What's the difference between dot 3 and 4 brake fluid?
If you've ever stood in the auto parts aisle staring at those plastic bottles, you've probably wondered about the actual difference between dot 3 and 4 brake fluid and whether it really matters which one you grab. On the surface, they look identical. They both come in similar bottles, they're both mostly clear or amber, and they both serve the exact same purpose: transferring the pressure from your foot on the pedal to the brake pads at your wheels. But despite those similarities, they aren't exactly interchangeable in every situation, and picking the wrong one—or mixing them without knowing the consequences—can actually affect how your car stops when you need it most. ...