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Best Motorcycle Brake Fluids Review: Which Leads The Road?
Not only hearts need a break, also cars did, but, its “Brake.” And for vehicles’ “Brakes,” correct brake fluids are advised to give your vehicle. Drivers who aren’t aware of the differences between different types and brands of brake fluids mostly commit mistakes and thus result to unwanted pressures on the road. While those who are already knowledgeable on how to select the best brake fluid for his vehicle gets the most advantages.
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid which is being used in hydraulic brake and clutch systems. This is commonly used in motorcycles, light trucks, automobiles along with some kinds of vehicles. The best fit brake fluid for your car, would surely give you safety on the road all the time.
Quick Comparison: Best Motorcycle Brake Fluids
Name
Image
+ Points
- Points
Price
Amazon Rating
My Rating
ATE 706202 Original
-Capable of a track day use
-Has very high boiling points
-High priced
-Its performance for dry boiling point is only average
$$$
4.8 out of 5
****
Motul 8068HL RBF 600
-Absorbs water vapor quickly
-Has a high wet boiling point
-Gives more protection against water penetration
-Highly priced
-It degrades faster
$$$
4.8 out of 5
****
Prestone AS401 DOT 3
-Safest brake fluid
-Best priced brake fluid
-Slowly leaks when incompatible
$
4.6 out of 5
*****
Genuine Honda Fluid DOT 3
-Cost-effective
-Trusted quality for transmission, coolant, and power steering
-Inexpensive
-Requires greater amount in application
$$
4.6 out of 5
****
Pentosin 1204116 Super Dot 4
-Does not change the braking performance
-Works great for brake and clutch
-Easy to pour
Contains harmful substances that causes birth defects
A little expensive
$$
5.0 out of 5
****
Things to Keep In Mind Before Buying A Brake Fluid
Understanding Boiling Point and The Brake Process
The most complicated issue in buying a brake fluid is its boiling point. The boiling point should be understood first and never underestimated in the use of brake fluid for it is very essential in resisting compression. Along the process wherein the force pedal will be transmitting all your force to the brake rotor which exerts high amount of heat, the brake fluid must come in high tolerance state. Here enters the significance of boiling point in the system because it is the maximum temperature before your fluid starts to boil. This boiling point comes in a wet and dry state.
Dry and Wet Boiling Point
The dry boiling point of brake fluids is the boiling temperature of fresh, new and untouched brake fluid in an unopened canister. On the other hand, wet boiling point it the situation wherein the temperature DOT brake fluid begins to boil after absorbing a certain amount of water.
The DOT Rating
The DOT or Department of Transportation has given four major classifications of brake fluids. The number associated in the DOT abbreviation indicates the class of admission. To easily understand the comparisons of the DOT classification of brake fluids here is the quick guide.
DOT
Base
Dry Point
Wet Point
Service Life
CAUTION
DOT 3
glycol
2200C
1500C
2 Years
Never mix with DOT 5
DOT 4
glycol w/anti-corrosion and lubricating additives
2400C
1600C
2 Years
Never mix with DOT 5
DOT 4.5/DOT 4+/SUPER DOT 4
glycol w/anti-corrosion and lubricating additives
2600C
1800C
2 Years
Never mix with DOT 5
DOT 5
Silicone
2800C
1800C
5 Years
DO NOT use in a vehicle with ABS brake system
DOT 5.1 (Improved DOT 4.5)
glycol w/anti-corrosion and lubricating additives
2700C
1800C
1 Year
A Word of CAUTION
Take note that brake fluids’ cautions must be followed to avoid conflicts and malfunctioning. However, if this instance could not be avoided and two brake fluids have been mixed, the brake system must be flushed. After flushing the whole brake system, and everything is set on a fresh estate, you should check the manual to install the recommended brake fluid.
Here are the 5 Best Motorcycle Brake Fluids
ATE 706202 Original
ATE brake fluid is made from a high-performance formula. It is noted for its outstanding water binding properties which force oil stoppage resulting to a minimal drop in boiling point. Over the years, ATE original brake fluid has met SAE J1703 and FMVSS 116-DOT4 standards. Moreover, it works greatly at its dry boiling point of minimum 536 degrees Fahrenheit and wet boiling point at a minimum of 374 degrees Fahrenheit.
The good thing is that ATE brake fluid has a good record of product reviews from customers in the last two years. Accordingly, it’s the most trusted brake fluid for your race car and at any consequences never result to any brake boiling or faded pedal. Thousands of praises with similar observations for the ATE brake fluid is received every day. And even though it cost more than how much other brake fluids typically costs, the quality is worth the price. However, the US had recently banned all brake fluids that was not yellow, that’s why ATE had to adjust the colors of its products shipped to States.
Pros
Capable of a track day use
Has very high boiling points
Cons
High priced
Its performance for dry boiling point is only average
ASIN B003VXRPL0
Motul 8068HL RBF 600
This Motul brake fluid is a non-silicone synthetic fluid especially made for hydraulic types of brakes and clutch systems. It is known for its extreme thermal resistance and stability as well as on its better aerodynamic performance. Also, it’s very high boiling point reached up to 594 degrees Fahrenheit. This Motul brake fluid exceeds DOT 5.1 and DOT 3 standards, except for viscosity at the rate of -40-degree centigrade.
For three consecutive years, Motul resisted a negative review and covered a long list of positive feedbacks. This product has been highly recommended for enthusiasts who are looking for high-quality brake fluid. It can maintain a good pedal wherein you can never feel lost or experience fade or spongy pedal after a full day of laps. Even if your clutch pedal already gone bad and had stuck to the floor after abusive use, when you switch to Motul brake fluid you will be quite amazed for it will return flawlessly working. With the Motul brake fluid, you will never experience such loss of braking pressure or overheating brakes. If you prefer to go longer between changes, looking for more protection and increase the performance over the broad range of your car, then Modul brake fluid is just the right fit for you.
Pros
Absorbs water vapor quickly
Has a high wet boiling point
Gives more protection against water penetration
Cons
Highly priced
It degrades faster
ASIN B004LEYJO4
Prestone AS401 DOT 3
Prestone brake fluid is a low costing brake fluid that provides an extra margin of safety when you are in extreme braking conditions. This product is made with the combination of polyglycerol ethers that ensures a hot brake system operation. More so, Prestone brake fluid is safe to use for it will not create dangerous vapor which makes it an excellent fluid for ABS, disc and drum brake systems. It can provide your car an over the top braking power when needed by avoiding a spongy metal. Even its wet and dry boiling points have exceeded the minimum government standards.
Additionally, Prestone brake fluid is a great product and is best to have in smaller containers since brake fluids do expires. It's proven to be the safest brake fluid using some fender tests. Even when it has been tested by blowing some torch, the bleeder only bolts off, but it didn’t light up or sparks. No questions when it comes to performance, Prestone brake fluid is noted for working well for its fluid is so clear recently that before.
Pros
Safest brake fluid
Best priced brake fluid
Cons
Slowly leaks when incompatible
ASIN B004AHDCB8
Genuine Honda Fluid DOT 3 Brake Fluid
This brake fluid from Honda is a genuine product that will fit all Honda models. Before you buy any brake fluid for your Honda car, make sure to buy an original product to be sure of its effectiveness and safety. However, this genuine Honda brake fluid has some precautions like it must not be mixed with DOT 5 fluid and a DOT 3 fluid to DOT 4 systems must not be added. Also, fluid contact with brake lining or painted surfaces must be kept away from having any contacts. Original fluid like this one is sometimes having some sensitiveness in terms of applications.
With this genuine Honda brake fluid, you can rely on the high quality and effectiveness you are looking for. In almost three years since, this brake fluid was advertised in Amazon, verified buyers posted a high rate of reviews. What makes genuine Honda brake fluid different from other types is that does not allow moisture to seep in and cause rust. Also, it is the perfect blend to brake lines and swap out the old fluid easily.
Pros
Cost-effective
Trusted quality for transmission, coolant, and power steering
Inexpensive
Cons
Requires greater amount in application
ASIN B0089LR0T6
Pentosin 1204116 Super Dot 4
Pentosin brake fluid is a universal DOT 4 brake fluid ideal in every vehicle which is tested for resisting corrosion. Plus, it has ABS brake systems giving it excellent resistance in absorbing and retaining water. It also provides superior corrosion resistance and has the capability to protects against vapor lock.
In two years, Pentosin has greatly worked on its quality and the efforts work accordingly because Pentosin has received a 98% of positive feedback from customers. Pentosin was also noted for its great performance and long serviceable years even when exposed to the high humidity environment or dry air. More so, the brake fluid comes in an easy to pour container giving a quick usage anytime. Pentosin is not a China made product compared to lots of DOT 4 brands. So, if you’re a health-conscious person, you would surely prefer to have Pentosin of its proven quality on safety.
Pros
Does not change the braking performance
Works great for brake and clutch
Easy to pour
Cons
Contains harmful substances that cause birth defects
A little expensive
ASIN B007PCQCIU
Which One Is Best?
So far, all of these five leading brake fluids are almost the same when it comes to quality. However, because everyone has its own characteristics, uniqueness and differences it is your preferred choice and priority to make. At the road, it is the safety which is the most important, so the Prestone brake fluid is the best choice for safety-conscious drivers. It is for the fact that Prestone provides extra room for safety, especially in extreme braking conditions. Moreover, Prestone is less expensive at the highest quality when it comes to brakes. It's remarkably unique focus on safety is outstanding which the company worked for over the years. Products Links:
https://www.amazon.com/ATE-706202-Original-Brake-Fluid/dp/B003VXRPL0/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1484113829&sr=1-6&keywords=brake+fluid
https://www.amazon.com/Motul-8068HL-Factory-Percent-Synthetic/dp/B004LEYJO4/ref=sr_1_10?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1484113829&sr=1-10&keywords=brake+fluid
https://www.amazon.com/Prestone-AS401-Synthetic-Brake-Fluid/dp/B004AHDCB8/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1484113829&sr=1-4&keywords=brake+fluid
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-Fluid-08798-9008-Brake/dp/B0089LR0T6/ref=sr_1_26?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1484113829&sr=1-26&keywords=brake+fluid
https://www.amazon.com/Pentosin-1204116-Super-Brake-Fluid/dp/B007PCQCIU/ref=pd_sbs_263_11?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FHG3RK9DBR8E06M8KP19