DOT 3 vs DOT 4 brake fluid: which does my car need?
Use the brake fluid grade your owner’s manual names. Most of the Hondas, Acuras and Nissans on this site call for DOT 3, while recent GM and Ford models call for DOT 4, and some Fords specify DOT 4 LV (low viscosity). The grade is printed on the reservoir cap on many cars too.
What’s the difference between DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1?
The grades come from the U.S. brake fluid standard, FMVSS No. 116 (49 CFR 571.116). The main difference is boiling point: DOT 4 must resist boiling at higher temperatures than DOT 3, and DOT 5.1 higher still. DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are all glycol-based. DOT 5 is silicone-based and is a different kind of fluid altogether.
Examples from owner’s manuals
- 2026 Honda Civic Sedan: “Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3”.
- 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: “DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid”.
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning: Motorcraft DOT 4 LV, meeting Ford’s WSS-M6C65-A2 specification.
Each page quotes the manual and links to the page it’s printed on. See every vehicle in Brake fluid type by vehicle.
Can I use DOT 4 in a car that calls for DOT 3?
Follow your manual. Some manuals list an alternative; many simply name one fluid. Never add DOT 5 (silicone) to a system filled with DOT 3 or DOT 4, and don’t reuse fluid from an open bottle: glycol brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point over time. That’s why manuals list a brake fluid replacement interval.