sugarwood

Some first timers think they need a race setup for their first day
(Harness, track tires, roll cage, etc)

Friend is going to try out a DE. I told him he needs nothing.
Then I said, well, it can't hurt to spend $15 on ATE brake fluid.

Then I wondered, in theory, is even that overkill?
I know for $15, might as well just use the Race fluid, and play it safe.

N00bs typically brake way too much on the track, but even still,
what are the odds a Green DE n00b cooks his brake fluid?
Poll above.

Paul Solk

Speaking as someone who came from the n00b world not to long ago I would say it is absolutely possible especially until they learn NOT to over brake or rely upon ABS... Also remember if we are talking Porsche and running PSM on the brakes may be working even if the n00b isn't "on" the brakes...

TXE36

Gut feeling is the chances are slim, but in the 5 years or so I've been instructing, I've had 2-3 noobie greens who could pedal the car around much better than expected and you never know when you are going to get these before hand. As someone in the right seat , I'd much prefer fresh brake fluid. And perhaps that is the better point - it doesn't have to be some racing fluid, just fresh.

Another point is it sets the tone for safety and expectations about vehicle prep - might as well do it right from the start. They are paying hundreds and risking thousands, $10-$15 worth of brake fluid isn't asking much.

-Mike

brownan

Brake fluid is cheap insurance. Get to track, boil the OEM fluid. Confidence and day ruined. I'm an advocate of doing it. Besides, presumably the car needs a tech inspection prior to the event from a shop, so just have it done whilst there.

HoBoJoe

The brake fluid should probably be done before the event regardless, most owners don't change brake fluid often enough. So I say yes, use ATE.

sugarwood

I know the obvious answer is "Just get it done with $15 ATE"
That is what I told him.

But, this is a theoretical question.
How likely is it for a rookie to boil regular DOT 3 brake fluid?

CosmosMpower

Biggest question is, when was the non racing fluid last changed? Might as well change it to high temp stuff if you're gonna flush it anyway. Cheap insurance.

StoogeMoe

Brake temperature is related to the mass and velocity(squared) of the car. The heavier the car and the faster it goes, will put more strain on the brake system.

And like Paul said in the first response, noobs are more likely to over brake.

What kind of car does your friend have?

LuigiVampa

I answered "NO" because it might stand in the way of someone attending for their first time. If you have had your car maintained properly you are going to be fine.

As you move up the ladder good brake fluid is the first thing you want to do, followed closely by good brake pads.

Turbodan

I say no for same reason as Luigi, even though I agree with all of the previous comments. other factors to consider; ambient temperature, length of sessions, type of track (some use brakes more than others, as well as model of car).

Auric

Yes.
- I started DEing 2 years ago.
- Boiled my brake fluid on the second session of my first day Green Run.
- At the time didn't know what was occurring, but luckily I instinctively pumped the brakes.
- I now warn everyone newbie about fade/boiling fluid (don't instruct myself).

ace37

Frank 993 C4S

^^^ This - we are talking about a green novice driver with street tires and an instructor in the car ( I assume).

will968

I believe the minimum standard calls for new fluid annually, per tech form. Fresh DOT 4, race or not, should be fine.

dgmark

I believe it is more important for the novice to have proper brake fluid, The green student cars that I service have more problems with brake fluid boiling, especially in the newer cars. The last 3 novice drivers with newer cars that I serviced all had to be stepped up to SRF due to brake issues.