Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 09:25 pm
Indeed, even regular drivers who don’t play with their vehicles often forget about the brake fluid. Most times, it is not changed at all.
Things such as motor oil need to be changed according to the automakers recommendation.
However, even if you don’t change it on a regular monthly or mileage interval, please don’t change it every two years.
Especially vehicles with high performance which puts tremendous amounts of stress on their braking systems.
A vehicle brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used to transfer force from a brake pedal. It can also be used to transfer brake lever to the brake caliper or wheel cylinder, which will convert it to pressure.
But sometimes it gets dirty from normal use and does break down over time, which reduces the performance of your braking system.
Note that this process is accelerated if you mount more demand on your brakes, but even though you gently drive your vehicle, the brake fluid needs to be changed occasionally.
However, one of the ways to buy new brake fluid for your vehicle is to visit the dealership and purchase it from the manufacturer, but this isn’t always the most cost-effective or convenient way.
In case you want to replace your brake fluid on a budget, then you can buy brake fluid online for any vehicle, but there are many to consider. But first…
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What is DOT 3 Brake Fluid?
The DOT3 happens to be the most common type of brake fluid used by daily drivers. This means that you can expect to find that most cars and trucks use this type. Importantly, it is meant for vehicles that don’t use their braking system aggressively, meaning vehicles that don’t turn the kinetic energy into heat that DOT 3 can’t handle.
However, the normal boiling temperature of DOT 3 brake fluid is around 250° C. The fluid normally has a yellow to amber appearance and a mild glycol odour. You may need to read this Difference Between Dot3 and Dot4 Brake Fluid for more explanation on this.
It is slightly soluble in water, but this does degrade the quality of the fluid if water is mixed with the product.
Note that all DOT brake fluids must meet their industrial standard to be allowed for sale in the marketplace.
How Much is DOT 3 Brake Fluid
Before we talk about the prices of DOT 3 brake fluids, let’s look at the benefits of brake fluids.
The Benefits of Brake Fluid
It helps in preventing brake failure. One of the consequences of not using the best brake fluid is that your vehicle will not operate properly.
As you know, brake fluid is an integral part of your vehicle’s braking system, and it relies on the substance for stopping power.
It helps in keeping you safe. Once your brake fluid is old and worn, then it won’t work as well. This means that your vehicle will take longer to stop, which can then result in an accident that can harm you or others.
It increases performance. In case you race your car on the track or enjoy autocross, then having a good brake is crucial.
Note that the best brake fluid will give you more stopping power than a cheaper, lower-quality products.
A brake fluid is meant for vehicles that are exposed to normal driving conditions. Brake fluids has a wet boiling point of about 140 degrees Celsius and dry boiling point of 205 degrees Celsius.
Within one year, it will absorb moisture at a rate of about 2 percent of its volume. However, it can be safely mixed with a DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 brake fluids.
But note that the best DOT 3 brake fluid is very strong and has the ability to damage your vehicle’s paint in the event of a spillage.
The Brake Fluid Pricing
The under $10: In the market, there are several brands of good-quality brake fluid which can be purchased in this price range.
You can even get some as little as $5. Though most are geared towards average drivers who are not performance-oriented.
The $10-$20: You can get brake fluids at this price point, but they are often meant for vehicles that are used for the race track and normally have a higher boiling point.
Though it provides superior stopping power, they often needs to be changed more regularly.
The over $20: Indeed, some brake fluids can be very costly but features top corrosion protection and water-locking elements for peak performance. Most of these products are generally used by people who race their vehicles.
Where Can I Buy DOT 3 Brake Fluid, In US
In case you are looking for the best DOT 3 brake fluid that has the right composition and works perfectly on the majority of vehicles on the American roads, then we guarantee that you will get the answer in the end.
Note that a perfect DOT 3 brake fluid is the one that should provide you with the right force to the system for adequately stopping the vehicle.
Currently, the technology has made lots of advancements which have directly helped in boosting the performance of all braking system.
But before you get a DOT 3 brake fluid, there are things to consider, here they are:
THEIR BOILING POINT
Remember that a vehicle’s braking system generates high temperatures. But if the temperature gets too high, it will warm up the brake fluid and will form vapor in the brake lines, which causes a drop in braking ability.
However, the dry boiling point referred to the brand new fluid. Whenever it’s been in use for a while, the boiling point will drop because of water contamination.
While the wet boiling point refers to the fluid which is been in use for a while and contains certain amount of moisture mixed in.
Here are other considerations
The Corrosion Resistance: Search for a product that repels corrosion in places such as the ABS control valves, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, and calipers. Automakers uses various additives in their products just to fight corrosion.
But note that some types of brake fluids are more corrosive than others. An example of such is the silicone, which is less corrosive than glycol-ether-based fluids.
The Viscosity: Note that a vehicle’s brake fluid should be able to maintain its viscosity during many operating temperatures.
It will ensure the stability control, traction control, and the anti-lock braking system function correctly.
Remember that it’s essential to prescribe to a viscosity that is recommended by the manufacturer. However, it is known that DOT 5.1 brake fluids have the lowest viscosity over a wide range of temperatures.
The Compatibility: Indeed, some brake fluids are made for certain brake systems, such as disc brakes or drum brakes.
While others are made for various systems. But please do not purchase a cheap brake fluid because it’s cost effective.
This is because it is vital that it’s compatible with your vehicle specification for it to work properly and prevent brake failure.
Here is where you can buy DOT 3 brake fluid in US
My top recommended place to buy brake fluid in the US is here on Amazon and that is because you will get varieties of options with a database of reviews of other customers who have tested and tried the fluid and they have something to say about the dot 3 brake fluid to help guide your decision on which is best for you.
And my second Place to Buy DOT 3 Brake Fluid in US is on the buy Bakes website here.
Buy Brake is an auto company for more than 20 years, they offer the highest quality brake components and the best service in the industry.
Their founder is, John Butler, which started in 1999 with the mission to simplify the complexity in ordering brakes and help customers to the correct braking solution to use on their vehicle.
- 10 Places to Buy DOT 3 brake fluid in US
For more options of places you buy Dot 3 brake fluid in US, and then below are 10 additional websites links where you can buy DOT 3 brake fluid in US.
- https://ebcbrakes.com
- https://www.summitracing.com/
- https://perfectbrakes.com/
- https://www.shopebcbrakes.com/
- https://www.ecstuning.com/
- https://www.uspmotorsports.com/
- https://ifirstforce.com/
- https://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com
- https://www.placeforbrakes.com
- https://www.optionsauto.com
Conclusion
We know you have learned some interesting things about DOT 3 brake fluids. As you may know, brakes are a very integral component of the vehicle because it involves the safety of the riders.
This is why you should always buy the best DOT 3 brake fluid which is compatible with your kind of vehicle and performs its job adequately.
Hi dear, I am Dennis Gift, an autobody repair technician with over 4 years of experience; and I love everything about fitness and cars and researching and sharing my experience. And this is where I get to do that freely without reservations. So come along with me.