I have really nice Bendix brakes all around and well, I burnt my brake fluid. It'* pretty darn black. The question I have is, I see on the cap for the tank it says "Use only DOT3" but as I think I have heard, DOT 5 is a higher specification, more resistant to burning up? Not too sure about any of this, just heard a few things here and there in the past, figured I'd ask on here. I'm planning to flush the fluid and put new in, but can I use DOT5? Would it benefit me? If not, what is recommended?

Thank you

Dot 5 is silicone based brake fluid. It will destroy your abs system if used in a dot 3 system. Dot 4 has a slightly higher temp rating and is compatable with Dot 3. Dot 5 is mostly found in motorcycles.

DOT 5.1 is also safe to use in a DOT 3 system.

The real issue with DOT 5 (silicon base) is that it does not absorb water. All brake systems are vented and will slowly absorb water, with DOT 5 fluid the water stays separate and is heavier than the brake fluid. The water settles to the low points of the system causing ABS failures and worse. Water has a lower boiling point than even old DOT 3 fluid; the water that collects in the caliper can boil and cause a loss of brakes.

Mike.. there'* a good chance unless you've flushed them recently that the color you see has been building over years.

Flush it clean and you'll be thrilled with the change in performance.

Bill makes a good point. A full brake fluid flush every two years is a good idea.

Thanks a lot once again guys, I'll do a full brake system flush and replace with that synthetic prestone dot 3 high temp brake fluid.