DOT 5
Encyclopedia
DOT 5 is one of several designations of automotive hydraulic brake fluid
, denoting a particular mixture of chemicals imparting specified ranges of boiling point
.
DOT 5 is a silicone
-based brake fluid (contains at least 70% by weight of a diorgano polysiloxane).
Unlike polyethylene glycol based fluids, it is hydrophobic. Its chief advantage over other forms of brake fluid is that silicone exhibits a more stable viscosity index in extreme temperatures. It is widely used in the antique automobile arena as well as it does not damage paint.
Using DOT 5 in a DOT 3 or DOT 4 system without proper flushing will cause damage to the seals and cause brake failure. DOT 5 brake fluid is not compatible with anti-lock brake systems. DOT 5 brake fluid absorbs a small amount of air requiring care when bleeding the system of air.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brake and hydraulic clutch applications in automobiles, motorcycles, light trucks, and some bicycles. It is used to transfer force into pressure...
, denoting a particular mixture of chemicals imparting specified ranges of boiling point
Boiling point
The boiling point of an element or a substance is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid....
.
DOT 5 is a silicone
Silicone
Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds with a variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications , cookware, and insulation....
-based brake fluid (contains at least 70% by weight of a diorgano polysiloxane).
Unlike polyethylene glycol based fluids, it is hydrophobic. Its chief advantage over other forms of brake fluid is that silicone exhibits a more stable viscosity index in extreme temperatures. It is widely used in the antique automobile arena as well as it does not damage paint.
Using DOT 5 in a DOT 3 or DOT 4 system without proper flushing will cause damage to the seals and cause brake failure. DOT 5 brake fluid is not compatible with anti-lock brake systems. DOT 5 brake fluid absorbs a small amount of air requiring care when bleeding the system of air.
Boiling points
Minimal boiling points for these specifications are as follows (wet boiling point defined as 3.7% water by volume):| Dry boiling point | Wet boiling point | |
|---|---|---|
| DOT 3 | 205 °C (401 °F) | 140 °C (284 °F) |
| DOT 4 | 230 °C (446 °F) | 155 °C (311 °F) |
| DOT 5 | 260 °C (500 °F) | 180 °C (356 °F) |
| DOT 5.1 | 270 °C (518 °F) | 190 °C (374 °F) |
| DOT 4 DOT 4 DOT 4 is one of several designations of automotive brake fluid, denoting a particular mixture of chemicals imparting specified ranges of boiling point.... |
Brake fluid Brake fluid Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brake and hydraulic clutch applications in automobiles, motorcycles, light trucks, and some bicycles. It is used to transfer force into pressure... s |
DOT 5.1 DOT 5.1 DOT 5.1 is one of several designations of automotive brake fluid, denoting a particular mixture of chemicals imparting specified ranges of boiling point.... |
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