jonny01blaze

Hey gang, I am in need of a little help. I have recently change the fluid in the clutch reservoir as I saw it was getting nasty black. I used the recommended GM Super Dot 4, which is on limited supply at my dealership. Now in the books it says Super Dot 4 or equivalent. What I would like to know is this a synthetic? Is synthetic ok to use in here as an alternative? Is it conventional? I need to know the local GM dealer has no clue about there own product and the auto parts stores are useless. I've googled but can't find a definite. Any helps appreciated! Thanks!

mirage2991

I use prestone's Dot 4. I do not believe the super dot 4 is syntec.

jonny01blaze

So is the Prestone Dot 4 a "super" is there any difference?

jonny01blaze

Trying to get all this is one
"Its not syn unless you flush system I would just use a good grade of dot 4 fluid so as not to mix the two my 2 cents."

How does flushing the system just make it synthetic?

jonny01blaze

Bump, someones got to know....anyone?

haljensen

Dot 4 is Dot 4 regardless of the manufacturer or Retailer. GM doesn't manufacture their "super' Dot 4, they buy it from a manufacturer and label it as GM. Any Dot 4 fluid will work.

PatriotZ

Go to the sticky above and look for Ranger and all questions will be answered for you.....

jonny01blaze

Thanks guys, I've already read Rangers post, his site and watched his video. Great information. Still can't find what DOT 4 is in our cars...If DOT 4 is DOT 4 regardless then why are there synthetics. Whats in our Z's Synthetic or not. Guess I'll keep looking.

lar66BB

Our cars do not have synthetic. What the others are trying to say is
do not mix Dot 4 (which is not a syn. with a syn.) such as dot 5 or
dot 4+. Stay with dot 3 or dot 4 only. Any dot 4 will work does not
have the be super GM.

Short-Throw

You can use ATE Blue for example.

Vette5.5

Our cars come with GM# 88958860 Super DOT-4 fluid from the the factory, as mentioned in the owner's manual(at least my 06'). Super DOT-4 has a higher temperature use rating than standard DOT-4. The Prestone synthetic DOT-4 fluid aslo carry's the higher temp rating, and that's what most guy's use. These mix together with no problem, as long as you don't throw DOT-5 silicone into the equation. I use the GM stuff, but only because the owner's manual say's to.

haljensen

I'll repeat it again; Dot 4 is Dot 4. Any brand of Dot 4 will mix with any other brand of Dot 4 with no adverse effects. Whether it's synthetic or not makes no difference. Use any Dot 4 fluid.

FYI; The GM brand is close to double the price of an equivalent private label.

CudjoeScott

Go to your local Wally-world and pick up some Prestone DOT4 cheap. It works great and you'll avoid the Vette tax.

jonny01blaze

Thanks for everyone's help! I've been searching all day and have found a lot of good information. Some good info I found on DigitalCorvettes is the following just in case anyone else runs into the same questions.

All DOT 3,4 ,and 5.1 is compatible and basically the only difference is the boiling point.Although the boiling point is higher on the 5.1 it is not any longer lasting than the rest.Remember all 3,4 ,and 5.1 Dot fluid is HYGROSCOPIC,not hydroscopic,which means it has the ability to draw moisture from the air.Dont save brake fluid on the shelf for any long periods of time because it will go bad.You wont know it cause the moisture from the air will mix right in the fluid.I always buy brake fluid in the pint size containers for this reason.Even stored fluid in hot and cold conditions can draw moisture. One last note.Change the brake fluid in your Corvette every 2 years or sooner.You'll be glad you did!

jonny01blaze

Again, REALLY Appreciate everyone's help. I was getting conflicting information.

Rosspbig

Thats what I did. Its like 5 bucks a bottle and works great!

jonny01blaze

Picked up some prestone!

tntls7

Changed clutch fluid many times, always used Prestone's DOT4 with no issues.

Joe_Planet

its all the same **** unless its silicone, just watch for that.
I used synthetic dot 4 to flush out the clutch and its working fine, but then it was working fine when it was dirty.. go figure

GaryZ06

I pay $2.67 a bottle at Wallyworld.