Since every Shimano brake uses Shimano brake fluid, we have complete control over the process and can assure consistent performance. This is where I'm going to give you an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each brake fluid as I see them. This means that the likes of Shimano and Magura have the added freedom when it comes to its manufacture.

Recommended for use in all cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles which require a DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid. Since there is no hydraulic mountain bike brakes using DOT 5 fluid we won't worry too much about it. SILICONE BRAKE FLUID is a premium quality, fully synthetic silicone brake fluid designed for use where DOT 5 Silicone brake fluids are required. DOT brake fluid will reach this level of water volume after roughly 2 years of service, which is why it is advisable to renew your brake fluid every year. high performance brake fluid has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids which makes it suitable for modern high performance vehicles.This makes it ideal for collector cars that are not driven frequently or for whom the brake rebuild parts (wheel and master cylinders) are hard to come by or expensive.

It is suitable for use in Racing cars and motorcycles for competition applications as it resists the formation of vapours that can cause a loss in braking performance. Hold on a second, although we've just made water out to look like your new worst enemy, the hygroscopic nature of DOT brake fluid is actually an advantage in a major way. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. It was originally introduced to give a higher boiling temperature over glycol-based DOT 4 brake fluid. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.It is suitable for use in racing cars and motorcycles for competition applications as it resists the formation of vapours that can cause a loss in braking performance. The likes of Shimano and Magura have no doubt spent a lot of time and money refining their proprietary Mineral Oil brake fluids so you can understand why there is a degree of secrecy on the subject.

Here you can see that silicone based DOT 5 is the odd one out and is not compatible with any other DOT brake fluid. Brake fluid manufacturers can and often do improve on these figures and it is possible to find DOT 4 brake fluid with a higher boiling point than some DOT 5. Both very different in their make-up, and with their own set of characteristics but ultimately performing the same role.Castrol recommends that DOT fluid in previously opened containers should be discarded after 12 months.

Furthermore DOT 5 is hydrophobic and does not absorb water from the atmosphere like regular DOT brake fluid will. It has a super-high boiling point to keep brakes sharp and fade-free and will perform well on the longest, nastiest of Alpine descents. Many US-built custom big twin motorcycles have brake systems that are designed for use with silicone brake fluid. Unlike glycol fluids, silicone will not damage paintwork is used as standard in some high quality US-built big twin motorcycles.This makes it easy to identify and saves you from making the fatal mistake of introducing the wrong fluid and destroying your brake's internal seals.