Brake fluid recommendations? Dot 3 VS dot 5

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been running dor 5 for a decade +.

people claim that it doesn't absorb moisture so it kills calipers and wheel cyl. if you are that worried about it just bleed the brakes in the spring. dot 3 absorbs the moisture so now ya have it throughout the entire system. i originally went to dot 5 because it doesn't strip paint if ya get a leak.
I used Dot 5 since 1998.
I have a good Mighty Vac. The good metal one. Straight forward easy maintained
Note, not sure how the knock off are but brake bleeding is easy with it.
 
I currently have dot 5. Made a huge difference at the end of the 1/4 mile. Significantly reduced brake fade. This was only a problem at the track. I have drums all around.
 
When we bought dad's cuda in 2012 it had Dot 3. Peeled paint under the hood. We swapped to Dot 5. And when I say swapped, I mean we simply bled Dot 3 out and kept topping up with 5. Kept bleeding till we saw purple at all 4 corners.
That was 13 yrs ago.
 
Have dot 5 in my car all new clean system at the time . I am having a issue with one rear brake locking up when the brakes are applied hard. I checked everything even changed the drums. Someone said it may have air locked in the line. Anyone heard of that?
 
I currently have dot 5. Made a huge difference at the end of the 1/4 mile. Significantly reduced brake fade. This was only a problem at the track. I have drums all around.
To me this right here ^^^^^ is the #1 reason to use DOT 5, hands DOWN.
 
Have dot 5 in my car all new clean system at the time . I am having a issue with one rear brake locking up when the brakes are applied hard. I checked everything even changed the drums. Someone said it may have air locked in the line. Anyone heard of that?
Maybe in the line on the side that's NOT locking up, yeah. Air compresses. Fluid does not. So if there's air in the side that's not locking up, then the air is acting like a "cushion" and reducing the stopping power on that side. IF air is what the problem is.
 
I had to repaint 2 engine bays because of DOT 3/4. So, I am in the DOT5 camp. Yes, if it gets really hot, your pedal will get spongy. That was in a motorcycle at the dragstrip. I have never had this issue on the street.
 
i used dot4 in my 100% new brake system.


DOT 4 brake fluid offers benefits like a higher boiling point for improved performance under extreme conditions, better moisture resistance, and enhanced corrosion protection, leading to a longer-lasting and safer braking system.

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

  • Higher Boiling Point:
    DOT 4 brake fluid has a higher boiling point than DOT 3, meaning it can withstand higher temperatures without vaporizing and causing brake failure.
  • Improved Performance in Extreme Conditions:
    This higher boiling point makes DOT 4 ideal for vehicles that experience heavy braking, high-speed driving, or frequent use in mountainous terrain, where temperatures can rise significantly.
  • Enhanced Moisture Resistance:
    DOT 4 is less hygroscopic than DOT 3, meaning it absorbs moisture at a slower rate. This helps to prevent corrosion and extends the life of brake system components.
  • Better Corrosion Protection:
    DOT 4 contains special additives that provide better protection against corrosion, which can help to prevent damage to brake system components.
  • Longer-Lasting Brake System:
    By offering better resistance to vaporization, moisture absorption, and corrosion, DOT 4 brake fluid helps to extend the life of the entire brake system.
  • Suitable for Various Brake Systems:
    DOT 4 is suitable for a wide range of brake systems, including those with ABS and other advanced features.
  • Meets or Exceeds DOT 4 Specifications:
    DOT 4 brake fluid is designed to meet or exceed the requirements of the DOT 4 specification, ensuring
 
Maybe I'm just lucky but I've never had paint peel from a DOT 3 spill. Just be careful and clean it off immediately if you drop any.

Of course, now it'll probably happen tomorrow.
Nope it won’t, I’m emailing “the department of irony and misfortune” right now to redact your statement and undo any potential mishaps… you should be good to go, haha. All good. Thanks for the feedback!
 
This when I bought the car and now

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Being that I’m starting fresh with an empty “new” system and I’ve never done this before, how much brake fluid should I plan on having to fully bleed the master, fill the lines and purge/bleed the wheel cylinders? I’ve read some have done it with a quart or less??? NAPA has a 32oz bottle that will send me to the poorhouse, but that might give me more than enough to get everything filled and tested and a nice little remainder in the trunk for “road trips” and emergencies?
 
When we bought dad's cuda in 2012 it had Dot 3. Peeled paint under the hood. We swapped to Dot 5. And when I say swapped, I mean we simply bled Dot 3 out and kept topping up with 5. Kept bleeding till we saw purple at all 4 corners.
That was 13 yrs ago.
I agree. I have done the same on old system's.
Funny thing is some don't know.
Starring with farthest line from the master (Longest) I have seen many who don't know that's how to do it.
 
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The worst rust on my '72 Dart, was under the master cyl, down to the pin holes in the floor. The OP should be fine with whichever way he chooses to go, 4 or 5.
 
Being that I’m starting fresh with an empty “new” system and I’ve never done this before, how much brake fluid should I plan on having to fully bleed the master, fill the lines and purge/bleed the wheel cylinders? I’ve read some have done it with a quart or less??? NAPA has a 32oz bottle that will send me to the poorhouse, but that might give me more than enough to get everything filled and tested and a nice little remainder in the trunk for “road trips” and emergencies?
2 qt will have you good to go and have some on the shelf. And F Napa, they charge extra to repackage some other company’s product. I’d buy from Oreillys…
 
Being that I’m starting fresh with an empty “new” system and I’ve never done this before, how much brake fluid should I plan on having to fully bleed the master, fill the lines and purge/bleed the wheel cylinders? I’ve read some have done it with a quart or less??? NAPA has a 32oz bottle that will send me to the poorhouse, but that might give me more than enough to get everything filled and tested and a nice little remainder in the trunk for “road trips” and emergencies?
Being that your system is brand spanking new, use a clean container, hoses and tools to capture the fluid that is bled. You can save this and re-use it.
 
Napa has it or should be able to get it for you
this is all the DOT 5 that Napa shows and its "Napa" brand whoever makes that????
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This is a google search, never heard of any of the brands
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I’d buy from Oreillys…
they have only one brand of DOT 5 large or small container is only difference.

I don't understand why the big guys (Preston, Valvoline etc.) have not gotten into the act.
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