Technical Brake Fluid and Coolant

[Adam1984]

So looking at this brake fluid in my 1.2 Panda Pop Petrol, does it look like it needs changing as I have no record of when it was last done.

If it needs doing will do coolant at same time and transmission oil.

What brands or each:

Brake Fluid
Coolant
Transmission Oil

Would you recommend to get?

Thanks

 

[Adam1984]

 

[ZaphodB]

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid deteriorates with use, should be flushed/bled 2-3 year intervals tops.
It's hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from exposure from air), and deteriorates from constant heating at the brake cylinders/calipers.

That's why you don't leave the reservoir lid off or loose, or use already opened tins that have sat about after being opened and you have lying around..

A good branded DOT 4 fluid.

 

[Adam1984]

Brake fluid deteriorates with use, should be flushed/bled 2-3 year intervals tops.
It's hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from exposure from air), and deteriorates from constant heating at the brake cylinders/calipers.

That's why you don't leave the reservoir lid off or loose, or use already opened tins that have sat about after being opened and you have lying around..

A good branded DOT 4 fluid.

I heard Castrol do one which burns at a higher temperature called React. Does it make much difference?

 

[ZaphodB]

I heard Castrol do one which burns at a higher temperature called React. Does it make much difference?

You're not setting fire to it

Higher boiling point is a good spec to look for , but marketing speak often just comes out without the actual spec.
Look for the actual detail and compare.

 

[Panda IIs]

I heard Castrol do one which burns at a higher temperature called React. Does it make much difference?

I think you mean boils? A garage/workshop should have a tester for moisture content, that's the issue.

 

[Adam1984]

What brand would you recommend for brake fluid?

And also what coolant do I need? Any specific brand?

 

[Panda IIs]

I don't do brand recommendations have a look in the handbook I think DOT 4 is the spec. If you don't have a handbook with the car there is a downloadable version. Coolant just use the same colour (pink or blue - I don't know which).

 

[ZaphodB]

I don't do brand recommendations have a look in the handbook I think DOT 4 is the spec.

It's akin to buying semi-skimmed milk, as long as it's DOT whatever (4 in your case) it's virtually the same stuff whatever you buy.

 

[Adam1984]

What about antifreeze or transmission oil then?

 

[Panda IIs]

What about antifreeze or transmission oil then?

Same; what he said @ZaphodB