Brake flluid recommendation

My 2017 Taco says I can used DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid. I have 3 on the shelf but will use 4 if better and what was OEM. Any opinions?
Thanks

 

If the DOT 3 on your shelf is unopened, then go ahead and use it, otherwise maybe this will help you decide:

 

I've run this stuff for years. works great in Toyota's.



https://www.amazon.com/ATE-Brake-Fluid-SL-6-Liters/dp/B009SNFBV8

This stuff works well too, but you'll need to do a good flush.

$19 Motul MTL100949 8068HL RBF 600 Factory Line Dot-4 100 Percent Synthetic Racing Brake Fluid-600, 500. ml

https://www.amazon.com/Motul-MTL100...74866&pd_rd_wg=HfYOx&pd_rd_i=B004LEYJO4&psc=1

 

I wait till Valvoline is on sale at Advance Auto. Anything you get will work as long as it's DOT 3&4.

 

12oz Toyota branded DOT 3 is about $5/ea... If under any OEM warranty, I'd stick with OEM since the price is pretty low.

 

I have used Valvoline 3/4 for many years in all manner of vehicles. I also have a friend who uses it in his autox rig.

Anything that calls for 3 can use 4. 4 just has a slightly higher boiling point. That's why Valvoline's fluid is labeled "3/4". It's actually 4...it can be used in either system.

You can use 3 in a 4 system technically. But it's generally not an advisable thing to do as your lower the boiling point some.

DO NOT use DOT 5 in a 3 or 4 system

 

1. so what comes with the truck 3 or 4?
2. "can use either in the system", can you mix them. if 3 is stock can it top off with 4?

 

Tacos come with 3. Won't hurt too put in 4. But the system is a closed system. If it's truly low, then there's a leak. But don't confuse that with the fluid level dropping as the pads/shoes wear. That's normal

 

Nice I use the ate 200 from them. Been running it for years. Used to be the super blue until the US said no colors In the fluid

ATE 706202 Original TYP 200 Racing Quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid - 1 Liter

$21 ATE Original TYP 200 Racing Quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid, 1 Liter Can

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VXRPL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8n5cGbEJTS6ST

 

Same.... Have run it in my old LR D2 years ago, and in the current jeep. Will most likely do the same in the taco.

 

OEM is DOT 3. Toyota fluid contains polymer lubricants which maintain seal life in the master cylinder. Some non-Toyota fluid may not contain lubricants. Toyota/Lexus had recalls in 2010 affecting 10 models for having master cylinder internal leakage when used with DOT 4. I stick with Toyota DOT 3 and flush every 4 years in both of my vehicles. Never experienced brake fade even with heavy A-Trac activation off-road.

 

Most name brand Brake fluids are spec'ed the same for DOT 3 "or" Dot 4. The emergency "need" to add fluid means mechanical component replacement is required or you have a leak. Topping off for normal wear is not required or recommended however...like say motor oil. When flushing you can change, but never mix brand/spec.

 

All DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 are completely compatible, regardless of the brand. You will do no physical harm by mixing them. The only potential issues you might have is raising or lowering the boiling point of the fluid depending on what's being mixed. For the average vehicle, that's usually not an issue.

What you don't want to use is DOT 5. That is a completely different type of fluid and is only compatible with other DOT 5 fluids. It's sometimes mistakenly called "synthetic" fluid. In reality, all brake fluid is synthetic

 

I'll add my $0.02...

As I change my brake fluid regularly on all my vehicles every 3 years I use DOT 3 from a new sealed container, each service. The key is to change it regularly as it is hygroscopic. That is it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.

Plain Jane Taco is correct regarding the DOT 5 fluid too.

Bottom line: replace your brake fluid periodically. It wears out! Especially if you live in a humid climate or have wide temperature variations. Or drive your truck hard and/or off road.

 

I have never worried about the brand of brake fluid. It's all the same just use the type required. I usually don't keep it around. When I have done brakes I'll buy a 12oz to make up for bleeding the brakes. The one time I did my own flush I bought more but in either case I usually have left over and end up disposing of it. I just buy store brand or prestone in DOT3.

 

I may try this SL.6 next time. I have been using the 200 and old blue for 20 years but do notice since it’s DD most of the time that the brakes are softer until they heat up then they feel great. Sounds like the SL.6 will be better from start.