If you drive a classic race car, investing in the best brake fluid is important. Not only for the best performance but also for safety reasons.
You see, in a racing environment, a lot of parts have to work a lot harder, especially the brakes. As a result, the brakes usually experience much higher temperatures.
So, finding a brake fluid for your track car that is capable of withstanding those temperatures is vital. More so, the brake fluid should boast:
- High dry boiling point
- Exceed DOT 3 and DOT 4 standards
- Offer extreme high performance
- Excellent wet boiling point
But which is the best racing brake fluid? Here is a review of some of the best products on the market along with a detailed buying guide.
Table of Contents
Best Brake Fluid for Racing – Quick Comparison Table
Finding the right racing brake fluid is a key to winning on every level. So, below is our quick overview of the features of each product that is worth considering.
| Rank | Product Name | Brand | Weight |
| 1 | Racing Brake Fluid by Endless | Endless | 1.44 pounds |
| 2 | Motul MTL 100 Percent Synthetic Racing Brake Fluid | Motul | 3.87 pounds |
| 3 | Motul Dot-4 100% Synthetic Racing Brake Fluid | Motul | 3.88 ounces |
| 4 | Bosch ESI6-32N Brake Fluid Replacement for DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 | Bosch | 2 pounds |
| 5 | ATE 1 Liter Can Original TYP 200 Racing Quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid | ATE | 9.7 ounces |
Best Racing Brake Fluid – Reviews
1. Endless RF 650 Racing Braking Fluid
This is one of the best brake fluids for classic race cars on the market today and for many reasons. For starters, it boasts high velocity coupled with even viscosity to ensure fast and precise response in the brake system.
What’s more? The brake fluid features a low freezing point of -40 degrees Celsius, thereby making it ideal for snow rally. However, it can also be used in all types of vehicles, including streetcars.
But here is the best part; the product is designed to maintain a high dry boiling point. Consequently, this makes it best for Formula 1, Dakar, and WRC rally cars.
Pros
- Offers reliable braking force
- Delivers superior performance
- Consistent and stable brake pedal feel
- High dry boiling point
Cons
- A little expensive but worth the money
Also Read: Top Performance Power Steering Fluid For Honda
2. Motul 100949 8068HL RBF 600 (3 Pack)
Motul has long been a trusted name when it comes to automobile fluids and oils. And this product certainly does live up to the company’s well-earned reputation by delivering extremely high performance.
But you know what the best part is? The brake fluid is made to exceed both the DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications. This, therefore, makes it ideal for high-performance vehicles.
Additionally, the product boasts a dry boiling point of 594 degrees Fahrenheit along with an extremely high boiling point. As such, you don’t have to worry about brake fade and vapor lock.
Pros
- Filled with Nitrogen for increased shelf life
- Maximum power output
- Maintains excellent viscosity and lubricity
- 100% synthetic
Cons
- Highly corrosive
- May overheat after 20 minutes on the track
3. Motul 101667 RBF 660
Here is yet another racing brake fluid from the brand Motul. Similar to the Motul 100949 8068HL RBF 600, this too is 100% synthetic to ensure superior braking performance.
However, it only meets the DOT 4 specifications. The good news? Since it’s a DOT 4 type fluid, it can be mixed with either DOT 5.1 or DOT 3.
And you know what the best part is? The product boasts a wet boiling point of 383 degrees Fahrenheit and a dry boiling point of 594 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, it’s able to withstand extremely high-temperature conditions.
Pros
- Lubricates brake system
- Doesn’t break down easily when it gets hot
- Long lifespan
- Improves pedal feel and braking performance
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
- Bottle design could be better to minimize spillage
4. Bosch ES16-32N Brake Fluid
This is one of the most versatile race brake fluid options in this review. This is because of its compatibility with other fluids, including DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1
What’s more, you will appreciate how this product is designed to provide you with extended service intervals. Apparently, it could last 100% longer than DOT 3, 10% longer than DOT 5.1, and 50% longer than DOT 4.
More so, the product boasts a low viscosity along with a high wet boiling point of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, you can rest assured it won’t lose its effectiveness despite the operating temperatures.
Pros
- Long-lasting up to 3 years
- Compatible with most braking fluids
- Excellent lubricity properties
- Exceeds all DOT standard requirements
Cons
- Contains harmful chemicals
- Not compatible with DOT 5
5. ATE 706202 Original TYP 200
ATE is yet another big name in the lubricants and auto fluids industry. The company has a good reputation for producing high-quality products, and this brake fluid keeps up with that tradition.
The product features a minimum dry boiling point of 536 degrees Fahrenheit and a wet boiling point of 374 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, it’s able to perform very well under extreme conditions while ensuring smooth and responsive braking.
Another invaluable feature of this fluid is its water locking abilities. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that the product could be diluted by water and lose its effectiveness.
Pros
- Offers rust and corrosion protection
- Long lifespan of up to 3 years
- Easy to fill and drain as its non-foaming
- High tolerance against steam bubbles
Cons
- It only works with DOT 4 cars
- May fade pretty fast on the track
Buying Guide – What to Look Out for In the Top Brake Fluid for Race Cars
With so many products available, how do you tell which is the right racing brake fluid for your classic race car? Besides, there isn’t one product that will be right for every vehicle.
But don’t worry because knowing what features to look out for can help you get around a worthy purchase. That said, here are some of the important things to consider when choosing a braking fluid for racing.
Type of Brake Fluid
Generally, there are 4 main types of racing brake fluids, including DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. DOT 3 brake fluid is best for vehicles that do normal driving because of its lower wet and dry boiling points.
With DOT 4 fluid, it is considered to be ideal for racing cars because of its ability to withstand higher temperatures. The best part? It can be safely mixed with DOT 3 and DOT 5.1 products.
DOT 5, on the other hand, also has an extremely high wet and dry boiling point just like DOT 4. As such, it’s best suited for high-performance vehicles like race cars. However, the product cannot be mixed with other types of brake fluids.
Last but not least, we’ve got the DOT 5.1 brake fluid that is best suited for racing cars with the ABS braking system. It also boasts a high dry and wet boiling point and is designed to absorb moisture. More so, it can be mixed with DOT 3 and 4 brake fluids.
Viscosity
Another factor to consider is if the racing brake fluid can maintain its viscosity despite the operating temperatures.
The product’s ability to maintain its viscosity ensures proper stability and traction control. However, it’s advisable to use brake fluids that have viscosity levels as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Overall, DOT 5.1 brake fluids are known to boast the lowest viscosity over a wide range of temperatures.
Water Protection
The braking system is designed to be porous in nature. So, when water penetrates into the system, it could dilute the brake fluid. Consequently, it may compromise the performance of the product.
What’s more? The water could turn into steam when you brake at high temperatures, thereby making the brakes less responsive.
So, you must choose a product with excellent moisture protection, especially if you live in areas with wet driving conditions.
DOT Level
DOT levels are simply the estimates of a brake fluid’s boiling point. Generally, a higher boiling point means that the product can withstand increased temperatures when braking.
Therefore, if you drive a high-performance vehicle like those used for racing, the best product should have higher DOT levels.
Typically, some of the best brake fluids for classic race cars use premium DOT 4 or OT 5 products. However, streetcars require only DOT 3 fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the commonly asked questions about the top-rated racing brake fluids on the market.
Q: Which is better DOT 3 or 4?
A: For racing cars, DOT 4 is the best because of its lower viscosity along with high wet and dry boiling points. DOT 3 fluid, on the other hand, is best for streetcars.
Q: What color is DOT 4 brake fluid?
A: It’s almost mineral clear but with a little composition of yellow.
Q: How often does brake fluid need to be changed?
A: It depends on the brand of fluid you’re using. For instance, some have a lifespan of up to three years while others need to be changed every year.
Q: Is brake fluid flush really necessary?
A: Yes. Experts consider flushing or changing the fluid as preventive maintenance of your vehicle.
Q: Does braking fluid go bad?
A: Yes, it does. This usually happens when it absorbs moisture, thereby reducing its performance.
Which Is the Best?
While a little bit expensive, the Endless RF 650 Racing Braking Fluid is our top pick for the best product. This is because compared to other brands, it increases performances for both street drivers and racers. More so, it offers a consistent brake pedal feel.
Bottom Line
The braking system is nothing to play around with. Therefore, getting the best brake fluid for racing is important. But of course, make sure the braking fluid you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s type of brake system.