SAE J 1704 | Brake Fluid

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Motorcycle brake fluid buy cheap at ATO24

In the ATO24 online store we offer you a wide selection of brake fluids that are suitable for use in the motorcycle. But first let's take a step back:

Are there differences between brake fluid for cars and brake fluid for motorcycles?

The answer is usually no. The reason for this is as follows: brake fluids, like engine oils, are fundamentally classified in terms of their technical properties by assigning so-called specifications. It is immediately apparent here that the specifications prescribed for use in passenger cars and motorcycles do not differ - in short: passenger car brake fluids can also be used in motorcycles, which also require a brake fluid that meets one of the specifications, for example DOT 4.

Motorcycle Brake Fluid: DOT 3, DOT 4, SAE J1703? What are the differences?

What is initially unclear to the non-expert user is what which specification actually means, what the differences are, and whether it is possible to translate the various systems.

What is the difference between DOT and SAE?

DOT specifications are defined in the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 116. These are also widely used in the European and even Asian automotive and motorcycle context.

The SAE brake fluid specifications are European standards. These are issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Instead of or in addition to a DOT specification, vehicle manufacturers often also specify an SAE class to specify the required brake fluid.

Brake fluid specifications at a glance

DOT Specification

What does this mean?

Translation to SAE / ISO System

DOT 3 Mandatory for many vehicles built before 2006. SAE J1703
ISO 4925 class 3
DOT 4 Prescribed as a minimum requirement for most vehicles from 2006 onwards. Improved temperature stability compared to DOT 3. Polyglycol ether base. In vehicles where a DOT 4 brake fluid is mandatory, a DOT 3 brake fluid may reach the thermal load limit. DOT brake fluids can be used most often when a DOT 3 or DOT 5.1 fluid is specified. DOT 4 brake fluids must not be used if DOT 5 or DOT 5.0 brake fluids must be used. Absolutely and exclusively observe information in the manual! SAE J1704
 ISO 4925 class 4
DOT 4 LV Brake fluid based on the DOT 4 specification with lower viscosity at the same time. In many brake systems with DOT 3 / 4 specification, a DOT 4 LV brake fluid can be used. In DOT 4 LV systems, however, only DOT 4 LV brake fluid may be used. It is essential to observe the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer! ISO 4925 class 6
DOT 5 Silicone-based brake fluid, which allows more stable viscosity index over a wider temperature range. Must not be mixed with DOT 2, DOT 3, DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluids! It is essential to observe the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer! SAE J1705
ISO 4925 class 5
DOT 5.1 Further development to DOT 5.0, but without continuing to rely on a silicone base. Must not be mixed with DOT 5.0! SAE J1706
ISO 4925 class 5.1

Find the right brake fluid for your motorcycle here

How do you find the right brake fluid for your motorcycle, scooter, moped or scooter? We explain it to you briefly and concisely:

There are often two ways to find the right brake fluid for a motorcycle: on many motorcycles, there is an engraved or printed indication of the prescribed brake fluid directly on the brake fluid reservoir, which is often also called the motorcycle brake fluid reservoir. An imprint such as "DOT 5.1" provides clear information here.

If the brake fluid reservoir does not indicate at first glance which brake fluid you should use, consult your vehicle manual! Finally, the owner's manual is the reliable source for all oils and fluids or lubricants required on the motorcycle. Here you will find an indication of one of the specification systems listed above. The most common specifications are: DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1.

Are you unsure or do you not have the manual of your motorcycle at hand? Then contact us! We will advise you professionally. Simply contact us via the indicated ways.