The role that brake fluid plays is relatively straightforward if we break down the process: As the driver steps on the brake pedal, the linkage applies force to the piston in the master cylinder. The master cylinder in return, pressurizes the brake fluid and sends it to the wheel cylinders and calipers. As the brake fluid’s hydraulic pressure acts on pistons, the force exerted goes to the brake pads, which then make contact with the brake drum or rotor, resulting in the rotation of the wheels to slow down or stop completely.
That’s the reason why the brake fluid plays a crucial role. Without it, there wouldn’t be the pressure necessary to get our vehicle to safely slow down or stop completely. Any sort of deterioration in the quality of the brake fluid as well as leaks in the break lines and hoses can cause issues, if not accidents that can endanger or even claim lives.
“It’s quite important to choose a high quality brake fluid apart from making the regular inspection of the brake system. Moreover, it’s always recommended that you only stick with the DOT (Department of Transportation) rating your vehicle recommends—using a DOT rating other than what is recommended may cause improper brake operation or premature failure,” reminded Tonyo Calado, AVP for Sales and Marketing of All-Inclusive Sales, Inc. (AIS Inc.), the exclusive distributor of Bendix brand of brake products in the country.
A vehicle manufacturer has a preferred DOT type stamped on its vehicle model so it’s best to follow what is recommended.
Calado explained that brake fluid is designed to be impervious to wide temperature changes—it is designed not to boil, even when exposed to the extreme temperatures of the brakes—and not to suffer any significant changes in important physical characteristics such as compressibility over the operating temperature range. “Both Bendix DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid are high performing Polyglycol type fluids engineered to optimize braking performance for specific applications. Both DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids are suitable for hydraulic and conventional braking systems in automotive vehicles, meeting stringent Australian and United States specifications,” he said.
Bendix DOT 3 vs DOT 4
He explained that the expertly formulated Bendix DOT 3 is perfect for cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles where the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards DOT 3 fluids are specified. “It offers best value for money and at the same time, minimizes corrosion; is rubber friendly. This high performance fully synthetic brake fluid is suitable for ABS and non-ABS disc, drum brakes and hydraulic clutch system. Bendix DOT 3 promises dependable braking in all driving conditions. It’s dyed light yellow for ease of identification.”
For those who race, drive high performance if not modified vehicles, the Bendix DOT 4 is more suitable as it has higher dry and wet boiling points that are often experienced during hard and prolonged braking. Like its DOT 3 counterpart, Bendix DOT 4 also minimizes corrosion and is rubber friendly. This premium heavy duty quality brake fluid is also fully synthetic that is suitable for ABS and non-ABS disc, drum brakes, and hydraulic clutch system. While Bendix DOT 4 is also ideal for cars, trucks, buses as well as motorcycles, those cars manufactured in Europe, 4×4 pickup trucks, and racing/modified cars would benefit most from this type of brake fluid. Bendix DOT 4 is a clear fluid for ease of identification.
Calado added that Bendix DOT 4 fluid has higher dry boil points and wet boil points which are required in brake systems that produce more heat due to faster speeds, heavier towing loads, etc. (race cars and 4×4 pickup trucks). “But whether you use Bendix DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluids, you should always have your brakes inspected at least every 10,000 km; check your brake fluid reservoir once a month or once a week depending on how often you use your vehicle and make sure the fluid is always topped up. Always ask a trusted mechanic or service center if your brake, power steering and transmission fluid already need flushing.”
