Choosing the Right Brake Fluid for Your Truck

The story goes that Uncle Ba, a seasoned Dongfeng B180 truck driver on the Lang – Hoa Lac route, once had a near-miss accident due to brake failure. It turned out he had used the wrong type of brake fluid. Since then, Uncle Ba always reminds everyone: “Choosing brake fluid for a truck is as important as choosing rice for cooking, you must carefully research it.” So, what is brake fluid? What types are there and how to choose the best one for your beloved vehicle? Let’s explore with Hanoi Truck!

What is Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is a special hydraulic fluid that plays a vital role in a vehicle’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid transmits pressure from the pedal to the brake pads, helping the vehicle stop safely.

Brake fluid

Types of Brake Fluid

Currently, there are three main types of brake fluid on the market, classified based on the DOT (Department of Transportation) standards:

1. DOT 3 Brake Fluid

• Advantages: Affordable, suitable for common vehicles and light trucks such as Suzuki Carry Pro, Teraco trucks…
• Disadvantages: Low boiling point, easily absorbs moisture, requires frequent replacement.
• Note: Not recommended for heavy-duty trucks, dump trucks, or tractor-trailers operating in harsh conditions.

2. DOT 4 Brake Fluid

• Advantages: Higher boiling point than DOT 3, better moisture absorption, suitable for medium-duty trucks such as Hyundai N250, Hino XZU720…
• Disadvantages: More expensive than DOT 3.
• Note: DOT 4 brake fluid should be changed regularly to ensure optimal braking performance.

3. DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid

• Advantages: Very high boiling point, excellent heat resistance, suitable for heavy-duty trucks, American tractor-trailers, Howo dump trucks… operating in harsh conditions.
• Disadvantages: The most expensive of the three types.
• Note: Do not use DOT 5.1 in brake systems that use DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid.

Brake Fluid Price List

Important Considerations When Choosing Brake Fluid

• Choose brake fluid that is suitable for your vehicle type and operating conditions.
• Purchase brake fluid from reputable stores or dealers like Hanoi Truck to avoid counterfeit or low-quality products.
• Change brake fluid regularly as recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid changes color or becomes contaminated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Fluid

1. What is the function of brake fluid?

Brake fluid transmits pressure from the brake pedal to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to stop safely.

2. When should brake fluid be changed?

Brake fluid should be changed regularly or when it appears discolored or contaminated.

3. What are the consequences of using low-quality brake fluid?

Low-quality brake fluid can damage the braking system, reduce braking efficiency, and compromise safety while driving.

Changing brake fluid

Where to Buy Brake Fluid?

To purchase genuine, high-quality brake fluid, you can visit Hanoi Truck dealerships in districts such as:

• Cau Giay District: No. 10 Tran Duy Hung, Cau Giay, Hanoi
• Long Bien District: No. 5 Nguyen Van Linh, Long Bien, Hanoi
• Thanh Tri District: No. 20 Ngoc Hoi, Thanh Tri, Hanoi

In addition, you can explore other Hanoi Truck products such as: vehicle emission inspection machines, child car seats, vehicle warning light systems,…

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with useful information about different types of brake fluid. Choose the right brake fluid for your vehicle and change it regularly to ensure safe driving.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and Hanoi Truck will assist you!