Hello,

       I will be getting my local independent to change the brake fluid on my Fabia TSI soon.  I want to be sure that only  the correct OEM  brake fluid is used to hopefully  avoid any problems with the ABS in the future.  The labour charge will definitely be quite a bit cheaper at my independent compared with the Skoda main dealer I had the huge row with in March of this year; Mitchell Sloda Chester.  The independent can and no doubt  will  use their factor to source the fluid but I want to give them as much help as possible. I think it will have to meet DOT4 specification but it could be that is now "old hat" and has been replaced by a later spec?     I need advice from Briskoda readers as to what the correct spec is. In case some people think I should simply ask parts at the main dealer: I have asked twice and  and they havent replied. I wouldnt dream of going onto their  premises again but I did think they would supply information. clearly not. Over to you Briskoda readers!

If the qualified mechanic doing the Brake Fluid change requires the customer to tell them which fluid to use best go someplace else.

Most cars still use DOT4. There is a newer DOT5 spec (not the nasty synthetic one) but not many use it. Normally there is a sticker on the reservoir telling you what to use.

 

But as Offski says, go elsewhere if the garage do not know or are unwilling to find out.

Dot 4 is fine. You could opt for Dot 5 for a higher boiling point but you won't require it and it is more prone to absorb water so will have a shorter useful life.

Edited 17 May, 20188 yr by CWARD

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Is the Independent charging less than the £54 that a Skoda Main Dealership should be charging, or even less than £54?

The independent will be charging quite a bit less than £54. The last fluid change they did for me  in 2015 on a   "D" Corsa was £32 parts and labour including VAT.

44 minutes ago, CWARD said:

Dot 4 is fine. You could opt for Dot 5 for a higher boiling point but you won't require it and it is more prone to absorb water so will have a shorter useful life.

 

NO, Dot 5 is silicone based and does not mix at all with Dot 4. I put Dot 5.1 in my Roomster, that is probably what you meant. Dot 5.1 and Dot 4 mix fine. Whether there was any point in paying the extra for 5.1, it's double the price,  in it making any difference is a different question. Probably not, unless you have and use uprated brakes.

Also if read the actual specs some dot 4 fluids are better than some 5.1 offerings.

it was 5.1 that i meant, thanks for the correction.

1 hour ago, aubrey said:

Probably not, unless you have and use uprated brakes.

Also if read the actual specs some dot 4 fluids are better than some 5.1 offerings.

 That is true, I have ATE type 200 dot 4 brake fluid in mine which has a higher boiling point than 5.1 but I'm running LCR brembos on my car. Right now it's half price on https://frsport.com/ate-03-9901-6232-2-type-200-dot4-amber-racing-brake-fluid-1l-compatible-dot3-4-5-1?currency=GBP&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0PTXBRCGARIsAKNYfG2fQjv_QLFMexzi3vDH6ofWUz1IWgSUfg3-XhxVWd8uoFZv4YitvQwaAnvLEALw_wcB

Edited 17 May, 20188 yr by LGM