Hey, I have a few brake fluid questions that I was hoping you guys would be able to answer. I have an '08 Altima 2.5S sedan (4 cylinder). My owner's manual lists the the recommended brake fluid as "Genuine Nissan Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3".
I've read on here that some guys use DOT 4 with their Altimas. From reading a little bit, it appears that if your manufacturer recommends DOT 3, then you also could use DOT 4, DOT 5.0 or DOT 5.1. Is that correct? The manual mentions DOT 3 but from reading a bit it appears most vehicles use DOT 3.
For those using DOT 4, DOT 5.0 or DOT 5.1, what is the upside/downside of using those instead? Will they actually last longer in between changes/flushing?
Also, how much fluid is in the brake lines versus in the reservoir? I imagine most all of you do the complete flush to totally clear all the old fluid out but I know some folks online have thought you could just suck most it out via the reservoir, refill with new brake fluid, drive for a few weeks and then suck out the fluid again and add new fluid (basically like some do with the power steering fluid). I'm assuming that is a bad way to go versus just bleeding the line?
I've read on here that some guys use DOT 4 with their Altimas. From reading a little bit, it appears that if your manufacturer recommends DOT 3, then you also could use DOT 4, DOT 5.0 or DOT 5.1. Is that correct? The manual mentions DOT 3 but from reading a bit it appears most vehicles use DOT 3.
For those using DOT 4, DOT 5.0 or DOT 5.1, what is the upside/downside of using those instead? Will they actually last longer in between changes/flushing?
Also, how much fluid is in the brake lines versus in the reservoir? I imagine most all of you do the complete flush to totally clear all the old fluid out but I know some folks online have thought you could just suck most it out via the reservoir, refill with new brake fluid, drive for a few weeks and then suck out the fluid again and add new fluid (basically like some do with the power steering fluid). I'm assuming that is a bad way to go versus just bleeding the line?
