> I remember vaguely a helpful posting about the different brake fluids,
> i.e. DOT3-5. And I think having read that DOT3 would destroy rubber seals
> with time. Is that correct? My Haynes manual for MGs says I should use
> DOT3 as brake fluid. Isn't that odd?
>
> I appreciate any helpful posting!!
I'm probably risking the start up of a brake fluid religion war but I
don't think you have anything to worry about as long as you keep the
fluid fresh. Water is the big concern with brake fluid and since glycol
absorbs moisture from the air it ends up in your fluid, assuming you use
either DOT3 or DOT4. Both have rust inhibitors in them but their effect
is reduced as the fluid get polluted with water and other crud.
Personally I don't buy the DOT3 rots your Brit car seals argument.
I use DOT4 in the snake and flush every year. In my other cars I use
DOT3 'cuz that's what the manual demands. I'd be comfortable with DOT4
in these cars too but I stuck to what the manual said while these cars
were under warranty and just haven't bothered to make the change. I've
had good luck with DOT3 fluid in numerous cars I've owned over the years
including the snake. Hell, I drove my VW bug for more than 20 years
without ever changing or adding to the DOT3 fluid that was put in at the
factory. Similarly I drove a Dodge Aspen 14 years and never changed
the DOT3 fluid. This not a practice I recommend especially if you live
where it gets very humid and/or rains a lot, but I'm convinced it's not
brake fluid that rots seals but old age and neglect.
As for silicone brake fluid, some people love it and some people hate
it. I've heard arguments on both sides but I'm still pretty neutral
on its use.
Roland
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