What is a Universal Brake Fluid, Can I use Dot 5.1?

KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid has arrived and is available from our distributor network across Canada. KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid meets all brake fluid specifications on the market in one fluid and will reduce inventory and preparation time for end users.

• Truly universal brake fluid for global use
• Very high boil point for maximum performance
• Supersedes all glycol-based brake fluid specs such as Dot 3, 4, 4LV, 5.1, 5.1LV, EHV
• Low viscosity and low conductivity
• Meets all OE requirements for all electric and hybrid vehicles
• Available in 500ml and 1L containers

Can I use DOT 5.1?

DOT 5.1 has very wide applicability and can be used with confidence in any brake system where the use of glycol ether fluid is specified. This includes the latest generation full electric and electric hybrid vehicles where low conductivity is essential, as well as high performance European vehicles. It is fully compatible with and can replace or top up systems using DOT 4 and DOT 3 fluids.

Since DOT 4 and 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids they are compatible with each other, which means they can be readily mixed without harming your brake system. It is important never to mistake DOT 5.1 (glycol-based) with DOT 5 which is silicone-based and should never be mixed with any other DOT fluid. DOT 5 is used mostly in classic cars that remain in storage for long periods and need a brake fluid that does not absorb water.

Comparing and Mixing Brake Fluid

DOT 5.1 fluids are a development of DOT 4 having not only higher boiling points (and retaining them even better than DOT 4 in service) but also having a much improved viscosity (thickness) at low temperatures. Part of the standards that need to be met by the manufacturers of DOT fluids are the minimum dry and wet boiling points. These are the minimum temperatures that the brake fluid must perform at before the brake fluid starts to boil, which can lead to complete brake failure.

The requirements for brake fluids are defined by a few internationally recognized standards organizations.

• The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in the US, classifies three main grades of brake fluids under FMVSS 116: DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1
• The International Standards Organization (ISO) classifies a few other grades of brake fluids under their ISO 4925 document: Class 3, 4, 5.1, 6 and 7
• The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classifies another three grades: SAE J1703, SAE J1704 and SAE J1705

KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid meets and exceeds the requirements of the following specifications:

• FMVSS/CMVSS 116 DOT 5.1, DOT 4, DOT 3
• SAE J 1703, J 1704
• ISO 4925 – Classes 3, 4, 5.1, 6, 7

Please look at the Product Data Sheet to see the OEM specifications that KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid meets and exceeds.

KLONDIKE DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid meets and exceeds the requirements of the following specifications:

• FMVSS/CMVSS 116 DOT 3
• SAE J 1703
• ISO 4925 – Class 3

KLONDIKE Brake Fluid Exceeds OEM Specifications

Let’s take a look at the minimum boiling temperatures as specified by the standards and see how KLONDIKE brake fluid compares.

The numbers highlight the performance, quality, and value KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid provides. Its outstanding wet and dry boiling points ensure a wide application range while the excellent lubricity characteristics, help reduce your internal friction in the brake system to ensure maximum braking performance in all operating conditions.

Use our LUBE-LINK to find the right brake fluid for you vehicle and ensure you purchase top-quality fluid like our DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid and DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid.