Can some brake fluid be mixed with other fluids?

Brake fluid should not be mixed with other fluids because doing so can lead to serious problems within the braking system. Brake fluids are formulated to specific standards and characteristics, including viscosity, boiling point, and chemical composition. If different types of brake fluids are mixed, especially those with different bases such as glycol-ether (DOT 3, DOT 4) and mineral oil (DOT 5), it can create a variety of issues.

For instance, mixing incompatible fluids can lead to degradation of the brake fluid, causing it to lose its effectiveness in maintaining proper hydraulic pressure. This degradation can result in decreased braking performance, the potential for brake system failure, and increased wear on brake components. Additionally, contamination can introduce moisture into the system, lowering the boiling point and increasing the likelihood of vapor lock, which can significantly impair braking ability.

Therefore, understanding that brake fluid is not interchangeable and must remain consistent with the type specified by the vehicle manufacturer reinforces the importance of maintaining the integrity of the brake system.