ATE Super Blue brake fluid

[m1tk4]

Hello,

I am using ATE Super Blue on my Lexus RX300 and now it's time to change the fluid in my 05 Accord as well. Has anyone tried using ATE Blue/Gold DOT4 brake fluids on Accords? Are they better than Honda fluid?

Thanks!

[frenzal]

I used Castrol GTLMA dot 3&4 (yes, dot 3&4, it is called that way) and I'm happy with it.

The boiling points (both) are higher than the Honda fluid, which is good for track days.

For normal driving, I wouldn't care using regular Honda dot 3 fluid.

[reframmellator]

Biggest difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 is the boiling point as noted above. DOT 5 brake fluid, OTOH is a silicone fluid and the system must be thoroughly purged before switching. Further, the 5 doesn't mix with the 3 and 4 (like oil and water) and so you have to add 5 all the time. Adding 3/4 to a system with 5 makes a two phase system that's a real mess. Any benefits from silicone fluid use go away. I've heard reports of incomplete flushing causing pockets of 3/4 to form islands of fluid that pick up moisture and accelerate corrosion of your lines. (DOT3/4 chemically are glycols (yeah, like the ethylene and propylene glycols in antifreeze) and glycol ethers so they pick up moisture naturally which is one reason changing brake fluid every two years is a good idea.) DOT 5 is technically superior but it's so impractical in use that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits for the vast majority of owners. I recommend avoiding 5.

[m1tk4]

. I recommend avoiding 5.

ATE Super Blue is DOT4.

[reframmellator]

ATE Super Blue is DOT4.

Understand, just trying to spread a little sunshine in terms of DOT 5 fluid being something COMPLETELY different. . . .

I think DOT 5 is becoming harder and harder to find anyway.