What do all the DOT's mean? (Brake Fluid)

Hi all,

What do  all the different DOT's mean🤔.Decided to go with Dot 5 synthetic brake fluid . Head to local store to purchase and discovered there are DOT 3, 4, 5, 5.1 and 4&5 which are all synthetic. Now I am totally baffled on which DOT to choose. 🤦‍♂️The brands were Prestone and Car Quest. Should I stay with the Chevrolet recommended DOT 3 and switch to synthetic DOT 3 or go with Dot 5 since I do not drive it a lot. Thanks for any clarification on this.

The DOT number indicates the boiling point of the fluid. The higher the DOT number the better quality the hydraulic fluid and the greater the ability to withstand a high temperature and performance environment.

I found this thread that already talks about this same topic.... which may help you...

https://www.VetteRegistry.net/vrforums/c3-handling-components/brake-fluid/147121/

Here you go.

I'd stay away from Dot 5.  It is silicone based and you have to completely clean/flush your whole brake system.  Not compatible with any others.

Dot 3, 4, and 5.1 are not silicone based and I believe are all compatible. No reason not to use them.