Comma BF51L Dot 5.1 Synthetic Brake Fluid, 1 Liter

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The primary function of the brake fluid is to control the movement of the braking system’s essential components. The brake fluid enables the pistons in the braking system to compress the rotors, allowing the vehicle to slow down. On the other hand, brake fluid DOT 5 is a silicone-based product, and it should not be mixed with other fluids. This braking fluid was designed primarily for military vehicles.

As we said, you cannot mix DOT 5 brake fluid with any other kinds of brake fluid. Because of the compressibility of silicone-based brake fluids you don't want to use them with ABS brakes anyway because they will not function as well. Make sure to cover any areas DOT fluid could leak onto with a rag because it’s corrosive. Matthew Allen / Immediate Media DOT 5 is mainly used for classic cars. Since they do not run ABS and it is a really good application for these types of vehicles. In addition to this, this type of fluid prevents rust in the brake lines and this makes it perfect for cars intended for long-term storage. So, if you have a classic motor, this is the right fluid for you. What Vehicles Use DOT 5 Brake Fluid

So what is it good for?

Unsurprisingly, a DOT 4 brake fluid lasts longer and has better characteristics than a DOT 3 brake fluid. DOT 5 brake fluid is typically much more expensive than DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. It can cost up to five times as much as your standard brake fluid for a bottle. This price difference isn't huge, but it is a definite difference between the two types of fluid. Silicon-based brakes are harder to bleed. However, after bleeding, DOT 5 brake fluid-filled brake systems are more rust-resistant and last longer than those using other formulas. This fluid is purple in color. Unlike other brake fluids which are clear in color. This way you will never mix them and possibly ruin the braking system on your car. Can You Mix DOT 3 And DOT 5 Brake Fluid

And this is for a reason, the DOT 5 is a silicone brake fluid. This means that it is not produced from the same compounds as the DOT 3 and DOT 4. The DOT 5 comes with an entirely different chemical composition from DOT 4 brake fluid. Unlike DOT 4, DOT 3, and DOT 5.1, the DOT 5 is silicone-based brake fluid and it’s also very expensive as it offers high boiling points. Glycol based fluids are hygroscopic which means they absorb water/moisture from the environment at normal atmospheric pressures at a rate of 2-3% per year. This process is exasperated in more humid conditions and climates.

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Certainly the most commonly used brake fluid in use today, due to its wide use in the automotive industry, is DOT fluid. All DOT fluids (with the exception of DOT 5) are made up of a poly-glycol base. Being a silicone-based brake fluid, DOT 5 is also very difficult to bleed. However, once you have bled it properly, the new DOT 5 will offer better corrosion and rust resistance and will function properly for a longer period of time than DOT 4. The DOT fluid is the most prevalent type of braking fluid in use today. The poly-glycol base is used in all DOT fluids except the DOT 5 braking fluid. Brake fluids based on glycol are made up of as many as 10 different components. Components of the fluids may be divided down into four primary groups: Now let’s cover the next type of brake fluid which is the DOT 4 type of brake fluid. The DOT 4 brake fluid is a slight improvement over the DOT 3 but not as such as the DOT 5 brake fluid. So, if you are planning to use this fluid for racing and other high demanding situations, it will be the way to go if you want the best for your car.

One of the biggest disadvantages of this brake fluid is that it makes the brake pedal spongy and soft with time. That’s because it expands at high temperatures and its additives vaporize at moderate temperatures. A good example of its use is in military vehicles which can be stored for long periods of time but need to be ready to be used at a moments notice. It is also favoured by some owners of classic cars for vehicles which may also rarely be used on the roads. Ok, so now we're getting down to the nitty gritty, this is where Mineral Oil differs greatly from DOT brake fluid. DOT 5 brake fluid (not to be confused with DOT 5.1) is fundamentally different than the rest of the DOT fluid range in that it is silicone based brake fluid. DOT 5 does have its applications. If you own an extremely rare car that has expensive or original paint, DOT 5 is the fluid for you because it will not eat away the paint if spilled. But, if you use DOT 5, you are almost required to bleed the brakes before you go for a spin. Why? DOT 5 is lighter than water. Any moisture will pool at the lowest point which is typically the calipers or wheel cylinders. Many classic cars have been lost after the owner decided to shake loose the cobwebs before bleeding the brakes.Silicone based fluid is more compressible than glycol based fluid, leading to brakes with a spongy feeling. [14] It can potentially suffer phase separation/water pooling and freezing/boiling in the system over time - the main reason single phase hygroscopic fluids are used. [ citation needed] Characteristics of common braking fluids [15] [14] DOT 5 can be used as a replacement for DOT 3 and DOT 4; however, it should not be mixed with any other braking fluid. Source:gettyimages All of these figures have been provided by the manufacturers themselves. The second surprise here is the fact that Juice Lubes' Mineral Oil appears to out-perform even Shimano's own Mineral Oil, albeit by a very small margin, but a victory nonetheless. :) One of the main differences separating the various classes of DOT fluid is their boiling temperature (or boiling point). This refers to the temperature where the brake fluid will start to boil or vapourise inside the brake system. This is caused by the intense heat created after prolonged, heavy brake use and has an adverse effect on the performance of the entire brake system. Let's take a look at the minimum boiling temperatures of DOT brake fluid as specified by the regulatory bodies.