Just like any other constitutive brake parts, brake fluid is by no means, inessential. As you’re here, you’re assuredly aware that brake fluid plays a vital role in every brake system. Putting this issue on the back burner will take you nowhere.
Unlike other brake utilities, the best DOT 4 brake fluid requires more digging and inspections. You’ll be missing the mark if you’re not certain about your ground and requirements. To get the ball rolling, we’ve accumulated relevant information to give you a helicopter view.
Table could not be displayed.Contents
- 1 Best DOT 4 Brake Fluid for You
- 1.1 1. Castrol 12509 Dot 4 Brake Fluid
- 1.2 2. Bosch ESI6-32N Brake Fluid
- 1.3 3. Motul MTL100949 8068HL RBF 600 Factory Line Dot-4
- 1.4 4. ATE 706202 Original TYP 200 Racing Quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid
- 1.5 5. Motul Brake fluid, DOT 5.1 (N-S)
- 1.6 6. Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid
- 1.7 7. Pentosin 1204116 Super Dot 4 Brake Fluid
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Epilogue
Best DOT 4 Brake Fluid for You
Although there are many DOT 4 brake fluids in the market to choose from, the best ones have some innate attributes that differentiate them from the other. We present to you some of the best ones here in the following section.
1. Castrol 12509 Dot 4 Brake Fluid
Assets
Anyone associated with automotive knows the heritage of Castrol and their lubricant products. For racing or rallying purposes, Castrol presents you with a finely engineered brake oil that’ll certainly ramp up the braking performance. Using this product will give you a feeling that it’s no ordinary lubricant.
Castrol 12509 brake fluid includes additives that are race-proven and can generate optimum braking power. This particular sublimity allows you to apply this exquisite fluid to your racing bike without any hitch of worries.
Braking systems these days spawn more heat unlike before. Traditional brake fluids are not of any use anymore if you’re aiming for smooth braking performance. Castrol 12509 is engineered with a unique formula to withstand higher temperatures while providing exceptional service.
As the name suggests, Castrol 12509 exceeds both DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications. This implies that the fluid that’s used has a higher boiling point and can be subjected to extreme heat conditions making it the perfect brake fluid for racing bikes.
Another notable aspect is that the Castrol 12509 brake fluid mixes with other conventional brake fluids. As a result, your hassle is reduced and wastage is prevented. All in all, this is a great lubricant for not only racing purposes but also general use.
Drawbacks
- The brake fluid absorbs water too much.
- Doesn’t work as efficiently when used conventionally.
2. Bosch ESI6-32N Brake Fluid
Assets
Bosch is another reputable brand that you can put your trust in regarding the brake products. In the quest for developing and supplying sublime brake products, Bosch presents their ESI6-32N brake fluid that surpasses traditional brake fluids by a mile.
Bosch ESI6 brake fluid’s splendor lies in its formula. This one is the first brake fluid ever formulated that combines both low viscosity and high boiling point while operation. The optimized braking performance generated grants you satisfaction beyond your imagination.
As a next-generation brake fluid, Bosch ESI6 does justice to its name. While convincingly meeting several DOT specifics, the brake fluid utilizes a silicon-based formula allowing it to be used in racing and military applications.
Brake components tend to wear off fast if you’re not careful with your driving. But it’s something not totally under your control. Using Bosch ESI6 brake fluid will impeccably slow down the process of wearing off of your vehicle’s brake components. We say that because the brake fluid has amazing lubricant properties to speak for it.
Apart from these, Bosch ESI6 brake fluid also acts to prevent corrosion. So if you’re looking for an excellent brake fluid that has undergone rigorous testing and can produce uplifted performance, then ESI6 should be your choice.
Drawbacks
- Not DOT 5 compatible.
- Contains detrimental chemicals.
3. Motul MTL100949 8068HL RBF 600 Factory Line Dot-4
Assets
This model of brake fluid from Motul is an excellent example of how the brake fluids should be. While maintaining a worldwide reputation, Motul has been able to develop and implement sublimity in their products. Their brake fluid is no different.
Motul MTL100949 brake fluid meets the constantly increasing demand with its innovative formula and lubricant properties. The brake fluid is synthetic and apposite for racing purposes. The included additives render the fluid to be fitting for high performance, efficiency, and safety.
Even at higher temperatures, the brake fluid is capable of forming resistance by creating the maximum oil film. As a result, the wear of the engine and other subsequent components are reduced.
Moreover, the low volatility feature permits a lesser amount of oil to be consumed. Inevitably, you’ll be able to use the fluid for a long haul and without any concern for wastage.
Motul brake fluid also offers higher shear stability. Racing or any extreme driving condition, the oil pressure stays stable regardless while maintaining optimal braking performance.
Along with the improved thermal stability and resistance, the brake fluid has a very high boiling point. This indicates that the brake fluid applies to aerodynamics as well.
Drawbacks
- mostly suitable for racing; quit not for normal/casual riding
- contains cancer-causing substances
4. ATE 706202 Original TYP 200 Racing Quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Assets
ATE brake fluid is the true representation bang for the buck. While meeting the DOT 4 standards, this model of brake fluid from ATE provides an elevated lubricative performance and efficiency. Buying this one will prove to be a great decision any day.
ATE brake fluid has a minimum dry boiling point of 536 degrees Fahrenheit while a wet boiling point is around 374 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily guess that the decrease in the boiling point is kept to a minimum. This happens thanks to the sublime water molecule locking properties.
Often foaming of the brake fluids can prove to be a headache and troubling issue. ATE brake fluid addresses this issue by exterminating foaming during bleeding and fitting of your brake system. This allows you to respond quickly and run your operation with smooth management.
One of the important aspects of brake oils is that they must possess corrosion-resistant properties. ATE brake fluid has been engineered with selected additives which enables the lubricants to fight against the erosion of brake components.
ATE original brake fluid has been subtly formulated to have a high safety tolerance so that the steam bubbling issue is tackled. While taking the fluid changing period up to three years, this brake fluid is proving to be an excellent choice for motorbike racing and so.
Drawbacks
- Not fit for the traditional brake systems
- This oil is not compatible with other DOT fluids.
5. Motul Brake fluid, DOT 5.1 (N-S)
Assets
Motul brings another one of their unique brake fluid that’s specifically applicable to cars, trucks, and bikes. This one is a finely engineered lubricant that’s certain to ramp up the efficiency of the brake system regardless of the driving status.
Using this lubricant in your brake system will undoubtedly protect the other components from wear and tear. Aside from prolonging component life, this brake oil provides excellent resistance against corrosion as well. Thus, there’s practically no reason why you wouldn’t be interested in trying this exquisite product out.
As for the compatibility, this brake fluid meets the standard of three DOT specifications that are DOT 5.1, DOT 4, and DOT 3. So the chances that this brake fluid covers your specification of interest is pretty high.
If you’re concerned about the stability of this brake fluid, you need not worry. We say this because Motul implements sublime formula in their brake fluids to maximize stability. The output is kept to an optimized level. You’ll feel consistent with the braking and the pressure generated by the caliper.
This brake fluid’s dry boiling point is very high which is up to 516 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, you’ll feel assured of the fact that your brake system should be safe. With the upgraded brake power, you’ll avowedly be able to tell the difference using this new fluid.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for racing.
6. Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid
Assets
Castrol comes with another one of their racing fluid which is the SRF brake fluid. This one has been formulated using the exclusive European formula. Whether you’re planning to participate in arduous racing, off-road driving, or rallying, this brake fluid is sure to come in handy.
As a high-performance brake fluid, Castrol SRF brake fluid does justice to its name. Your bike’s brake system will be alleviated from early wear and tear. The components will perform much smoothly and efficiently once you decide to apply this potion. As a result, you’ll have a long way to go before thinking about replacing your brake components.
As far as the fluid quality is concerned, it has a high boiling point which allows the fluid to be used in multiple brake conditions. Also, the anti-vapor lock attributes of the fluid prevent it from reaching the boiling point. This helps to lengthen the brake life and provides sublime stability while braking.
The brake fluid has been formulated to exceed DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications. So, you can easily guess that this brake fluid is applicable in most of the brake system cases.
This synthetic blend is an excellent choice if you’re looking for productivity and top-notch braking performance. The moisture content accumulated is tolerable. Overall, it’s a great deal in the long run.
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t meet DOT 5 standards.
- The brake fluid comes expensive.
7. Pentosin 1204116 Super Dot 4 Brake Fluid
Assets
Lastly, we present you another qualified lubricant oil that’s deemed by many to be an apposite brake oil for any brake system. Pentosin 1204116 brake fluid offers superior performance and reliability while allowing universal usage. Whether you own a vehicle with a modern brake system or ABS, this brake fluid will do its job perfectly.
This formula meets super DOT 4 specifications convincingly. With a high dry and wet boiling points, Pentosin offers you superior heat resistance while faithfully protecting the brake components.
Similar to the most decent brake fluids, Pentosin brake fluid is formulated to resist corrosion as well. As a result, the integral parts of your brake system stay intact for a long time and your cost is reduced.
Vapor lock is a common and hassling issue to deal with. Brake oils without vapor lock resistance are practically devoid of quality. Pentosin brake fluid does amazingly well in case of resisting vapor lock so you can rest assured.
Pentosin brake fluid is subtly engineered to deal with water molecules. The lubricant has sublime resistance in the case of the absorption and retention of water. Thus, excellent braking performance is ensured and the way to a noiseless and effortless stop is paved.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for track racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I change my brake fluid?
Ans: Typically, you should change your fluid in every oil change. You should inspect your coolant level twice a year and change the brake fluid at least once a year.
Q: What’s the most basic difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?
Ans: DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are distinguished by their boiling point. Both fluids are hygroscopic. But DOT 3 has a lower boiling point, so this type of brake fluid absorbs water more.
Q: What if I never change my brake fluid?
Ans: If you don’t change your brake fluid in a year or two, your car’s braking performance will decline. Your brake system will sustain moisture contamination and debris will build up. There’ll practically be no resistance against corrosion.
Q: How do I know that the brake fluid level is low?
Ans: Your stops will become rough and your padel will feel mushy. Also, the fluid will look shady, dirty, and discolored.
Epilogue
Brake fluid is an integral part of the brake system and you know it. The hard part comes when you have to choose between brands. We suggest that always opt for a renowned brand as they’ve been formulating such products while maintaining years of tradition.
Upon reflecting on the mentioned brake fluid products, Castrol 12509 brake fluid with unique formula seemed like the most appealing to us. Its two DOT standards will allow you to use it for conventional purposes as well as racing. Other than that, Bosch ESI6 brake fluid is also a commendable product that can be used for multiple purposes.
The best DOT 4 brake fluid has several attributes to look out for. The crux of the matter is that you study the specifics and peel the onion to figure out the best one for you. We’ve sorted out the most valued ones to help you in the journey.
