When checking it, you should also check the condition of the seals, pistons and brake calipers. This routine check does not cost a lot, but it has great benefits for our safety. The best way to replace brake fluid is to drain it. All brake fluid is drawn from the base or closest to the brake calipers, not from the brake master.
