Just wondering what kind of brake fluid are people using in their cars? Any problems with silicone type...fading after a few stops etc.It's supposed to be safe for painted surfaces but I'd rather have the binders working when I need them! Any comments appreciated.

 

This will be a thread that has a lot of pros and cons for each.

I could not decide what to use when I restored my brake system (no compelling reason for the newer silicone) so in the end I used what the mfg. stated for 1961 and all is well now for past 3 yrs.

 

I would think unless you are dealing with an ABS system or excessive heat due to heavy braking, DOT 3 (or 4) will be just fine...

a quote from http://www.afcoracing.com/tech_pages/fluid.shtml

"Silicone based fluids are non-hydroscopic meaning that they will not absorb or mix with water. When water is present in the brake system it will create a water/fluid/water/fluid situation. Because water boils at approximately 212º F, the ability of the brake system to operate correctly decreases, and the steam created from boiling water adds air to the system. It is important to remember that water may be present in any brake system. Therefore silicone brake fluid lacks the ability to deal with moisture and will dramatically decrease a brake systems performance"

John

 

Use DOT 3 brake fluid. Don't mix the silicone brake fluid with DOT 3 brake fluid. I've heard they don't mix well the silicone brake fluid can cause damage to the seals in the master and slave cylinders.