OK To Mix DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid with non syntheti


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OK To Mix DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid with non synthetic Dot 3

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nesquick97
New User

Nov 21, 2006, 1:08 PM

Post #1 of 4 (8651 views)

OK To Mix DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid with non synthetic Dot 3	Sign In

I want to top off the brake fluid in my wife's 2003 Ford Windstar van. Bought Prestone Synthetic DOT 3 brake fluid. Want to make sure it is ok to add it to what is already in the van.

Thanks

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 21, 2006, 1:32 PM

Post #2 of 4 (8650 views)

Re: OK To Mix DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid with non synthetic Dot 3	Sign In

Fill with what the vehicle calls for. DOT = Deparment of Transportation and they rate brake fluid. Any brand marked DOT 3 should be fine and compatible. The cap on the resevoir or owner's manuel would say if something is different.

Brake fluid has some unique properties:

It's rubber friendly which is most important

It has a high boiling point

It is hydroscopic ?? Big word to say it absorbs moisture

If you find you need to add brake fluid often there probably is a problem. Disc brakes as they wear will lower the level as the piston(s) extend. That's a clue that you should look at them, T

Guest
Anonymous Poster

Nov 22, 2006, 5:03 AM

Post #3 of 4 (8644 views)

Re: OK To Mix DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid with non synthetic Dot 3	Sign In

Thanks for the response! I was changing the oil and I usually check the fluids while I let it drain. Noticed that the brake fluid was inbetween MIN and MAX. Getting the van ready for winter (Michigan) and wanted to make sure everything was topped off. I was actually talking with my father in law last week and we were going to check the front brakes this weekend. Van has 45K and never been changed. I assume that the pads are not too difficult to change on a Windstar? I have done disk brakes in the past and usually not a problem.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 22, 2006, 4:13 PM

Post #4 of 4 (8637 views)

Re: OK To Mix DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid with non synthetic Dot 3	Sign In

I'm pretty sure both Michigan and Massachusetts share a rust problem and even brake parts get involved. That has become an education in itself. When near a flare nut or anything I think I will see again I grease them up and it works!!

Have a great ThanksGiving from the Bay State, T

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