what brake fluid is std on vrs, havent checked the manual which im sure will say, just being lazy, new brakes are here tomorrow, considering new brake fluid. dot 5.1, if it isnt already, also how much fluid is there in the entire system, if i was to drain it and then refil and bled the system from fresh

Hi

Dot 4 as standard

Be aware that changing over brake fluid , can sometimes mean a flush as the 2 dont mix

Sarah

DOT 4 is standard as Sarah quite rightly said.

Both DOT 5.1 and Super DOT 4 are upgrades, both should mix with DOT without bother, however you wont get the full benifit without a good flush through. However some Super DOT 4 brands are 'better' than some cheaper DOT 5.1 fluids, best to check the specs and see what suits your application.

DOT 5 is silicone based, you can't use this without changing the brake system.

You dont want to drain the system, that will give you all sorts of bother with bleeding out the ABS. Just flush with a propper pressure bleeding system and 2-3 litres of fluid will be plenty.

halfords 5 litre super dot4 and 5.1 seems to get mentioneda fair bit on here

Hi

That`s the one Ross , the Dot 5 thank you

Sarah

halfords 5 litre super dot4 and 5.1 seems to get mentioneda fair bit on here

If you're looking for an upgrade, Halford ain't your place to go.

If you want the best then you need Castrol SRF (expensive) or Motul RBF600 (use this in my track car). I did a LOT of research into it and decided on the Motul as it's nearly as good as the Castrol on paper and 1/3 of the cost.

As Lummox says, there are several DOT 4 fluids that are better than your average DOT 5.1 - it's all marketing bull really.

Im having my new 312mm brakes fitted next week - how much brake fluid will I need for the entire system as I'm guessing the mechanic will probably advise on flushing the system?

Thanks all

If you're looking for an upgrade, Halford ain't your place to go.

If you want the best then you need Castrol SRF (expensive) or Motul RBF600 (use this in my track car). I did a LOT of research into it and decided on the Motul as it's nearly as good as the Castrol on paper and 1/3 of the cost.

As Lummox says, there are several DOT 4 fluids that are better than your average DOT 5.1 - it's all marketing bull really.

To meet Dot 5.1 you have to have certain wet and certain dry boiling points as well as many other criteria.

These are higher than dot 4 and some super 4 will meet these standards for one or more one part but potentially not all of them.

Regarding the comments on what to use, I'm afraid I disagree with you.

The Halfords DOT5.1 and super DOT4 (ESP) are both good fluids and better than many out there. They are made by a large name manufacturer. Halfords don't have a lab full of `spotty yoofs` making up all their own products.

The Castrol SRF you mention is expensive and good, but is predominantly a race fluid. The requirements of road and race are very different, with race being changed regularly and needing the highest dry boiling point.

Often Race fluids can take on water much more quickly than normal fluids. For example a road fluid might boil at say 230 dry and 200 wet and will take on water at such a rate that it needs to be changed every 2 years.

A race fluid may have a dry boiling point of closer to 270 and a wet boiling point almost the same as the road fluid if as good, but it will usually take on the water much more quickly. As such is needs changing much more frequently. Eg every race, few races or every season (eg each year) to maintain the performance.

To back this up, I run the Halfords DOT5.1 fluid and it has very good characteristics as far as I can tell. This includes working just fine with a 120mph+ to stop emergency stop in Germany and a trip around a couple of tracks. I would certainly run it again due to the low price I get it at.

If I wanted to go elsewhere I would use the dealer supplied super DOT4 which retails at £8 a Litre in my local dealer rather than spending the cash elsewhere.

Big up for Halfords DOT 5.1

Good stuff for the cash

OK so I'm on board the Halfords 5.1 Brake fluid for my new 312s - as per Cheezmonkhai's comments it perfectly fits the bill for road and a couple track days a year! Will I need a couple litres for the entire system?

You will need less than one to fill the system. I would get two for a bit of a flush and I always changed the fluid after track days.