what happens if you use a brake fluid thats not reccomneded? say if it needs dot 3 and you use dot 2 or 4? thanks

 

DOT 2 is a lower grade (meaning lower boiling points & possibly less corrosion resistance than any higher DOT number). Fortunately, your chances of actually finding any DOT 2 brake fluid are pretty slim...and if you do find it, leave it at it's better job of collecting dust. DOT 3 is more or less the standard, and DOT 4 exceeds DOT 3 (higher boiling points). Only downside to DOT 4 is the slightly higher price & it collects moisture slightly faster than DOT 3....as long as you flush your brake fluid at LEAST once a year you'll be fine. DOT 5 is silicone, good on restored classic cars & such...in other words, don't mess with it unless you KNOW you need it.

Good luck,

Ryan P.