GAFLE

Gafle’s standard DOT3, DOT4, DOT4 LV and Racing325 brake fluid all belong to glycol formulations. Silicone brake fluid is a separate category, rarely used in daily road vehicles, with unique characteristics and strict usage limitations.

Glycol fluid (DOT3 / DOT4 / DOT4 LV / DOT5.1) is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water over time. While moisture absorption reduces boiling point, it has a major advantage: it is fully compatible with standard EPDM rubber seals and hoses used in most factory brake systems. It mixes safely with other glycol brake fluids of different DOT grades when needed for top-up, and it is widely available and cost-effective for mass aftermarket maintenance.

Water will not dissolve into silicone fluid; any water entering the brake system stays as separate liquid droplets. This sounds attractive at first glance, but separated water can pool at low points inside brake lines. Under heavy braking, water boils into steam and creates vapor lock. Silicone fluid also has poor lubricity compared to glycol variants, and it is incompatible with many older rubber brake components. Once you fill a system with silicone fluid, you cannot switch back to glycol without fully stripping and cleaning the entire hydraulic circuit.

Silicone DOT5 brake fluid is mostly selected for classic car storage, antique vehicles that sit idle for months or years, and some special military equipment. It is not recommended for daily driven modern passenger cars or racing applications. It also tends to trap tiny air bubbles during bleeding, making brake bleeding more difficult for technicians.

Never mix silicone brake fluid with glycol brake fluid. The two formulations cannot blend, and cross-contamination will damage brake seals and cause brake failure. Most OEM vehicle specifications require glycol brake fluid. When customers ask for DOT5, confirm whether they mean DOT5 silicone or DOT5.1 glycol. Gafle supplies full-range glycol brake fluid for standard automotive and racing applications, matching most road vehicle OEM requirements globally.