Brake fluid upgrade?!?

[Worcester_spoon]

I've done a forum search but am struggling to get a definitive answer.

I run stock pads and discs (and more than happy with them), but have been informed that it's well worth upgrading brake fluid to a much higher quality than standard, even on stock kit.

1) do people agree with this?

2) if you do, any recommendations?

Thanks

Stu

 

[MyNamesNotBob]

I think it depends on your type of driving, in the M I haven't changed from BMW spec but on my previous Lotus's I used to use upgraded fluid - the brakes were far better at coping with heat with it.

If you're getting no issues I wouldn't worry about it, instead focus on regularly changing it. If you are getting brake fade due to the fluid boiling up it might be worth considering - I know when I was in this situation it made a big difference, but that was a very different car that was used on track. Another thing to consider as you start moving towards more race biased fluid it can get more hygroscopic, so will need changing more due to water ingress.

I've personally never felt I'm getting close to my cars braking limit, but it is generally sitting on a motorway so you might have different experiences

As for recommendations I liked Castrol SRF http://www.hangar111.com/web-store/110-lotus-motorsport-castrol-srf-synthetic-racing-brake-fluid.html

 

[mmm-five]

Standard is DOT4 which is fine for most uses.

If the fluid hasn't been changed recently, then it may benefit from a change and a good bleed - I re-bleed mine before every 'Ring trip/track day (not that there are many).

I'd recommend you don't go for SRF (DOT5) unless you're planning on some heavy track work, as it's expensive and you've got to be careful when bleeding it (after a complete empty & flush of the old fluid as it's incompatible and will create a holy mess of useless mayonnaise if you do mix them) - and you will end up with a spongier pedal feel than with brand new & properly bled DOT4/DOT5.1 fluid.

Note: DOT5 is NOT the same as DOT5.1 - DOT5 is synthetic racing fluid (usually silicon), DOT5.1 is high performance mineral fluid (slightly better spec than DOT4).

 

[ga41]

Some solid advice above

If you dont experience fluid boil (a spongy pedal) why change to something different?

 

[Aebous]

I have to agree, why change if you don't need it. That said IMO it isn't too much more to go with something like Motel RBF 600. But again, if your not planning on doing a fair bit of racing/downhill mountain passes then I wouldn't worry about putting anything beyond the stock DOT 4.

 

[AlanJ]

I have to agree, why change if you don't need it. That said IMO it isn't too much more to go with something like Motel RBF 600. But again, if your not planning on doing a fair bit of racing/downhill mountain passes then I wouldn't worry about putting anything beyond the stock DOT 4.

Agree DOT4 copes with most if not more than the average drivers capability. Change every 2 years - just done mine and brakes feel firm and effective.

 

[Worcester_spoon]

Thanks guys - as always, great advice. I won't waste my money upgrading then as I don't hammer the brakes.