![]() ![]() One of the misconceptions in the DOT ratings is that boiling point is the only difference from one to another. This will only confuse the market even more although you're not likely to find Dot 6 brake fluid sold in the US. But some manufacturers are adopting the spec on their own and claiming "Dot 6" when the US DOT has not published or released the spec. (4) - the DOT does not have a DOT 6 grade (yet). Anything with a DOT 5 rating needs to be labeled as silicone or non-silicone base. (3) - the DOT does not make a distinction between "DOT 5" and "DOT 5.1" except where color and labeling is concerned. (2) - DOT 5 was previously only referenced with the original Castrol SRF but it applies to any silicone-based fluid meeting the specs. This is an industry label applied to high performance DOT 4 fluid that surpasses DOT 5 boiling points. (1) - the DOT does not officially recognize "Super DOT 4". Water remains separated from the brake fluid. ![]() Water is absorbed and mixed with the brake fluid. Minimum Wet Boiling Point = boiling point at 3.7% water content (roughly equal to one year of use) Minimum Dry Boiling Point = boiling point of fluid straight out of the container For dual-purpose street-track cars you should use a DOT 5.1 fluid that has high boiling points and low viscosity. For strictly track use it's OK to use a Normal viscosity fluid as it will thin out to functional levels. Low viscosity for track cars: as the fluid heats up it will get thinner. Track = Super DOT 4 Normal viscosity, DOT 5, or DOT 5.1 Street = DOT 4 Low or Normal viscosity, depending on DSC equipment. If you have a DSC button on the dash or center console then you have DSC and should use the Low Viscosity fluid. DSC appeared halfway through 2003 but not all cars got it at once. If your car has DSC you should only use Low viscosity fluid. The viscosity difference is about 50% thinner than the older Normal viscosity. DSC was a different approach to traction and stability control and the fluid needed to be thinner to fit through all of the tiny valves and passageways. ![]() Track = Super DOT 4 Normal viscosity, or DOT 5īMW began transitioning to Low Viscosity fluid during this time along with the switch from ASC+T to DSC traction control. Street = any DOT 3 or DOT 4 Normal viscosity > #1 Rule: Change Your Brake Fluid Often! <<< Our BMW brake fluid recommendations appear up front and some deeper background further down the page. But then in the mid-2000s it got a little confusing. ![]()
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