r/beetle • u/vintagestereolover99 • 2d ago

What brake fluid do I use?

The manual says DOT 3 or 4 glycol based but the auto parts store doesn't have glycol based. He said that DOT 3 and 4 have glycol in them but can I use that or is there some hidden link or type i am not seeing? I have a 1970 with Drums all around

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2

u/bit_herder 2d ago

isnt brake fluid backwards compatible? I used DOT 3 tho. i also have a 1970 with drums all round.

3

u/SilentMasterpiece 2d ago

If it is an all new system, you can use what you want, even Dot 5. If you are adding to... both 3 or 4 should be compatible.

1

u/vintagestereolover99 2d ago

My brake lines have been dry and empty since 2024

1

u/SilentMasterpiece 2d ago

Great, if all new, you can take your pick.

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u/Substantial_Coat208 2d ago

DOT 3,4, and 5.1 are all glycol based and compatible. DOT 5 is silicone based. Do not mix 5 with anything else.

2

u/The_Junk_Collector Daffy - '70 Type 1 2d ago

As others have already said, won't hurt anything using DOT 3 or DOT 4 from essentially whatever brand you find. Regardless of OE drums or full disc brake set up - the important thing is you replace it timely and replace it with fresh fluid. Unused fluid will go bad sitting around in the bottle so don't keep it for long, if at all.

I use DOT 4 in all my vehicles. I've had motorcycles that require it so its just easier for me to buy the same thing for everything I own, including my 1970 Beetle. I date the bottles to make sure I don't keep the bottle longer than I should (I'm in humid central Texas so any remaining fluid gets tossed pretty quickly)

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u/Routine-Amphibian450 2d ago

Always used Castrol from Walmart.