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DOT 5 has a boiling point of 500☏ and a degraded boiling point of 356☏.DOT 4 has a boiling point of 446☏ and a degraded boiling point of 310☏.DOT 3 has a boiling point of 401☏ and a degraded boiling point of 284☏.
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The following numbers are minimums in order to comply with the stated category: In effect, it lowers the boiling point and thus reduces efficiency. The latter is when the brake fluid has absorbed 3.7% water, which takes about two years. Mostly it’s about boiling point, and DOT standards quote two: dry boiling point (when new), and wet (degraded) boiling point. That makes DOT 3 the “baseline” product, but there are also DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. These components also make sure the brake fluid doesn’t freeze.ĭOT system: The DOT (US Department of Transportation) system of numbering brake fluid started with DOT 1 and DOT 2, but both are now obsolete. Petroleum-based oils are often used in machinery, but brake fluid uses a combination of solvents, lubricants (often synthetic), and corrosion inhibitors. Your brakes can hit over 350☏ with ordinary road use, and as much as 1,000☏ under heavy loads like racing. Water isn’t a good choice because it causes rust and boils too easily. Hydraulic systems, like the one used for the brakes in your vehicle, need fluid to generate pressure.
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#BEST RATED DOT 3 BRAKE FLUID SKIN#
It doesn’t like skin much either, so wear mechanic’s gloves when you’re working with it. There is no better paint stripper than brake fluid, so be very careful not to spill any on your vehicle bodywork.
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