On Sun, 28 Dec 2003 00:07:49 GMT, "mark smith" <msmith@ptialaska.net>
wrote:

>I have a 1995 Accord EX and a 1993 Civic EX. My mechaninc says to put
>Valvoline synthetic brake fluid in both cars and the clutch. I live
>inFairbanks Alaska and the winters get down to -40 for several months at a
>time.
>The bottle says, Valvoline synpower synthetic formula brake fluid for ABS
>brakes, exceeds DOT 3&4, compatible with conventional brake fluids.....

The term "synthetic" in relation to brake fluid is redundant - all brake
fluids are synthetic. Apart from the silicone types, which are not
considered suitable for road use, they're basically mixtures of glycols
and/or higher alcohols.

>The accord has ABS and an automatic transmission.

If you want your ABS to last, i.e. avoid big $$ repairs, I'd recommend
changing the fluid in the reservoir once a year.

>THe civic has standard brakes and a manual transmission with a hydralic
>clutch....

Honda doesn't have a clutch fluid change on their scheduled maintenance but
again, if you want it to last, change the fluid regularly - at least every
2years.

>Will this fluid mess up the system??? The local Honda dealer is no help...
>"Frozen in Fairbanks"

No it will not mess up the system - IMO just about any aftermarket brake
fluid is better than the stuff that Honda sells.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??