Braking, Wheels, Tires, Suspension Modifications to Brake Rotors, Calipers, Wheels, Tires, Springs, Struts, Coilovers, Swaybars, Strut Tower Braces, etc.

Brake Fluid Shelf Life?

Thread Tools
 
Old 06-28-2010, 10:30 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Red Tib's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: H-town, Texas
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Vehicle: 99 Red Tib
Default Brake Fluid Shelf Life?

I bought some Dot 3 Brake Fluid about a year and a half ago and forgot I had it until i found it this weekend. I have not used it and it still has the seal. Is there a shelf life on this thing or am I better off buying a new one?

Are all Dot 3 Brake fluids the same? I think I bought mine at walmart and the brand is Preston.
Old 07-01-2010, 09:18 AM
  #2  
Moderator
 
'treezy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Vehicle: N/A as in Not Applicable, not Naturally Aspirated
Default

Do a quick Google search on DOT3, DOT4, DOT5.. You'll find that the ratings are based on basic content structure and minimum dry and wet boiling points (dry being without water absorption).

To answer your question, NO not all DOT3 brake fluids are the same. In fact you will find some drastically different BPs, generally associated with price.

Read the back of the label, if there is a shelf life recommended by the manufacturer it should be stated on the bottle, if not .. call them if you still are wondering. Sounds fine to me, since it's still sealed.. Had it been opened the fluid would have probably absorbed lots of water from the air surrounding it (natural characteristic of brake fluids).
Old 01-03-2012, 07:21 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Red Raspberry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Vehicle: 2010 Genesis Coupe 2L track
Default

If you don't drive on the track then no big deal. If you do then you need a higher boiling point. Valvoline synthetic fluid is a good lower priced fluid you can find about anywhere..




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:52 AM.