The 10 Best Brake Fluids to Maintain the Safety of Your Brakes 

Are you living in a cold climate? Well, the ShopPro DOT 3 Brake Fluid 32 ounce is a viable choice. This option can blend with regular brake fluids (so if you already have a favorite, this one should mix in nicely). It is ideal for all hydraulic drums, disc brakes, and hydraulic clutches that require DOT 3. If you’re looking for an affordable DOT3 brake fluid option, then this is one you should add to your list. 

This DOT 3 option is meant to go the distance — literally. With a 50,000-mile fluid life, it can preserve the health of your brakes for a long time. It has a high boiling point which can ward off overheating. It also protects against water absorption, which can lead to a decline in performance if not checked. Lastly, the Prestone DOT 3 Brake Fluid 32 ounce also guards against corrosion within all DOT 3 braking systems. 

The Pentosin DOT 4 Brake Fluid 1 liter is a DOT 4 option that can help protect your bake systems against corrosion and resistance. However, the place where this product truly shines is in its low viscosity at low temperatures. It also decreases vapor lock — the process of liquid becoming gas before it reaches the carburetor or fuel line. Lastly, if water absorption is a common issue for your brakes, this product touts long-lasting resistance to water absorption and retention.  

Do you have a disc and drum brake system with a DOT 3 requirement? Then the Lucas Oil DOT 3 Brake Fluid 32 ounce should be on your list. It adheres to federal safety standards like FMVSS no. 16 and SAE J1703 specifications and provides excellent lubrication in braking systems. Drivers can also expect protection against seal softening and hardening and rust and corrosion.  

DOT 4 brake fluid is ideal for drivers with cars that produce high temperatures due to faster speeds or heavy towing. The Valvoline DOT 4 Brake Fluid 32 ounce is an excellent choice if you fall into either category. It’s safe for a range of braking systems, including ABS, disc, and drum, and it can help you defeat corrosion and keep your brake system running, even in higher temperatures. This product may be a viable option if you have a sports car or a truck for work.  

Much like its DOT 3 counterpart, the Prestone DOT 4 Brake Fluid 12 ounce also has a 50,000 mile formula life and a high-grade formula meant to protect against overheating. It has a high boiling point, at 496 degrees Fahrenheit, higher than the DOT minimum standard. It’s safe to use in all braking systems and can blend with other DOT 4 fluids. If you’re looking for a DOT 4 fluid that can last a long time while protecting against corrosion, then this is an option that you want to check out.  

Sometimes you need more than 12 or 32 ounces to energize your brakes, and ShopPro DOT 3 Brake Fluid 1 gallon is just the product for the job. If you already have your favorite brake fluid, no worries, as it’s safe to mix this product with others. Also, even at low temperatures, this brake fluid has good viscosity to facilitate a strong flow in your braking system. If you’re looking for a durable option or a product that offers more bang for your buck, this choice is one to consider.  

Are you starting to feel those brakes soften? Well, it may be time to consider a brake fluid like the ShopPro DOT 4 Brake Fluid 32 ounce. Not only can it smooth out those braking issues, but it can support the operation of your brakes regardless of the type of braking system that you have.  

What’s better than a 50,000 extended formula length? How about one that’s 75,000 miles? The Prestone DOT 4 Brake Fluid 32 ounce offers long-lasting protection for brakes through its exemplary DOT 4 formula. It provides solid performance in extreme braking conditions and prevents overheating in brakes. However, unlike some other products on this list, mixing this formula with another is not recommended. Either way, this can be a decent product if you want to stick to Prestone brake fluids.

The Prestone DOT 3 Brake Fluid 1 gallon is another excellent option for getting a decent amount of bang for your buck — affordably. It has a 50,000 miles fluid life, high dry boiling point, prevents metal corrosion, and can work with most braking systems, including ABS, disc, or drum. As with the DOT 4 option, it’s ideal only to use this product with other Prestone brake fluid because mixing can decrease its effectiveness, which can be a downside if you have another brake fluid option that you prefer. However, this is a solid DOT 3 product if your car calls for this formula.