choosing brake fluid

[Markbon]

Hello the manual says buy brak fluid to dot 4. The word (to) is confusing me. does it mean including 4 as I assume?
Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

Use DOT 4......DOT 3 is occasionally available but 4 is what you need. It means 'up to DOT 4 specification'.
John

 

[Stivino]

It might also be a warning, not to use DOT5.

 

[Keithmac]

DOT 5 is silicone based and will totally destroy a DOT 4 system.

DOT 5.1 is a better version of DOT 4 and compatible.

Absolutely stupid how they labeled them in my opinion.

As for OP just use a good DOT 4 fluid as said above.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It means 'up to DOT 4 specification'.

I would say that is still confusing by including the word 'up'.

1, 2 and 3 are not 'up to DOT 4 specifications'.

Use fluid conforming 'to DOT 4 specifications'.

 

[Stivino]

Absolutely stupid how they labeled them in my opinion.

I agree, it could be confusing.

 

[Mottie]

Ask Rightboy - he's bought gallons of it over the past few weeks.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Use DOT 4......DOT 3 is occasionally available but 4 is what you need. It means 'up to DOT 4 specification'.
John

I would argue that it actually means 'to DOT 4 specification', rather than 'up to..'.

Definitely, DO NOT USE DOT 5. DOT 5 can only be used in a brand new system that has never had any other fluid in it, or the system needs to be thoroughly flushed out before changing to DOT 5.

 

[Burnerman]

If you can get DOT 2, you'll find its boiling point really low and not suitable for car use.
DOT 4 every time unless you have 500 odd bhp to play with
John