Correct brake fluid

[daver1100rt]

XC70, I'm planning to do a brake fluid flush and bleed, can I use DOT 3/4 fluid? Do I need something called DOT 4+ ? Thanks, Dave

[BillAileo]

DOT4+ has a higher heat tolerance. I would recommend sticking with it.

[daver1100rt]

Bill- Ok, I understand. Next question- where do you buy DOT4+? Rather not buy brake fluid from the dealer.

EVERY auto parts store locally has DOT 3, 4, 3-4, or 5. I see no listings for DOT4+. Guess I could online buy it but I'd rather just stop by NAPA on my way to work tomorrow...Dave

[Astro14]

My NAPA has ATE fluid for about $12/quart. I buy the ATE SL.6 fluid on Amazon (I'm Prime) and flush every two years on all of my cars. The ATE type 200 is the old standard and excellent fluid, but the SL.6 is the newer low viscosity and supposed to work better with ABS systems. Either will do. Both exceeed the DOT 4 temperature requirements.

[daver1100rt]

Astro- Well I drive past a NAPA twice a day so I'll stop in tonight. So ATE type 200 fluid is equivalent to the DOT 4+? Dave

[Astro14]

Yes. The ATE brand (the company that builds our Volvo brakes, by the way) exceeds DOT 4 requirements, according to ATE.

I've driven my T5 hard, in the Colorado mountains, and it's fine. More important is regular (every two years, at a minimum, more if it's driven hard) fluid changes to keep the moisture content low. Moisture in the fluid will have far more effect on the boiling point than a few degrees one way or the other as stated in fluid specifications...

[goldxc70]

ATE Typ200 = DOT4
ATE SL.6 = DOT4 (Class 6) - also called DOT4+ or Super DOT4

Have a look here for detailed specs: http://www.viscopedia.com/viscosity-...e-brake-fluid/

DOT3, DOT4 and DOT5.1 are are all polyethylene glycol-based fluids and are hygroscopic, meaning they will absorb moisture (which is why they need to be changed from time to time).

Just to completely confuse the picture, DOT5 brake fluid is a silicon-based fluid and is hydrophobic. It is not compatible with ABS systems as it tends to trap air.

[Voldog]

Just came back from my local supermarket (Meijer). They have Prestone and Valvoline DOT 4 Brake fluid. I got the Preston for $6.38 for the quart. I'll be bleeding the brakes.