Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Asked on July 22, 2021
Looking for DOT3 brake fluid for a 2009 Toyota Venza. There are several options in store which meet the same base specifications (DOT3, Federal Standard CVSS-116 and SAE J1703) as required by the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Eg.
"Certified" (brand) DOT 3 Brake Fluid for $12.99 / 946 mL
"OEM" (brand) SUPER DOT 3 Brake Fluid, All Makes & Models for $15.99 / 946 mL
"OEM" (brand) DOT 3 Brake Fluid, Asian for $17.99 / 946 mL
The latter two mention 260C or 252C on the packaging while the first says "Dry boiling point exceeds 205C", as per the specification.
Is there any actual difference between these and other brake fluids which meet the same standards?
For a commuter (i.e. not racing) vehicle, is there any reason to buy anything other than the cheaper option that meets specifications and just make sure to do regular maintenance and flushes?
Basically, there is no difference as far as what you can use. Put away all of the hype language on the bottle and focus on the DOT3. This is the main standard you need to look at. (Here's some easy brake fluid reading for you.)
If your vehicle calls for DOT3, you should be able to use any one of the three you have listed. If it required DOT4, DOT5, or DOT5.1, the ones you have listed would not work because they are of a different standard. If you couldn't find DOT3 and found DOT4 or DOT5.1, you could use either one of those in place of the DOT3. You CANNOT use DOT5 unless your vehicle SPECIFICALLY states it takes it. Most vehicles on the road today DO NOT use DOT5. DOT3, 4, & 5.1 are glycol based fluids. DOT5 is silicone based. (The US military, and I'm sure others, use DOT5 fluid.) If you were to use DOT5 in a DOT3/4/5.1 system, the ABS would not function correctly, and would cause you other issues.
Answered by Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 on July 22, 2021
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