What is brake fluid? This is a special substance for braking the car. It is in a liquid state and presses the brakes after depressing the pedal. In other words, it provides a link between the driver commands and the brake mechanism. If a violation of this connection occurs, the car simply will not stop. This can happen in case of excessive heating of the fluid, after which steam appears inside the brake mechanism. It makes the system compressible, and the substance will not be able to relate the depressing the pedal to a sharp slowdown and a blow to the brakes. That is why brake fluid is a small, but very important part of a car. Without it, the driver will not be able to safely move in the stream. In other words, there is no brake fluid - no brakes.
Brake fluid is divided into several types, which differ in temperature of its heating. So, the first classification divides this substance into “moistened” and “dry” liquids. Naturally, a “dry” liquid includes less water, and in a “moistened” one, its share is 3-4%. Moreover, these two brake fluids are divided into four groups: DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. The very first type withstands the lowest temperature: 205 degrees Celsius for "dry" and 140 - for "wet." It is followed by DOT 4 (for cars with
disc brakes). Larger loads require higher temperatures, and therefore the second type of brake fluid is designed for 155 and 230
degrees Celsius. As for the DOT 5.1 fluid, it can be found on sports cars, for example, on the BMW M6, Ferrari F458,
Porsche 911 and others. But the penultimate view on production vehicles is almost never used. Most likely, DOT 5 is put on
racing cars and modified modifications of sports cars. By the way, it is possible that the
Bugatti Veyron is the most advanced fluid. Outstanding performance confirms this.
So, we examined the species, but the question remains, "which brake fluid is better?". How to answer it? Of course, the best braking will provide DOT 5. As for production cars, this is DOT 5.1. Other types of fluids are more suitable for ordinary conditions and standard cars that are not designed for tremendous speed and
extreme situations.Summing up, I want to pay attention to the components that make up the brake fluid. The composition of this substance is replete with diversity. For example, silicone brake fluid contains polymers, while glycogel contains polyglycols. But they have something in common - additives. These include anticorrosion and lubricants.
What is the main function of brake fluid? Of course, this is safety while driving. As mentioned above, without this substance there are no brakes. Therefore, it is important to treat it with special attention, because a leak can lead to dangerous consequences. The use of DOT 3 liquid on sports cars will not lead to anything good, because large overloads lead to its excessive heating.
It should be noted that mixing different liquids is possible, if only they are on the same basis. If there is no relevant information on the label, then take the risk!