What Brake Fluid Does My Car Take?
Most US cars take DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, and the type rarely changes across a model's production run, so a 2007 and a 2018 of the same car almost always use the same fluid. Find your model below for the exact DOT type by year, then click through for what a flush costs. When in doubt, the reservoir cap on the master cylinder is stamped with the answer.
Toyota and Honda models (Camry, RAV4, Civic, CR-V) take DOT 3. The Chevy Silverado and Jeep Wrangler take DOT 3. The Ford F-150 takes DOT 3 through 2020 and DOT 4 from 2021. BMW and Tesla take DOT 4 or DOT 4 LV. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are all glycol and inter-compatible; never substitute silicone DOT 5.
Brake fluid type by model and year
| Model | Years | Fluid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 1997 to 2026 | DOT 3 | Same spec across every generation, gas and hybrid. |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2001 to 2026 | DOT 3 | Hybrid and Prime PHEV share the gas-car spec. |
| Honda Civic | 2006 to 2026 | DOT 3 | Si and Type R use the same DOT 3 as the base car. |
| Honda CR-V | 2007 to 2026 | DOT 3 | Hybrid trims match the gas spec. |
| Chevy Silverado | 1999 to 2026 | DOT 3 | Every Silverado from 1999 forward, including HD and Duramax. |
| Ford F-150 | 2004 to 2020 | DOT 3 | 11th through 13th generation. |
| Ford F-150 | 2021 to 2026 | DOT 4 | 14th gen moved to DOT 4; PowerBoost and Lightning use DOT 4 LV. |
| Jeep Wrangler | 1987 to 2026 | DOT 3 | YJ through JL, including Rubicon, 4xe, and 392. |
| Subaru Outback | 2005 to 2026 | DOT 3 | Wilderness and the 2026+ hybrid share the spec. |
| BMW 3 Series | 1999 to 2018 | DOT 4 | E46, E90, and F30 chassis. |
| BMW 3 Series | 2019 to 2026 | DOT 4 LV | G20/G80; low-viscosity spec, ISTA ABS purge required. |
| Tesla Model 3 | 2017 to 2026 | DOT 4 LV | All variants, original and Highland refresh. |
Specs reflect each model's per-generation page on this site. Trims and special editions noted above share the base car's spec. For any car not listed, check the reservoir cap and owner's manual, or use the cost-by-make table.
What the DOT rating actually means
DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are glycol-based fluids that step up in boiling point: DOT 3 meets a 401F dry / 284F wet minimum, DOT 4 a 446F / 311F minimum, and DOT 5.1 a 500F / 356F minimum. They are chemically compatible with each other, so moving up a grade is always safe in a system specced for a lower one. DOT 4 LV is a low-viscosity DOT 4 that flows faster through ABS valves in the cold, which is why most recent European cars and Teslas require it.
The one fluid that breaks the pattern is DOT 5, which is silicone-based. It does not absorb moisture and is used in some military and show vehicles, but it is not compatible with the seals or ABS hardware in a standard glycol system. Never pour DOT 5 into a car specced for DOT 3 or DOT 4. The similar-sounding DOT 5.1 is glycol and is fine. See the full DOT comparison for the chemistry and per-quart pricing.
Knowing the type is only half the job. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on the calendar, so even the correct fluid needs replacing every 2 to 3 years as it absorbs moisture and its wet boiling point drops. The interval page covers each manufacturer's recommended schedule, and the calculator prices a flush for your specific car and shop.