Synthetic for the trans/brakes?

[RJEV]

Just got back from a 2200 mile trip to the Smokys. Average MPG pulling a toad was 7.16. Had strong winds and hills/mts. I drive about 60-65, average 62mph. I will take it in for an oil change in the next few days and think I will go from a blend to full synthetic for the motor but not sure about a change to synthetic for the trans. I never noticed high temps but I know it was really working in the mts. Mileage on the MH, an 08, V-10, class A, is 7500. I have also read after two years it's time to change the brake fluid and maybe upgrade to a synthetic (?) fluid? Should I go ahead and change out the trans fluid and brake fluid now to a synthetic or wait for a while? Or since all is well should I change any except the motor oil? Any comments appreciated.

Thanks,
RJ

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJEV I have also read after two years it's time to change the brake fluid and maybe upgrade to a synthetic (?) fluid? Should I go ahead and change out the trans fluid and brake fluid now to a synthetic or wait for a while?

RJ, Ford DOT is already a fully synthetic brake fluid with a boiling point of 550°. There really isn't any such thing as dinosaur based brake fluid. In today's vehicles all brake fluid is synthetic and I believe it has been for many years.

In regard to changing your fluid, I would not disagree with your understanding that you should want to change your brake fluid every 2 years. Doing so from the onset of your ownership will provide you with better performance of your braking system over the life of your vehicle.

[billyb]

driver, do you know for sure that the brake fluid in an '08 is synthetic. i want to change mine in a few months, but i didn't know it was synthetic.

[mrschwarz]

All brake fluid is synthetic. When hydraulic brakes were first developed in the 20's and 30's early primitive fluids were castor oil based. DOT 3,4, and 5 fluids, which are required in all hydraulic brake systems must be synthetic. None of it is petroleum-based.

DOT 3 and 4 are glycol based and are similar in make up. DOT4 has a slightly higher initial boiling point and a much higher 'wet' boiling point when compared to DOT 3. DOT 5 is silicone based. It does not attract or absorb moisture like DOT2 and 4. It has other properties that make it less desirable.

You should use whatever the manufacturer recommends.

[billyb]

yea thats correct, i'm mixing up dot 3 & 4 with silicone based fluid, too early in the morn for the brain to function.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by billyb yea thats correct, i'm mixing up dot 3 & 4 with silicone based fluid, too early in the morn for the brain to function.

billyb, You are going to need to call Ford Customer Care and speak with them about mixing silicone based fluid with DOT3 or 4 because you will void your new vehicle warranty on the brakes. DOT5 is a silicone based brake fluid is NOT compatible with DOT3 and DOT4.

DOT5.1 on the other hand is compatible. There is nothing that I could think of that would justify mixing up DOT type fluids.

As mrschwarz wrote all brake fluid is synthetic.