Can you mix DOT3 with synthetic DOT3?
Yes, you can switch between fluid labelled as “synthetic” or regular brake fluid and you can mix synthetic and regular brake fluids. ALL brake fluid is “synthetic” in that it is not made from any petroleum products; it’s a “lab” manufactured product.
Is DOT3 the same as DOT3 Synthetic?
DOT3 brake fluid is still a polyethylene glycol-based fluid, not synthetic.
Can you mix different types of brake 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. By mixing DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 brake fluids, assuming it is fresh fluid, the worst thing that can happen is a drop in the boiling point of the whole fluid.
Can you mix DOT 3 with DOT 4 synthetic?
Are DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid compatible? Yes, DOT 3 brake fluid is compatible with DOT 4 brake fluid. However, DOT 4 offers a higher boiling point. DOT 5.1 is used in high-performance and heavy-duty applications due to its high boiling point.
Is the dot 3 DOT 4 DOT 5 synthetic?
All DOT 3, 4 & 5.1 are all synthitic. DOT 5 is silicone. Brake fluids all the way back as-far-as I can remember, are synthetic. I have noticed in the past 10 years that some bottles/brands of brake fluid mention in large letters, “SYNTHETIC” as though this is something new or better. It’s marketing only!
Is it OK to mix brake fluid with DOT 3?
Yes, as long as both fluids are DOT 3, you can mix without worry. If this is the Miata, the OEM fluid is DOT 3. As long as your can of brake fluid does not say silicone-based, it is likely the only change made to new “synthetic” brake fluid is the label.
Is there such a thing as DOT 3 regular fluid?
There is not such thing as DOT 3 regular fluid and DOT 3 Synthetic. They’re both synthetic! One mfg is just labeling their container as such and making things very confusing for the normal shopper.
Can you mix synthetic brake fluid with regular brake fluid?
Bottom line is that all DOT3/4/5.1 fluids are compatible, and all synthetic. As long as you don’t get DOT5, you’re fine. I’m guessing that attist178 was confusing synthetic with silicon. If you have not flushed the fluid recently I would just get a big bottle of Dot 3 or 4 synthetic and change out the fluid.
All DOT 3, 4 & 5.1 are all synthitic. DOT 5 is silicone. Brake fluids all the way back as-far-as I can remember, are synthetic. I have noticed in the past 10 years that some bottles/brands of brake fluid mention in large letters, “SYNTHETIC” as though this is something new or better. It’s marketing only!
Do you have to mix dot 3 brake fluid?
Note that besides the glycol-based brake fluids, there are mineral-based brake fluids, which means that you should only mix two DOT 3 brake fluids if you’re certain that their chemical components are exactly similar. Most of the DOT 3 brake fluids on the market today are synthetic.
There is not such thing as DOT 3 regular fluid and DOT 3 Synthetic. They’re both synthetic! One mfg is just labeling their container as such and making things very confusing for the normal shopper.
Can you mix silicone fluid with dot 5?
Polyethylene glycol-based fluids (conventional or synthetic) will not mix with silicone fluid (DOT 5). It will lump together somewhere in the system. They also will not react when mixed. So, if you perform a good flush, the rubber parts and the system should be OK. 4.