Mountain bikes are a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. However, mountain biking requires some unique skills that can be difficult to learn. For example, mountain bikers must have the ability to balance their bike and handle steep and sharp turns without falling over.
This activity is known for its technical nature and its many trails. To ride safely and avoid injury, you’ll need a lot of equipment. One of the most important things you need is brake fluid. But can you use car brake fluid on your mountain bike?
So, in this quick guide, we’ll explain how you can use car brake fluid on a mountain bike. So you do not have to look further.
Can you use car brake fluid in a mountain bike?
Yes, you can use car brake fluid on a mountain bike. It’s important to use the correct type of brake fluid for your bike. All of the glycol-based brake fluids DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are entirely compatible with your mountain bike and can be mixed or switched without compromising the performance or characteristics of the brake.
The primary difference will be a drop or rise in the boiling point of braking fluid in general. If you use the wrong type of brake fluid, it could make your brakes work too well, which can be dangerous.
Method of using car brake fluid in a mountain bike?
It is fairly simple to use vehicle brake fluid on a mountain bike. Once you have confirmed that your hydraulic disc brakes require DOT 4 on a compatible DOT 5.1. Following are the steps for using car brake fluid on mountain bikes are mentioned below:
Place your mountain bike on a stand:
Place your mountain bike on a stand. Make sure your mountain bike is in a place where it will not be damaged or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Raise brake levers
Raise the brake levers using a 4mm Allen key until they are parallel to the ground so that you can get access to the brake lines. Then tighten so that they stay in this position.
Take off the wheel
Remove the wheel from the hub and brake rotor using an Allen key. After that remove the cotter pin next
Eliminate the bolts
Remove the bolt that holds the brake pads in place with a 3mm Allen key. Keep these separate from the remainder of the procedure to avoid oil contamination.
Remove caliper pistons
Using a tire lever, remove the caliper pistons. So that the brake pads can be replaced
Insert the bleed block
Insert the bleed block into the brake caliper and tighten it down. After that, place the bleed cup on the brake lever.
Connect the rubber oil line and catch the bottle
Using a 1/4 inch tubing and a catch, connect the rubber oil line and the catch bottle.
Allow the oil to flow into the catch bottle
By opening both sides, the caliper, and the lever, you may allow the oil to flow into the catch bottle. So that the oil can flow into the caliper.
Close the bleed port
Finally, you clean up and shut the bleed port. Remember to replace the brake pads so that you can continue using your brakes.
Advantages of using car brake fluid
There are a lot of advantages of car brake fluid but some of them are mentioned below:
Safe
The major advantage of using car brake fluid in a mountain bike is that it is much safer than using mineral oil. Mineral oil is highly flammable and can be very dangerous if used in the wrong way.
The oil that is used in brake fluid is more resistant to heat and oxidation. This is because the oil is mixed with alcohol. Therefore, it is easier to use brake fluid than mineral oil. It is also easier to bleed brakes using brake fluid than mineral oil.
Highly effective
Using car brake fluid is very effective in terms of brake performance. This is because the brake fluid will remove all the moisture and contaminants that can affect the brake system.
Easier to use in mountain bikes
The use of car brake fluid is also easier to use on a mountain bike because it is easier to bleed the brakes as compared to mineral oil. The process of bleeding brakes using mineral oil requires a lot of skill and experience.
No fear of leaking
Car brake fluid is not as likely to leak. This is because the brake fluid is mixed with alcohol. Therefore, it is more likely to retain the oil that has been used in the brake system.
Disadvantages of using car brake fluid
Following are the disadvantages of car brake fluid:
Absorbs moisture
The biggest disadvantage of using car brake fluid is that it absorbs moisture. This is because the fluid is exposed to the atmosphere. So the use of car brake fluid is also not recommended if the temperature is high.
Smells
The oil that is used in the brake fluid can also smell. Therefore, it can be a bit distracting to ride with.
Causes overheating
If the brake fluid absorbs moisture, it will be more likely to get overheated. This is because moisture is the heat source. Therefore, the brake fluid will heat up more than the oil.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to car brake fluid, the glycol-based brake fluids DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are completely compatible with your mountain bike and maybe mixed or exchanged without affecting the brake’s performance or characteristics.
The car brake fluid helps in increasing the efficiency of brakes and it is easier to bleed brakes using brake fluid than mineral oil. However, it is not recommended for a long ride because it can absorb moisture. So it is best to be used it on a short ride.
Hence, in this article, we have discussed the method to use car brake fluid in mountain bikes and also explained the advantages and disadvantages of car brake fluid. We hope this article has helped you to have a better understanding of car brake fluid.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.
As much as I remember, I started cycling when I was 5 years old. So I got to know that the passion for riding it runs through my blood but buying the right bicycling equipment and trustworthy information is another story. Always betrayed by sellers and even by friends so I decided to revolutionize it. When choosing bicycling products, I evaluate user’s experiences, different forum discussions, and other social media debates. I do in-depth research on every topic I publish to share with you the most valuable and trustworthy information. Read more about the way I choose the best cycling products and my transformation journey from riding it as a hobby to becoming my passion.
