Wrong brake fluid in modern vehicles impairing systems
Technicians risk using the wrong brake fluid in modern vehicles if they do not double-check specifications.
DriveTec has found that many reservoir caps on models manufactured after 2015 state DOT 4 even when the system is designed for DOT 4 Low Viscosity.
This could result in technicians using the wrong fluid if they follow under the bonnet labelling rather than vehicle manufacturer specifications.
It has said that the shift to advanced braking systems means low-viscosity fluid is now critical to the performance of systems such as ABS, ESC and automatic emergency braking. Using standard DOT 4 instead can slow system response and weaken brake intervention.
Justin Wasling, commercial programme director at GSF Car Parts, said: “We’re seeing more vehicles where the cap says DOT 4, but the OE spec is DOT 4 LV. If you’re taking the cap at face value, it’s easy to get it wrong. The only reliable way is to check the manufacturer spec.
“It might not show immediately, but the wrong fluid will affect how these systems respond under pressure.”
