What are the 4 types of brake fluid?
Robert Miller
Updated on April 13, 2026
The four types of brake fluid available are:
- DOT 3.
- DOT 4.
- DOT 5.
- DOT 5.1.
What are the 2 types of brake fluid?
There are several different types of brake fluid, but they are grouped under two headings: those that are glycol-based and those that are based on silicone. The glycol-based brake fluids include DOT3, DOT4, Super DOT4 and DOT5.What is the most common brake fluid?
1. DOT 3. The DOT 3 fluid is an affordable glycol-based fluid that's the most common type of brake fluid used today. Fresh DOT 3 fluid is an amber color and has a dry boiling point of 401oF.How do you know what brake fluid to use?
Most brake systems use either DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. You'll find the exact formula for your vehicle either printed on the brake master cylinder reservoir cap or in your owner's manual. If you can't find the correct formula, ask an AutoZone associate to look up the right fluid for your vehicle.What is 4 brake fluid?
The dry boiling point is the boiling point for fluid that hasn't been contaminated with water or other pollutants. The wet boiling point is the boiling point for fluid that has water. Traditionally, these are rated as DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.What Type of Brake Fluid Do I Need For My Vehicle? | PowerStop
Is it OK to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?
Can you mix Dot 3 and Dot 4 Brake Fluid? Yes, Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid can be mixed. It's because both these are glycol-based brake fluids, which means that they are compatible with each other. If your car has Dot 4 from the factory, it's not recommended to fill it with Dot 3, though; but the other way is fine.What happens if you put DOT 4 instead of DOT 3?
You can absolutely use DOT4 in place of DOT3 brake fluid.The only real difference between the two is how hot they can get before they boil. The DOT4 will not harm your DOT3 system in any way. Do not use DOT5 fluid (silicone based fluid), as it is completely different.