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Month: February 2024

Key Differences of DOT 3, 4, 5.1 & 5 Brake Fluids Performance

Posted on by Armor Lubricants

Brake Fluids Dot 3, 4, 5.1, and 5 Difference

Brake Oil, a specialized fluid, plays a key role in the braking process by transmitting the force from the brake pedal to the brake pads, ensuring efficient stopping power.

It can also have properties such as lubrication and anti-corrosion, which enhance the functionality and longevity of the braking system. Therefore, selecting the right brake oil is a critical aspect of maintaining a vehicle.

Various types of brake fluids are designed to meet the needs of different braking systems. The most common ones on the market today are DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1 fluids.

Are they the same? Do they have massive differences? What sets these specialty fluids apart from others? Allow us to answer all your questions.

What are the Main Characteristics of Brake Fluid?

The braking system experiences high temperatures during operation, requiring the brake fluid to have specific qualities in order to function effectively. Additionally, its primary characteristics are:

  • Non-compressibility: They should be resistant to compression to efficiently transfer force to the brakes.
  • Low viscosity: This is important for cars with ABS.
  • Lubricity: for lubricating seals in the braking system, certain additives are used to enhance the lubrication properties of the fluid.
  • Corrosion resistance: in order to safeguard braking system parts.
  • High boiling point: for withstanding extreme temperatures and preventing vaporization that could impede the transmission of braking force.

What is the Definition of DOT?

DOT is an acronym for the Department of Transportation in the United States. it is commonly used to denote the levels of brake fluid that are mandated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), namely DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1.

DOT is a common classification, but not the only one. There are others such as J1703, J1704, and J1705, which are defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), as well as the ISO 4925 standard’s classes 3, 4, and 5, and 5.1.

Brake Fluids Composition

Regardless of the brand, brake fluid has 3 main components:

  • A solvent
  • Lubricating agents
  • Additives

The solvent makes up the majority of the fluid (ranging from 60% to 90%), while the lubricating agents make up 5% to 30%, and the additives only make up 2% to 5%.

These additives serve specific purposes, such as corrosion inhibitors that protect the metal parts of the brake system from corrosion and antioxidants that prevent the breakdown of the solvent and the formation of deposits.

GLYCOL-BASED Brake Fluids

DOT 3 Fluid utilizes glycol ether as a solvent and is a traditional brake fluid that has been commonly used in vehicles manufactured prior to the 1990s. It is compatible with all types of brake systems and can be used in any driving situation. Everything You Need to know about Dot 3 Fluid, Read this Blog.

DOT4 contains glycol ether and borate ester compounds that enhance its effectiveness in comparison to DOT 3. It has become the standard for cars made after 2006. Similar to its forerunner, it is appropriate for all types of brake systems and driving situations. Everything You Need to Know About Dot 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid, Read this Blog.

DOT 5.1 contains glycol ether and borate ester compounds, providing superior performance similar to that of the silicone-based DOT 5. It can be considered a non-silicone alternative to DOT 5, while still being compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4 braking systems and fluids.

It is important to handle all brake oils that contain glycol with caution, as they have the potential to harm the paint of a vehicle or motorcycle.

SILICONE-BASED Brake Fluids

DOT 5 fluid is made with silicone, which means it is not suitable for use in anti-lock braking systems. It is also important to note that DOT 5 cannot be mixed with other types of brake fluid. Unlike other fluids, it will not harm the paint on your vehicle.

The liquid is specifically designed for challenging uses such as military transportation and extremely low temperatures.

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    Is it Possible to Combine Different Brake Fluid Types?

    The rule is not to mix brake fluids; it is always better to use the brake fluid that is recommended by that manufacturer. However, there are some exceptions to every rule.

    Mixing brake fluids is only possible if the added fluid is of a higher grade than the existing fluid in the system.

    For instance, a braking system that is designed for a specific brake fluid specification, such as DOT 3, can also accommodate the use of either DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid. You can top up a system equipped with DOT 4 with Dot 5.1 fluid without requiring a bleeding process.

    It is important to note that a DOT 4 brake system should never be refilled with DOT 3 brake fluid. This is because the lower dry and wet boiling points of DOT 3 fluid will not be sufficient to meet the necessary temperature requirements.

    Do not add DOT 5 brake fluid to any other type of fluid due to its silicone-based formula.

    To achieve the best performance from your braking system and brake fluid, it is recommended to bleed the brake fluid and replace it with a new one.

    Dry and Wet Boiling Points: What are they? And Why Should you Care?

    The difference between braking fluids is determined by their dry and wet boiling points. These terms refer to the temperatures at which the braking fluid boils when operating.

    The dry boiling point is the temperature before the braking fluid becomes contaminated or absorbs moisture. The wet boiling point describes the fluid’s properties after a given period of time in the system and exposure to ambient conditions.

    The types of braking fluids, namely DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1, are characterized as hygroscopic due to their ability to absorb water. This is the reason why they have two different boiling point values.

    In contrast, DOT 5 is made of a hydrophobic silicone formula that repels water, resulting in more consistent boiling points.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, choosing the right brake fluid depends on your vehicle’s requirements and driving style. DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake fluid are the most common choices, with DOT 5.1 offering higher performance. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a professional if unsure. Remember, never mix DOT 5 with other fluids as this compromises braking performance.

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      Buy Premium Brake Fluid from Armor Lubricants

      Armor Lubricants is the best premium brake fluid manufacturer in UAE. Experience superior performance and protection with Armor Lubricants. As a leading supplier of brake fluid, we offer a brake fluids at the best prices in UAE to meet your specific needs. Visit us to be the exclusive distributor for the best quality lubricants which meets and exceeds international standard specifications provides exceptional performance.

      5 Best Reasons Why does water come out of my Car Exhaust Pipe?

      Posted on by Armor Lubricants

      Water dropping out of car exhaust

      Did You Notice Water Dripping from Your Car Exhaust Pipe. Is this completely normal?

      Combustion Process

      The engine of your car operates by combustion. That is, a series of small explosions propels pistons up and down to provide motive power for the vehicle. The combustion process creates fumes, which must be vented from the engine through the car exhaust system. However, if you take a look at your tailpipe, you may notice that there’s more than just exhaust fumes coming out. Water could be dripping from your car exhaust system, as well. Why is that?

      It’s Just Condensation

      In 99% of cases, water from your car exhaust system is absolutely normal and is nothing to worry about. It is just condensation being vented while the engine is running. You’re most likely to notice this when the outside temperature is cold and when the engine has not been running all that long. Here’s how it works:

      • You start your car’s engine.
      • Hot gases begin to flow through the exhaust system.
      • Condensation forms within the exhaust pipe due to the contrast between heat and cold.
      • The force of the engine’s exhaust eventually moves that moisture out of the system, causing it to drip from your muffler.
      • After the engine has been running for some time and the exhaust system is up to normal temperature, the water will stop.

      Leak sign or safety warning sign from car exhaust system

      As you can see, water from your car exhaust system is usually normal. It is nothing more than natural condensation. You’ll probably also notice that those drips are accompanied by what looks like white smoke, but it is odorless. This is just steam. Note that if your engine is putting out white smoke that has a strong burning smell to it, you should have your vehicle checked, as it is a sign of an oil leak. Explore the different colors of exhaust smoke here.

      When is it Not Normal?

      While water coming out of your car exhaust system will be normal in most cases, there are situations where it is not. For instance, if your car’s engine is discharging a lot of water, such as a cup of water per minute, it is gas a good sign that you’ve got a deeper problem. If you notice that the water isn’t clear, it could be antifreeze that’s leaking out, and is a sign of a damaged gasket in the engine (usually a head gasket). It could also be a sign of a cracked head. Both of these can allow engine coolant to leak in.

      Lubricant Mixed with Coolant

      In this case, turn off the engine of your car and pop the hood. Remove the oil filler cap and look underneath it. Do you see a whitish/green material? This is what happens when motor oil mixes with water or antifreeze. If you spot this, you need to have your engine repaired immediately. Operating it can lead to serious damage, as oil that has been mixed with coolant cannot do a good job of lubricating engine components.

      Conclusion

      In most cases, water coming from your exhaust pipe is completely normal. However, keep an eye on your engine oil to make sure that you don’t have a cracked head or blown head gasket. Furthermore, keep an eye while inspecting the Car exhaust system, you shouldn’t touch when it is hot because the car exhaust can lead to serious burns.