Brake Fluid Question

[Geo02s2k]

I know a lot of people use Motul 600 or ATE Super Blue DOT4 fluid in their cars for track days. The owner's manual specifically states that you should use Honda Heavy Duty DOT 3 fluid. It further states that you can substitute other DOT3 or DOT4 fluids for short-term use, but that you should replace it with the Honda fluid ASAP in order to avoid damaging the braking system.

Is Honda just blowing smoke or is there something to this? I really want the higher boiling point for the track, since the OEM fluid didn't hold up well the last time. But if I do this, do I need to go back and put in the normal stuff once I'm done?

[WillErickson]

I know a lot of people use Motul 600 or ATE Super Blue DOT4 fluid in their cars for track days. The owner's manual specifically states that you should use Honda Heavy Duty DOT 3 fluid. It further states that you can substitute other DOT3 or DOT4 fluids for short-term use, but that you should replace it with the Honda fluid ASAP in order to avoid damaging the braking system.

Is Honda just blowing smoke or is there something to this? I really want the higher boiling point for the track, since the OEM fluid didn't hold up well the last time. But if I do this, do I need to go back and put in the normal stuff once I'm done?

That's bizarre, I've used Valvoline synthetic (dot 4) in every car I've ever owned, including my tracked S2000. Never had an issue. Dot 3 won't hold up to track use.

[Goku]

Same here Dot 3 wont cut it. Get a good quality dot 4 and dont worry about it. I'm running valavoline synthtic too. Works great at the track. I think having SS brake lines and Hawk pads help too.

[Geo02s2k]

After my first track experience, DOT 4 is definitely going to be in my car for the next one. Brake fade ain't fun. The brake lines and pads may come later.

[repiv]

Is Honda just blowing smoke or is there something to this?
They are simply executing their marketing plan and allowing their lawyers do a little talking for them. Just like GM insists you should use only their fluids in their cars. Same goes for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, etc.........
If a manufacturer could do it, they would market their own air for your tires. Some things, like Honda MTF, is perhaps the best tranny fluid you can use in the S2000, while other things, it just doens't matter so long as it's a brand name with a good reputation and satisfies the specifications for the car.

I too, have been using Valvoline DOT 4 in both my brake and clutch systems for years. You might be interested to know that after having it in my brake system for 3 years, it tested out as still being good to go for a lot longer. Most brake people will tell you that brake fluid should be changed every year or two. If it's a track car, this is probably true, but not for a normally driven street car.

I might also tell you that Honda specifically states that we should use "genuine" Honda coolant in our rads. I've been using long life MOPAR coolant since 2002 without any issues whatsoever. Honda has no "magic dust" in their products. All are good products, but they aren't the only ones you can use.

[Coop]

That's bizarre, I've used Valvoline synthetic (dot 4) in every car I've ever owned, including my tracked S2000. Never had an issue.


same here for 5 years and 150K miles

[desmo4]

As Dave says, there are a lot of very good products which will work in the S. I have simplified this to one family with one exception. Redline for the engine, transmission and Diff. and Motul 600 for the brake and clutch fluid. The advantage, Redline recommends 12000 mi engine oil change intervals with filter changes every 3000. I have done this and the oil coming out is the same color as the new oil going in.

Note: If cost is the driving force behind your S2000 ownership, then you should have bought a different car. The S is as close to a race car that Honda could have sold to the public . And if you drive it like a race car your expenses with go up in cubic dollars. If you you drive it hard on the street, then your expenses will be higher than owning a civic.

Jonathan

[tomauto]

Note: If cost is the driving force behind your S2000 ownership, then you should have bought a different car. The S is as close to a race car that Honda could have sold to the public . And if you drive it like a race car your expenses with go up in cubic dollars. If you you drive it hard on the street, then your expenses will be higher than owning a civic.


When people see that the car is a Honda the first thing they are thinking is cheap ownership. I tell them that is not the case. Of course it is reliable but your right, it ain't no civic!

[ajay]

One more vote for Valvoline Synthetic