Why choosing the right brake fluid is crucial
Without brake fluid, most car braking systems would basically not work. It is, after all, what transmits the pedal pressure hydraulically to the brakes. However, there's brake fluid and then there's brake fluid. This is where HELLA does not compromise on quality and its products clearly surpass the statutory DOT requirements - both in terms of wet and dry boiling temperatures. This ensures that the braking performance remains stable even under heavy loads, such as on long downhill sections or in high outside temperatures.
Important: Brake fluid is not a consumable
Many drivers wrongly assume that you can simply top up missing brake fluid in the same way as oil or wiper fluid. Handling requires specific expertise and professional equipment – which only qualified automotive service personnel can provide.
And this is the golden rule: Regardless of the mileage, the brake fluid should be replaced every two years at the latest. If the braking effect decreases or the brake pedal can be depressed easily without much resistance, the brake system, including the brake fluid, should be checked immediately.
Why you need to change the brake fluid in good time
Over time, brake fluid absorbs water from the environment – even in a closed system. Hygroscopicity is one of its chemical characteristics. The more water that accumulates in the liquid, the lower the boiling point becomes. In other words, The more water, the more the braking performance deteriorates. In extreme cases, this can lead to the formation of vapour bubbles in high heat - and a sudden absence of brake pedal resistance.
Avoid costly brake failures: Choosing the right brake fluid makes all the difference
If a change is missed or the wrong fluid is used, this can cause long-term damage to seals, ABS modules or brake callipers. The result is high repair costs - which could have been avoided by choosing the right brake fluid. HELLA brake fluids are optimised for modern vehicle systems, are compatible with the materials used and offer maximum performance in all weather conditions. Safety starts with the details.
There's brake fluids and then there's brake fluids
Modern braking systems place significantly higher demands on the brake fluid than was the case a few years ago. Vehicles with ABS, ESP or automated driver assistance systems require brake fluids that not only withstand high temperatures, but also deliver the same performance in cold conditions. This is precisely why there are different DOT classes: DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 or DOT 5.1 - each with specific properties in terms of boiling points, viscosity and chemical composition.
DOT 3: The origin of modern brake fluids. Used in contemporary brake systems without complex safety components.
DOT 4: Common standard for most vehicles.
DOT 4 LV: The liquid is characterised by a particularly low viscosity. DOT 4 PRO brake fluid is recommended for all vehicles with modern safety systems such as ESP and ABS.
DOT 5.1: Fulfils the highest demands and guarantees additional safety, also with ABS and ESP.
The designation "DOT" originally referred to the US Department of Transportation, whose standards have become established worldwide. In workshop practice, the following is crucial: Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications when selecting brake fluid! This is the only way to maintain constant braking power - even under extreme conditions.
Play it safe with HELLA!
Brake fluid in vehicles must fulfil clearly defined requirements of the manufacturer and its composition must be perfectly matched to the special features of different brake systems. With brake fluids from HELLA, wholesalers have peace of mind that precisely these requirements are met, and even greatly surpassed.