Is all DOT 4 brake fluid created equal

[rxvalk]

Getting ready to change out the brake and clutch fluid  on the bike tomorrow night. Went looking for DOT 4 fluid at the auto part stores and walmart. Found a house brand at O'Reilys and Advance Auto PArts. Wasnt sure if I should go with a house brand dont want to put anything that could caus problems later in the bike. They had a synthetic valvoline 3-4 on sale for 8.00 a qt at advance. The counter guy told me it was the same as the DOT 4. I read on the forum that some guys have used it before in their bikes after returning home. Walmart was my last stop before returning home and they had a prestone synthetic DOT 4 at 4.00 for a 12 oz bottle. I like to put good quality fluids in my bike but do I need a synthetic. Is there a difference in performance.

WHat do you guys use?

Is the house brand at Oreilys or Advance just as good as synthetic?

Would the valvoline 3-4 sythetic work?

Other reccomendations?

[Former BMW Guy]

I use Castrol GT-LMA DOT-4.
The service manual calls for a high quality DOT 4 and specifies not to mix brands.

JP

[9Ball]

Any DOT 4 or DOT 3/4 will be ok, especially if you are meticulous in changing the fluids on a routine basis....I do all our bikes every other year when they come out of winter storage.

To answer your question, I've been using the Valvoline synthetic (used to be called SynPower) DOT 3/4 for at least ten years now in all my bikes and I like it.  It also now comes in pint bottles as well as quart size.

Good luck.

[fudgie]

I use the prestone synthetic dot4 and has has been great the last 60k miles.

[six2go #152]

I've been using NAPA Dot 4 for 15 yrs. Valk still stops

[sandy]

The recommendation of not mixing fluids is about not mixing 3 or 4 with DOT 5. You can mix any DOT 4 with any other of the same rating.

[vanagon40]

I believe all brake fluid is synthetic (not to be confused with silicone based (i.e. DOT 5)).

[rxvalk]

Thanks everyone for all the help.