matt21484

my brake fluid is low. I've done some research on here and see that the car requires Dot 3. Of the local garages, here are 2 types of fluid, which do you reccomend?

Valvoline Dot 3 & 4 Synthetic
Available at NAPA

Wearever Gold Premium Synthetic Dot 3
Available at Advance Auto

OR..
go to dealer?

Thanks

Forgot to mention 01 GS300

850Lexus

I think you will be fine just using A brand name from any parts store unless you like spending extra money at the stealership

Lexmex

I've used the Valvoline before and it's good stuff for something very readily available and held up well when I was in Mexico.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

I use castrol synthetic brake fluid. Its dot 3/4 compatible. Its been a year no problems

4eign

funny this came up...i bougt valvoline synthetic as well a few days ago. Dont think the brnad really matter with these but i could be wrong.

matt21484

I think I'll go w/ the valvoline stuff then. NAPA is closer to my office and the price of the two is irrelevant. I just wasn't sure if the word "synthetic" or if the DOT 3 & 4 threw up any red flags. I'm assuming that adding brake fluis is just as easy as washer fluid? Just pop the top off and fill to the max line?

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Pump brakes 40 times with car off then add

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

Pumping the brakes will do nothing unless you are bleeding the brakes. For most of you guys here, I would recommend a full brake system flush. I usually do mine every year or so. I'll be posting up a DIY here in a few days for it.

Also, the brake fluid level should not drop at a fast rate unless you have a leak in the system. However, the fluid level will go down as you use up the brake pads. The brake caliper piston has to travel further, thus consuming more fluid. If you pads are at the end of their life, your brake fluid level will be low. If you add fluid now to top it off, it will overflow when you put new pads back in.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

It says on the reservoir to pump 40 times before adding brake fluid or else it will overflow.

DubbStep

Me too, its what i use as well....

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

Check your pads first. It's an easy guesstimator of pad wear. If you need to change the pads bleed the line first to refresh your line, then push the pistons in to replace the pads.

matt21484

Just to follow up, I picked up some $3 bottle of Dot 3 conventional at auto zone. When I looked under the hood, the brake fluid was well below the Max line. I added enough to bring the fluid level up, but did not fill to the max line. The wife took the car today so I need to follow up with her if she saw the light today or not.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Most of the time its gonna be below max line. Thats why u gotta pump it 40 times then it will rise up

raytseng

I'm with Jeff, if the level is low, and you have not touched the brake fluid in some time (over a year) you should just have the brake fluid flushed and all changed out if you want to do something, rather then topping off.
I don't see a lot of value in topping off the fluid.