Traditional hydraulic brake systems are relatively simple compared with some of the other mechanical systems in today’s vehicles. Hydraulic brake systems basic principles of operation have not significantly changed in more than 50 years. Given these factors, you might think that brake fluid manufacturers would have by now developed one brake fluid that would be suitable for all applications. But the reality is that no one brake fluid can be the ideal brake fluid for every vehicle application.

Different vehicle’s brake systems require different boiling points, viscosity, and additives to meet the specific needs of each vehicle. Factors that determine these needs include the vehicle’s weight, the environments in which it must perform, the metals and seals that are used in the brake system, and whether or not the vehicle has ESP, ABS, or TCS.

DOT classifications

If you’ve ever done brake service that involved replacing fluid, you no doubt have seen Brake Fluid DOT ratings. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 116 stipulates the requirements for motor vehicle brake fluids. To earn one of the DOT classifications, a brake fluid must go through a battery of tests:

1. Equilibrium reflux boiling point (dry boiling point)
2. Wet equilibrium reflux boiling point (tested with 3.7 percent water)
3. Kinematic viscosities
4. pH value
5. Brake fluid stability (high-temperature and chemical stability)
6. Corrosion
7. Fluidity and appearance at low temperature
8. Reserved
9. Water tolerance (low temperature and at 60 degrees C)
10. Compatibility (low temperature and at 60 degrees C)
11. Resistance to oxidation
12. Effects on cups
13. Stroking properties
14. Fluid color

This is why ATE offers four brake fluid formulations. While each is designed for a different type of vehicle brake system, all feature viscosity, boiling point, and pressure behavior that allow brakes systems to react quickly and reliably.

The ATE Brake Fluid line includes ATE SL, ATE SL.6, ATE TYP 200 and ATE 5.1. All feature high-quality additives that help deliver outstanding corrosion protection and optimum compatibility with brake system sealing materials.

From passenger cars to pickups, and from SUVs to race cars, the ATE Brake Fluid line has the right formula for each vehicle that comes into the shop.

ATE Super DOT 5.1 Brake Fluid is the newest addition to the ATE Brake Fluid line. A glycol ether-based brake fluid, it combines a high wet boiling point of 356 °F and outstanding viscosity in the extreme cold, something that previously available brake fluids could not achieve. ATE Super DOT 5.1 delivers excellent performance and maintains outstanding viscosity, even at -40 °F. With a maximum of 750 mm²/sec. at -40 °F, ATE Super DOT 5.1 viscosity values exceed even those of ISO Class 6, which are well above the specifications for DOT 5.1 class brake fluids.
Thanks to its low viscosity, ATE Super DOT 5.1 enables driving safety systems such as ESP and ABS to react quickly, even in extremely cold conditions. The 356 °F wet boiling point enables DOT 5.1 to withstand high brake loads and delivers a longer service life. ATE Super DOT 5.1 only has to be changed every three years.

ATE SL Brake Fluid is an excellent DOT 4 replacement for use as hydraulic fluid in both brake and clutch systems. It features a mixture of polyethylene glycol ethers, polyethylene glycols, and boric acid esters of polyethylene glycols with anti-corrosion / anti-aging agents. ATE SL meets and exceeds the requirements of the brake fluid standards FMVSS-No. 116 – DOT 4, SAE J1704 and ISO 4925, Class 4, among others.

ATE SL.6 Brake Fluid is specially formulated for use in vehicles with ESP, ABS, and TCS. It features a low-viscosity texture that allows electronic safety systems to react more quickly. ATE SL.6 offers excellent application coverage for the advanced braking systems used in high-end vehicles.

ATE TYP 200 Brake Fluid exceeds all DOT 4 standards and is designed to excel under the extreme demands of race cars and high-performance driving. The high wet and dry boiling points make this fluid an excellent choice for street driven vehicles as well. ATE TYP 200 is compatible with all DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 brake fluids. The formula offers a minimal drop in boiling point due to outstanding water binding properties resulting in a long-lasting fluid that can provide optimal performance for up to three years under normal highway driving conditions.

You can learn more about ATE Brake Fluids and the complete line of ATE Brake System Products at: https://www.ate-na.com