Magura brakes use mineral oil as their hydraulic fluid, not dot. Unlike dot, mineral oil does not absorb moisture, allowing for consistent brake performance over time.
Magura is a well-known brand in the cycling industry for its high-performance hydraulic brakes. If you’re a cyclist, you must have heard of these brakes before. Magura offers both mountain bike and road bike hydraulic brakes, which are known for their precision, high stopping power, and easy maintenance.
However, when it comes to brake fluid, many cyclists have questions about whether magura brakes use mineral oil or dot. The answer is simple: magura brakes use mineral oil, which is different from dot. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the two fluids and why magura uses mineral oil.
Credit: www.vitalmtb.com
Brake Fluids: Mineral Oil Vs. Dot
Magura brakes are a well-known brand amongst mountain bikers and they offer high-quality products. However, there is an ongoing debate about the type of brake fluids they use: mineral oil-based or dot-based fluids. So, do magura brakes use mineral oil or dot?
Let’s clear up the confusion around this topic by exploring the characteristics of each type.
The Characteristics Of Mineral Oil-Based Brake Fluids
Mineral oil-based brake fluids are non-corrosive, non-toxic, and they have a high resistance to moisture. They also have low compressibility, which means that they can transmit a high level of pressure without reducing braking performance. Other characteristics include:
- Do not absorb moisture from the air
- Do not damage paint or plastic
- High boiling point
- Long lifespan
The Characteristics Of Dot-Based Brake Fluids
Dot-based brake fluids are glycol ether-based and have a higher boiling point than mineral oil-based fluids. However, they are more corrosive, toxic, and hygroscopic. Dot brake fluids have the following characteristics:
- Attracts moisture from the air
- Can damage paint or plastic
- High boiling point
- Shorter lifespan
The Difference Between Mineral Oil And Dot Brake Fluids
Now that we’ve seen the characteristics of both brake fluids, let’s sum up the differences between them. When it comes to magura brakes, they typically use mineral oil-based fluids, but they also have dot-compliant models. So, what makes them different?
Here are the main differences:
- Mineral oil-based fluids are non-corrosive and non-toxic, whereas dot-based fluids are hygroscopic and can cause corrosion to your brake system.
- Mineral oil has a longer lifespan compared to dot fluids.
- Dot fluids have a higher boiling point than mineral oil, making them more suitable for heavy-duty use, such as downhill riding.
- Magura brakes are designed to work with both types of fluids, but it’s essential to use the one recommended by the manufacturer.
Both mineral oil and dot brake fluids have their pros and cons. It’s important to choose the one that fits your specific needs and the guidelines recommended by the manufacturer, which will help to maintain the performance and longevity of your magura brakes.
Understanding Magura Brakes
Overview Of Magura Brake Systems
Magura brakes have been in the market for over three decades and have successfully established a reputation for producing high-quality hydraulic brake systems. Their systems are renowned for their excellent performance and durability, providing riders with optimal control and stopping power.
Magura Brake Fluid Options
Understanding the correct brake fluid for the magura brake system is crucial to ensure optimal brake performance.
Magura brakes use two types of brake fluids: mineral oil and dot (department of transportation).
Here are some key points to note:
- Mineral oil: Magura brakes primarily run on mineral oil, a synthetic fluid, as it doesn’t absorb any water and maintains better performance under high temperatures. Mineral oil brake fluid has a much higher boiling point than dot fluid.
- Dot fluid: Some magura brake systems are compatible with dot-based brake fluid that absorbs moisture and is suitable for lower load applications.
Magura Brake Fluid Compatibility
It is essential to use the correct fluid that is compatible with the magura brake system to ensure optimal performance and safety. Using the wrong fluid can lead to damage to the system and failure in stopping the bike.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Magura mt and mt next: These systems are compatible with only mineral oil.
- Magura hs, h33, hs33, hs66, hs77 and older models of the gustav m are compatible with both dot and mineral oil, but use different assemblies depending on which fluid is used.
- Magura models with neither mineral oil nor dot: Some older modes do not use either mineral oil or dot. Ensure you read the manufacturer’s guide to know the correct fluid to use.
That’s all for understanding the magura brake system, its fluid options, and compatibility. Remember, following the manufacturer’s instructions is critical when it comes to magura brake systems to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Which Brake Fluid Should You Choose?
Factors To Consider When Choosing Brake Fluid:
When it comes to choosing the right brake fluid for your magura brakes, there are a few factors you need to consider. These factors are:
- Brake fluid type
- Weather conditions
- Brake system compatibility
- Maintenance requirements
Guidelines For Choosing Brake Fluid For Magura Brakes:
Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing brake fluid, here are some guidelines you should follow when selecting brake fluid for magura brakes:
- Choose a brake fluid that is compatible with magura brakes (e.g., magura recommends using magura royal blood, which is a mineral-oil-based fluid).
- Determine the brake fluid’s boiling point, as it is important to select a fluid that has a high boiling point, especially if you ride in hot weather conditions.
- Follow the maintenance instructions in your magura brake’s manual, including bleeding and changing the brake fluid regularly.
Which Brake Fluid Is Better For Magura Brakes?
Magura brakes use mineral oil, and the company recommends using magura royal blood brake fluid. When it comes to choosing the best brake fluid for magura brakes, it is essential to select a fluid that is compatible with the brake system, has a high boiling point, and is changed and bled regularly.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your magura brakes are working at their best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Do Magura Brakes Use Mineral Oil Or Dot?
What Type Of Brake Fluid Do Magura Brakes Use?
Magura brakes use mineral oil as brake fluid in their hydraulic brakes.
Can I Use Dot Fluid In Magura Brakes Instead Of Mineral Oil?
No, magura brake systems are designed to work with mineral oil only and cannot use dot fluid.
Why Does Magura Use Mineral Oil Instead Of Dot Fluid?
Magura uses mineral oil because it is less corrosive, doesn’t absorb water, and is less toxic than dot fluid.
Is Mineral Oil More Expensive Than Dot Fluid?
Yes, mineral oil is generally more expensive than dot fluid due to its higher boiling point and the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
After reading this post, we hope you now have a clear understanding of whether magura brakes use mineral oil or dot fluid. While both types of fluid have their pros and cons, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of riding you plan on doing.
Whether you prefer the more consistent performance of mineral oil or the higher boiling point of dot, magura has a brake system that will suit your needs. It’s important to choose the right fluid for your brake system to ensure optimum performance and safety.
So, before you hit the trails, make sure you know what type of fluid your magura brakes use and keep them properly maintained for a smoother, more enjoyable ride.