Brake Fluid Specification

[davehh]

I need to top up the brake fluid in my 2000 Rav 4 so I looked up the spec in Halfords and bought Dot 4 as specified in the ref book. When I came to put it in the car I noticed on the reservoir cap it says use Dot 3 only. Can I top up with Dot 4 ?

[anchorman]

The short answer is yes, it will mix with DOT 3.

It does raise a question though of the availability of the specified fluid. I don't know where you found that spec as mine says DOT 3 anyway. Maybe yours says different. However, the last time I bought brake fluid for Toyota (in a genuine spares bottle) it was DOT 5.1.

DOT 3 is preferred buy Toyota jp because it has a high lubricity and is especially kind to the rubber parts. It is however very difficult to get hold of unless you are in the USA. I bought a couple of bottles when I was there for $3 (once again we get shafted here and once again the US security inspectors have a bewildering time with my luggage!!!).

If DOT 3 isn't readily available here and TGB are selling DOT 5.1 perhaps they would be good enough to make a statement on this issue.

Regards