Brake Fluid Options for Your Car to Keep in Mind
Of all the systems that are a part of your car, the braking system is one of the most important. Every driver wants to have confidence that their vehicle will stop when and where expected. If a car’s brakes aren’t functioning properly, the driver and many other people could be in danger. Learning how to choose the right brake fluid option is an important part of car maintenance.
Brake Fluid Options for Your Car to Keep in Mind
Get the Right Brake Fluid
Many drivers have never put much thought into brake fluid options, but it is important to know that there are different types. Here are the common varieties available:
Dot 3 brake fluid: This is a glycol-based brake fluid typically used in older vehicles. It has a low boiling point and is not recommended for use in high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles.
Dot 4 brake fluid: This is also a glycol-based brake fluid but it has a higher boiling point than Dot 3. It is recommended for use in a wider range of vehicles, including high-performance and heavy-duty vehicles.
Dot 5 brake fluid: A silicone-based brake fluid, this is typically used in vehicles with antilock braking systems (ABS). It has a higher boiling point than the other types of brake fluid, but it is not compatible with other types of brake fluid.
Dot 5.1 brake fluid: Is a hybrid between Dot 3 and Dot 4 with a higher boiling point, it is also glycol-based
Before adding brake fluid to a car, drivers or mechanics should check to see which formula is needed.
Ford Models
It’s also possible to use knowledge of the car to help get the right brake fluid. Ford, like most other vehicle manufacturers, specifies a particular type of brake fluid for use in their vehicles. The type of brake fluid recommended for Ford models varies depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle, so look for 2014 Ford Focus brake fluid or other exact cars when shopping.
Toyota Models
In general, Toyota vehicles manufactured before 2000 typically use Dot 3 brake fluid. Vehicles made between 2000 and 2015 usually use Dot 3 or Dot 4 brake fluid. Newer Toyota vehicles from 2015 and onwards often require Dot 4 brake fluid but in some cases may use Dot 3. Toyota Corolla brake fluid is easy to find, as is fluid for other models.
Monitor Your Fluid Levels Carefully
To make sure a car’s brakes are working well, it’s a good idea to check the fluid levels on a regular basis. Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir, which is usually located near the brake master cylinder. The reservoir will typically have a clear plastic lid indicating the fluid level inside. The fluid level should be at or above the “MIN” or “LOW” marker on the reservoir.
If the level is low, drivers will need to add more brake fluid to the reservoir. It’s recommended to check the brake fluid level at least once a month and before any long trip to make sure the car is in good working order.
