Hey guys, I got told recently by the mechanic that my brake fluid is in need of a change.
The lid of the reservoir says DOT 3 only. However Supercheap and co. only seem to suggest DOT 4 types for my vehicle.
Is DOT 4 OK? I've heard it can be a bit more acidic than DOT 3 for old cars so I'm a bit confused what to buy.
Cheers
However the buyers are usually missionaries overseas who need to buy the car on consignment. They will pay a deposit first via Western Union and you will need to drop the car off to a shipping company.
Most brands of Dot 4 that I’ve seen state they are backwards compatible. As long as you flush the system either should be fine.
I got told recently by the mechanic that my brake fluid is in need of a change.
Why didn't you just get the mechanic to do it?
FYI I paid $90 plus BYO parts for a brake fluid change at my local independant mechanic
Push floor thru and use foot!
Fred flintstone , anyone !
Google : “ The primary differences between the two include the following: DOT 3 brake fluid will absorb less water than DOT 4 from the air over time, meaning you'll need to have your fluid changed less frequently. DOT 4 brake fluid has higher dry and wet boiling points, making it safer for higher temperatures.”
Supercheap DOT-3 Code : Item No. 345961
If the lid says DOT3, stick with DOT3. You can buy it from Super Cheap Auto and Autobarn
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-brake-fluid-dot-…
Real question is do u actually need a brake fluid change
…
The mechanics said they have a testing kit. I have no idea but I haven't done it in the 5 years I've owned it, so it's probably true.
You're supposed to change it every couple of years due to the hygroscopic nature of brake fluid but no one ever does. I would change it if has been 5 years. DOT4 is backwards compatible with DOT3 and has a higher boiling temperature but is more hydroscopic compared to DOT3.
Considering it's a 2000 laser and probably hasn't been done since 2008, yes.
Yes, I recently changed mine and the fluid in the brake fluid reservoir is normal colour, but the oil I flushed from the wheels were almost orange colour. I think the brake oil stay near brake pistons don’t get not circulated so they deteriorate (unlike coolant or engine oil)
If I were in your shoes, my order of preference would be:
Stick to Dot 3 if the vehicle states that - you can still get Dot 3 brake fluid from any stores. This also keeps it simple as what you have said, it states Dot 3 in the car.
If you change to Dot 4, it's not an issue as well, just flush it completely (I'd rather have all of 1 type than a mixture of both)
If you do change to Dot 4, make sure to remember that / note it down… i.e. if/when you need to top up the brake fluid, make sure you top it up with the same.
Yep Dot 4 is fine and will Be backward compatible.
I got told recently by the mechanic that my brake fluid is in need of a change.
Get a second opinion…
Umm, are you looking at doing it yourself?
Bleeding brakes isn't as simple as draining and filling the system back up.
Years ago Toyota used to spec DOT 3 when everyone else had changed to DOT 4. Apparently if you put DOT 4 in it would ruin the seals. Best to find DOT 3.
That's incorrect.
Both Dot 4 and Dot 5.1 are backwards compatible with Dot 3 and will not affect the seals in the braking system unless it's a really old dunger
Just popping in to say congratulations for keeping a 2000 Laser going strong in 2024!
I had an ‘87 meteor going till 2020, was a family car that was in the family since ‘89
It became too much to keep running (parts availability and good carby mechanics are hard to find). Worst of all - I met my partner whose family could have done a restoration on that for me. I still trawl through listings to see if it comes up for sale (it went to a wrecker) as I kept all the paperwork (incl servicing receipts) for that car dating back to ‘89
Thanks lol. It's only got 85,000km on the clock too. I think the rust will get it before I ever wear the engine out.
There’s a couple of specific Australian Laser owners groups on Facebook if you need advice on the car
Dot 4 is backwards compatible with Dot 3. You can mix them however you want.
I'd suggest on a 24yo car that you have the flush done using either pressure or suction rather than the usual DIY "pump the pedal" method or you'll be needing a new master cylinder sooner rather than later.
Ideally, brake fluid should every 3 years.
After they (the doubters) have replaced $100's or more of hydraulic brake components because of Corrosion from not replacing fluids… they will learn.
It does have a service life and can cause a loss of braking.
Frequency to change /flush is pending usage and location as well. Test and visual is key.
Sounds like a fair trade. Try Gumtree.