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  1. Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    936
    #1
    I will need to replace the brake fluid for my 2018 Subaru XV. I'm looking for a DOT4 brake fluid and there are several brands in Lazada/Shopee. I'm a noob so I'm looking for suggestions. If I want the best, should I go with either ATE or Motul? They are a bit more expensive but if using them matters, then I'm all for it. If using these expensive brands do not matter, what are other alternatives?

  2. Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    12,608
    #2
    Any DOT4 brake fluid will do. If you want better braking, get better brake pads.


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  3. Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    1,374
    #3
    Locally puwede Petron HTP DOT4.

  4. Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    27,624
    #4
    brake fluid doesn't need changing that much if you're not opening the fill port/cap

    even if we live in a humid country that seal on the fill port prevents(somewhat) water to come in.

    better to have the brake fluid changed during the brake pad replacement.

  5. Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Posts
    2,780
    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by StockEngine View Post
    brake fluid doesn't need changing that much if you're not opening the fill port/cap

    even if we live in a humid country that seal on the fill port prevents(somewhat) water to come in.

    better to have the brake fluid changed during the brake pad replacement.

    i change brake fluid every 3yrs i.e. i finish the entire bottle by pumping fresh fluid through the lines

  6. Join Date
    Jan 2006
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    12,608
    #6
    You can buy a brake fluid tester in Lazada. Just dip in the fluid reservoir to check.


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  7. Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Posts
    12,396
    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by kevindd992002 View Post
    I will need to replace the brake fluid for my 2018 Subaru XV. I'm looking for a DOT4 brake fluid and there are several brands in Lazada/Shopee. I'm a noob so I'm looking for suggestions. If I want the best, should I go with either ATE or Motul? They are a bit more expensive but if using them matters, then I'm all for it. If using these expensive brands do not matter, what are other alternatives?
    ATE HIGH PERFORMANCE DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID 1L


  8. Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    936
    #8
    Ok, got it. If the tester says it needs to be replaced, do I let the service center do a drain and refill? How much fluid does it usually take to be in the optimal level for the 2018 Subaru XV (it doesn't say in the manual)? If the 1L isn't consumed, can the leftover be used after a few years as long as its cap is properly closed?

  9. Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    27,624
    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by kevindd992002 View Post
    Ok, got it. If the tester says it needs to be replaced, do I let the service center do a drain and refill? How much fluid does it usually take to be in the optimal level for the 2018 Subaru XV (it doesn't say in the manual)? If the 1L isn't consumed, can the leftover be used after a few years as long as its cap is properly closed?
    For brakes it's not called drain and fill. It's a pressurised system so drain and fill will introduce air in the system. To avoid this most shops have brake flush machines. No leftovers too.

  10. Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    54,627
    #10
    i just did some superficial reading on brake fluid grading.
    interesting.

  11. Join Date
    Feb 2014
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    2,780
    #11
    Quote Originally Posted by kevindd992002 View Post
    Ok, got it. If the tester says it needs to be replaced, do I let the service center do a drain and refill? How much fluid does it usually take to be in the optimal level for the 2018 Subaru XV (it doesn't say in the manual)? If the 1L isn't consumed, can the leftover be used after a few years as long as its cap is properly closed?

    well if you test only at the reservoir then you only get results from the fluid in the reservoir (which really doesn't get exposed to the elements)

    the fluid inside the brakes at each wheel are going to be a lot more contaminated. water and stuff can get past rubber seals

    so just replace every 2 to 3 yrs and you'll be fine

    btw try to consume the whole bottle. i only use fluid from a new sealed bottle whenever i replace brake fluid

  12. Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    3,522
    #12
    I call it bleed and re-fill.

    No special tools and talent needed, just loosen the bleeder valve, step on the brakes to let the old fluid out, close the bleeder nut then repeat procedure untill fresh fluid is visible. Do it on all four brake cylinders then re-fill reservoir before getting past the low level to avoid air coming in the lines.

    Reservoir has a small breather hole and over time or when left to humid environ, water accumulates in the hygroscopic oil/brake fluid. And when it does that, since water is denser than oil it goes down to the lowest part of brake system causing corrosion and leaks/stucked up cylinders.

    Replace brake/clutch fluids based on what is stated on user manual or depending on condition upon inspection during PMS. If cylinders moves barely/ stucked and leaks are visible then its a tell-tale sign of corrosion damaging the seals, cylinders need service/ needs flushing.

  13. Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    936
    #13
    Ok. So how much fluid exactly should I need to buy and bring to the service center when I have my car serviced?

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  14. Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    12,608
    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by kevindd992002 View Post
    Ok. So how much fluid exactly should I need to buy and bring to the service center when I have my car serviced?

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    Just buy a liter. Puwede na yan.


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  15. Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Posts
    936
    #15
    Fusion R said the brake fluid of my car is still clean so I just said "ok, let's not change it muna". I forgot what the discussion was here and that the contamination is more on the brakes at each wheel. I should've known better and just let them proceed with the brake fluid change. They also told me that my car's front and back brake pads are still thick.

    Why is it recommended to replace the brake fluid and brake pads at the same time?

  16. Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    54,627
    #16
    Quote Originally Posted by kevindd992002 View Post

    Why is it recommended to replace the brake fluid and brake pads at the same time?
    my wild guess is,
    brake pads replacement is, what, every 20-30K km? that's about within the wide range of recommended brake fluid replacement.
    "besides, you're already almost set up for brake fluid replacement, when you replace the brake pads." kaunting maniobra na lang yan, for brake fluid replacement..
    why delay the inevitable, and force yourself to come back another day for the brake fluid replacement?
    but this is just me.

    googling, gave somewhat confusing and contrary replies.
    Last edited by dr. d; October 8th, 2021 at 02:33 AM.

  17. Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    27,624
    #17
    Brake pads need changing when it squeals. If I'm gonna have them replaced, a liter of dot4 isn't that expensive. They have the flushing equipment naman.

  18. Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    7,119
    #18
    I use a hygrometer to test the fluid. There are a lot of cheap ones in Lazada/Shopee. I noticed 2-2.5 years is about the time it takes to get to 4+% water.

  19. Join Date
    Feb 2026
    Posts
    8
    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by kevindd992002 View Post
    I will need to replace the brake fluid for my 2018 Subaru XV. I'm looking for a DOT4 brake fluid and there are several brands in Lazada/Shopee. I'm a noob so I'm looking for suggestions. If I want the best, should I go with either ATE or Motul? They are a bit more expensive but if using them matters, then I'm all for it. If using these expensive brands do not matter, what are other alternatives?
    Add Bosch on your list.

  20. Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    5,167
    #20
    DOT3 or DOT4 Brake fluids have best before dates if the container is plastic. If the container is metal, like Wagner, Mercedes, or Motul, there are no best before dates.

Tags for this Thread

Good brand for DOT4 brake fluid