Brake fluid

blastman

How do you know what type of brake fluid to put in a car? A mate of mine wants to top up the brake fluid in a car he bought recently for the NCT, but he doesn't know what fluid was in it already. Do most cars use DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 these days? The car is an Avensis, around 98 model, I think if that helps.

nikimere

blastman wrote:

How do you know what type of brake fluid to put in a car? A mate of mine wants to top up the brake fluid in a car he bought recently for the NCT, but he doesn't know what fluid was in it already. Do most cars use DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 these days? The car is an Avensis, around 98 model, I think if that helps.

A quick phone call to your local Toyota garage should sort it out fairly quickly.

crosstownk

If the manual is still in the car it will state the brake fluid specs. I'd guess it would be DOT4, but thats a guess.

Rovi

The correct type of fluid is often specified on the reservoir filler cap.

Seth Brundle

Also do not confuse Dot 5 with Dot 5.1.
Dot 5 is silicone-based and is not compatible with Dot 3,4,or 5.1
see www.carbibles.com/brake_bible.html (near the bottom) for more

blastman

Cheers lads, he doesn't have the manual for the car, but I did suggest calling the dealer. Looking under the cap will also be mentioned.

Henry Ford III

crosstownk wrote:

If the manual is still in the car it will state the brake fluid specs. I'd guess it would be DOT4, but thats a guess.

Most likely I agee.

Captain Slow IRL

It should say it on the cap of the brake fluid resevoir - prolly dot 3 or 4