After getting back from the COTA track, I learned that I might need high temperature brake fluid and was wanting to know what kind of brake fluid I should use and also the rest of the fluids for the rear end that I might need to change out.
Brake Fluid
- Thread starter DougE
- Start date
Allan
Enthusiast
I use Castrol synthetic DOT-4.
I change it twice a season and have had no problems.
A lot of guys are gonna chime in with the 'Motul 600 or nothing' rap.
....also Castrol SRF, ATE Super Blue, and whatnot.
Those high end fluids are superior for track use, but require more frequent changing, and are a lot more pricey.
Pretty much any DOT-4 should be sufficient as long as it's not been in the car forever.
If you are having brake fade issues or boiling the fluid in a Viper, you are over-using the brakes.
I change it twice a season and have had no problems.
A lot of guys are gonna chime in with the 'Motul 600 or nothing' rap.
....also Castrol SRF, ATE Super Blue, and whatnot.
Those high end fluids are superior for track use, but require more frequent changing, and are a lot more pricey.
Pretty much any DOT-4 should be sufficient as long as it's not been in the car forever.
If you are having brake fade issues or boiling the fluid in a Viper, you are over-using the brakes.
AZTVR
Enthusiast
So, what I take away from what you are saying is that a brake fluid with a boiling point of around 500F and maybe less, at the time of HPDE racing should be sufficient? ( I see a recent article that says the boiling point of the new Castrol LMA synthetic is 509F dry and 311 wet (after 1 year) (but isn't really specific on % water)
That looks like a good fluid and not much lower spec'ed than ATE typ-200. It hasn't been out very long has it? I only remember the lesser LMA-GT stuff.
One problem I had was that I tended to over use my brakes; so, I went with the Motul for personal assurance reasons. I was not what one would call a highly skilled or trained driver. Just out for an occasional fun HPDE day.
Another thing most will do is just change the fluid before a race day. You can see the big difference in boiling points between old and new fluid in the previous post (500 vs 300), though I'm sure this varies some between brands. Motul 600 might go up to 600 degrees, but you'd have to be driving pretty dang hard to get there. Guessing most amateurs probably don't have as much speed through a track to have to burn off to begin with and may brake a little sooner, but I could be wrong.
VIPER GTSR 91
Enthusiast
I was at COTA too and always use Motul 600. Its moderately priced IMO, works great and cheap insurance. I change it every six months along with the oil and filter. If you are tracking more also consider stainless brake lines over OEM stuff. Very inexpensive and much firmer brake feel.
What GTSR said.
The COLOR of the fluid is the best initial indicator, and any color darker than Budweiser is BAD on a leggy track like COTA.
Wilwood 570 is a readily-avail fluid at a low price, but I still prefer a 600-rated Synthetic such as Motul600RBF
NOTE: Dot 4.0 or 5.1 is your target. NEVER use a 5.0, even tho it 'appears' to be between 4.0 and 5.1.
5.0 is SILCONE, and never to be used in a tracked car (or any Viper, really.) A rule to help you remember:
"SILICONE IS FOR BREASTS, NOT BRAKES!"
The COLOR of the fluid is the best initial indicator, and any color darker than Budweiser is BAD on a leggy track like COTA.
Wilwood 570 is a readily-avail fluid at a low price, but I still prefer a 600-rated Synthetic such as Motul600RBF
NOTE: Dot 4.0 or 5.1 is your target. NEVER use a 5.0, even tho it 'appears' to be between 4.0 and 5.1.
5.0 is SILCONE, and never to be used in a tracked car (or any Viper, really.) A rule to help you remember:
"SILICONE IS FOR BREASTS, NOT BRAKES!"
TRACKDAY
Viper Owner
I've always used Stoptech Racing Brake Fluid 660.
I've never had any issues related to it.
I've never had any issues related to it.
I typically use Castrol GT-LMA, or Motul600.
Castrol has the highest boiling points of any "overthecounter" fluids that you can purchase at autostores like AdvanceAuto/Pepboys/Autozone/NAPA. Although lately not many of my local stores have been stocking it...
Motul600 is a bit better but only available at some performance/tuner shops.
Both can be purchased on Amazon.
I bleed the brakes within a month prior to a track day and many times end up doing it the night before. The key is to have fresh fluid when you are planning on attending an event where repeated threshold braking events will occur.
Castrol has the highest boiling points of any "overthecounter" fluids that you can purchase at autostores like AdvanceAuto/Pepboys/Autozone/NAPA. Although lately not many of my local stores have been stocking it...
Motul600 is a bit better but only available at some performance/tuner shops.
Both can be purchased on Amazon.
I bleed the brakes within a month prior to a track day and many times end up doing it the night before. The key is to have fresh fluid when you are planning on attending an event where repeated threshold braking events will occur.
Frankly using a basis of 6 months, 2 months, etc. really is not an appropriate way to view brake fluid changes, since driving styles and tracks are very different. Jon B has the best recommendation , in that you should look at the fluid's color, but the other dynamic is yourself. If the pedal is getting softer and softer over a weekend, it is time to change. I regularily change my fluid after each track weekend as I brake late, trailbrake and hammer the heck out of the system. I might go two weekends on a less intense track, but quality brake fluid and frequent changes are the best safety feature one can do if they track alot?! It is inexpensive ,especially considering what we are all driving. SRF is probably the best stuff on the market and I use Motul 600 and have had good luck also.
Your eyes ( fluid color ) and your right foot ( pressing on that pedal ) will give you the best idea when to change fluid, but keep in mind your driving style too!!
Your eyes ( fluid color ) and your right foot ( pressing on that pedal ) will give you the best idea when to change fluid, but keep in mind your driving style too!!
VIPER GTSR 91
Enthusiast
Good point Bill and I should have added that I change the brake fluid after EACH track event and no more than after 6 months of non tracking.
GTSR91 ---- thanks for the notation, as I really think most folks should do exactly that ( change after every track event), but I am over zealous with changing all my fluids!
