Your vehicle’s braking system is a complex network of components where safety is paramount. At the heart of this system lies the brake fluid, a hydraulic liquid that transfers the force from your pedal to the brake calipers. Choosing the right fluid is not just about performance; it’s a critical decision for the security of you and your passengers on every journey.
ACDelco offers a range of DOT 4 brake fluids designed to meet rigorous standards. This roundup focuses on their formulations that provide high boiling points, corrosion protection, and reliable performance under various driving conditions. We have compiled a list of the best options to help you make an informed choice for your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
Our Recommended ACDelco DOT4 Brake Fluids
- ACDelco 798696 GM Original Equipment DOT 4 Fluid – 16 oz
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-5073 Power Steering Fluid – 32 oz
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-5074 Power Steering Fluid – 16 oz
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4022 DEF Fluid – 1 gal
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment Dexron VI Transmission Fluid – 1 gal
- ACDelco 10-2114 DOT 4 Brake Fluid – 32 oz.
- ACDelco 10-2113 DOT 4 Brake Fluid – 12 oz.
- ACDelco 10-2115 DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid
ACDelco 798696 GM Original Equipment 10-4086 DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake and Clutch Fluid – 16 oz
This GM Original Equipment fluid is engineered for both brake and hydraulic clutch systems. It offers a high boiling point, which is a critical feature for minimizing the risk of brake fluid boiling and vapor lock during demanding driving conditions. This helps maintain consistent pedal feel and braking power when you need it most.
Beyond its high-temperature performance, this fluid provides excellent low-temperature capability and stability. It also protects internal components from corrosion under normal use, contributing to the long-term health and reliability of your vehicle’s entire hydraulic system.
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-5073 Power Steering Fluid – 32 oz
While not a brake fluid, this power steering fluid is a key hydraulic fluid for vehicle safety and control. It is specifically designed to help reduce the effort needed by the driver to turn the vehicle, making for a smoother and more responsive driving experience, especially at low speeds.
This formulation helps protect the power steering system for a long service life. By effectively transferring power through its hydraulic properties, it ensures that your steering system operates as intended, which is fundamental for overall vehicle handling and safety.
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-5074 (19329450) Power Steering Fluid – 16 oz
This 16-ounce power steering fluid features an advanced additive package for excellent performance. A key benefit is its ability to reduce power-steering related noise, which contributes to a quieter and more comfortable passenger compartment during operation.
The special formula is non-foaming and anti-corrosive, promoting longer fluid life and providing essential protection for power steering system components. This focus on durability helps prevent wear and maintains the system’s efficiency over time.
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4022 Diesel Exhaust Emissions Reduction (DEF) Fluid – 1 gal
This Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is essential for modern diesel vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. It meets GM Original Equipment specifications and is approved for use in GM vehicles, as well as non-GM diesel vehicles, to help reduce regulated NOx emissions effectively.
The high-quality formula is made from high-purity urea and deionized water. It meets strict API regulations and the ISO 22241 standard for purity and concentration, ensuring that your vehicle’s emissions system functions correctly and remains compliant.
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-9244 (88865618) Dexron VI Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – 1 gal
This full-synthetic Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid represents a significant improvement over previous generations. It is backward compatible, meaning it can be used as a high-quality replacement for older vehicles and transmissions originally designed for previous DEXRON fluids.
The fluid offers improved performance in several critical areas, including friction durability, viscosity stability, and aeration and foam control. It is also engineered for anti-wear protection and shear stability, which helps extend the life of your transmission under various operating conditions.
ACDelco 10-2114 DOT 4 Brake Fluid – 32 oz.
This 32-ounce container of ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid is an excellent option for those who need a larger volume for a complete brake system flush or for keeping a spare on hand. The generous size makes it a practical choice for professional mechanics or dedicated DIY enthusiasts.
As a DOT 4 fluid, it provides the required high boiling point and reliable hydraulic performance for modern braking systems. Using a trusted brand like ACDelco ensures that the fluid meets the necessary specifications for safety and component compatibility.
ACDelco 10-2113 DOT 4 Brake Fluid – 12 oz.
The ACDelco 10-2113 in a 12-ounce bottle is a convenient size for topping off your brake fluid reservoir or for smaller service jobs. Its compact nature makes it easy to store in your garage without taking up significant space.
This DOT 4 formulation delivers the performance and protection expected from the ACDelco brand. It is a suitable choice for routine maintenance, helping to ensure your brake system remains responsive and safe by maintaining the proper fluid level and quality.
ACDelco 10-2115 DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid
The ACDelco 10-2115 is a DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) High Performance Brake Fluid. This type of fluid is engineered to meet the demands of modern anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) systems, which require faster fluid movement.
The low-viscosity characteristic improves fluid flow, particularly in cold weather, leading to faster system response times. This high-performance option is ideal for drivers seeking enhanced braking performance from their vehicle’s advanced safety systems.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right ACDelco DOT4 Brake Fluid
When I’m picking out a brake fluid, I don’t just grab the first bottle I see. My vehicle’s stopping power depends on it, so I take a few minutes to understand what makes one option better than another for my specific situation. Since we’re focusing on the 8 best ACDelco DOT4 brake fluid for maximum safety and performance, let’s break down the key factors I consider before making a purchase.
The first thing I look at is the Dry and Wet Boiling Points. This is arguably the most critical spec. The dry boiling point is the temperature at which fresh, new fluid starts to boil. The wet boiling point (also called Equilibrium Refractometer Boiling Point or ERBP) measures the fluid’s resistance to boiling after it has absorbed moisture from the air over time. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water, and this significantly lowers its boiling point. A higher boiling point in both categories is better because it prevents brake fade—a scary situation where the brakes become spongy and ineffective due to vapor bubbles forming in the lines. For daily driving, a good DOT4 is sufficient, but if I do any towing or spirited driving, I look for a premium DOT4 with an exceptionally high wet boiling point.
Next, I think about Viscosity. This is the fluid’s resistance to flow. Modern vehicles, especially those with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and advanced stability control, have very tight tolerances in their hydraulic units. Using a fluid with the wrong viscosity can cause poor performance or even damage these sensitive components. I always check my owner’s manual to see if there’s a specific viscosity requirement, like meeting ISO 4925 Class 6 standards, which indicates a lower viscosity for faster system response.
I also pay close attention to Packaging and Application. How is the fluid sold? Is it in a sturdy, sealed container that prevents contamination from the moment it’s bottled? I avoid containers that look tampered with or are difficult to seal after opening. I also consider how much I need. If I’m just doing a simple brake bleed, a single 12-ounce bottle might be enough. But for a full system flush on a larger vehicle like my truck, I look for an 18-ounce bottle or even a multi-pack to ensure I have enough fluid to do the job completely without having to run back to the store.
Finally, I consider the Specific Formulation. Not all ACDelco DOT4 fluids are identical. Some are designed as general-purpose, high-performance fluids that are a direct replacement for most GM vehicles and many others. Others might be synthetic formulations that offer enhanced protection against oxidation and corrosion, helping the entire brake system—calipers, wheel cylinders, the master cylinder, and ABS modulator—last longer. By matching the fluid’s intended use to my driving habits and vehicle’s requirements, I ensure I’m getting the right balance of performance, safety, and value from my choice of ACDelco DOT4 brake fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my ACDelco DOT4 brake fluid?
This is one of the most common questions I get. There isn’t a single universal answer, as it depends on your vehicle and driving habits. Most manufacturers recommend a change every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this is a conservative estimate. The real enemy is moisture contamination. If you live in a humid climate or do a lot of stop-and-go driving where your brakes get hot frequently, you might want to change it more often, maybe once a year. The best way to know for sure is to have the fluid tested for its water content, which many shops can do quickly.
Can I mix different brands of DOT4 brake fluid?
Technically, yes, because they must meet the same DOT4 government standards for base properties. However, I strongly advise against mixing different brands or even different formulations from the same brand unless it’s an absolute emergency. Different companies use different additive packages to achieve things like corrosion inhibition and lubricity. Mixing them can potentially lead to unpredictable chemical reactions or reduce the overall effectiveness of the fluid. For maximum safety and performance, it’s always best to use the same type of ACDelco DOT4 brake fluid for the entire system, especially during a full flush.
What’s the difference between DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1 brake fluid?
The primary difference lies in their boiling points. DOT3 has the lowest minimum dry and wet boiling points. DOT4 has higher minimums, making it more resistant to heat and a common upgrade or direct replacement for DOT3. DOT5.1 also has high boiling points similar to some premium DOT4 fluids, but it’s based on a different chemical composition (borate ester) rather than the glycol-ether base of DOT3 and DOT4. It’s crucial to know that DOT5 (not 5.1) is silicone-based and is not compatible with DOT3, DOT4, or DOT5.1 systems. Always, always consult your owner’s manual to see what fluid your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies.
Why does my brake fluid look dark in the reservoir?
If you peek at your brake fluid reservoir and the fluid is dark brown or black instead of a clear, light amber color, that’s a clear sign it needs to be changed. The dark color comes from a few things: moisture contamination, the breakdown of the fluid’s additives over time, and corrosion particles from within the brake system itself. This degraded fluid has a much lower boiling point and can accelerate wear on internal components. Seeing dark fluid is my cue to schedule a brake fluid flush soon.
Is it okay to use a DOT4 fluid if my manual calls for DOT3?
In almost all cases, yes. DOT4 is fully compatible with DOT3 systems and is considered a direct, backward-compatible upgrade. Since DOT4 has a higher boiling point, it generally offers better performance and safety margins. You are essentially putting a more heat-resistant fluid into a system designed for a less robust one, which is a good thing. The reverse, however, is not true. You should not put DOT3 into a system that specifically requires DOT4, as it may not handle the higher operating temperatures and could lead to brake fade.