DOT 3 or DOT 4 for Brakes & Clutch on 2001?

[smashman]

2001 RT/10. Owners Manual says to use DOT 4, but both reservoir caps say use DOT 3. Which is correct and which would the car have been filled with at the factory? Brake Fluid looks a little low. If it's dot 3 and I top off the reservoir with DOT 4 will they mix?
Suggestions?
Yes, I know-need to do a brake & clutch flush asap. Just noticed the manual says every 2 years.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AZTVR]

I would use what the owner's manual says. Also, the factory service manual says the following: "The Viper comes with, and the manufacturer recommends, brake fluid conforming to DOT 4 specifications. If DOT 4 brake fluid is not available, DOT 3 brake fluid is fully compatible with DOT 4, and can be substituted in its absence."

_________________________________________________
Jim – ‘02 GTS ACR gray/silver -- sold – ( enthusiastic custodian for 8 years )

 

[Steve-Indy]

Viper clutch fluid reservoir caps all say DOT 3 through 2010...in spite of the fact that the factory fill was DOT 4 from 1999 -2010.

 

[smashman]

Thanks very much gentlemen.

 

[Dave1968]

The only difference is the temperature rating of the two. Use the higher rated fluid - Dot 4

 

[AZTVR]

The only difference is the temperature rating of the two.

Well, I wouldn't quite say that. Here is an interesting article by a major player in the brakes game, describing the difference between DOT 3 & 4 fluids.
Stoptech technical paper: Brake Fluid Ratings

 

[Dave1968]

Point taken, however for our needs, temp is the major factor and I would always use the higher temp.

 

[Paul Hawker]

Maybe the answer is to use Dot 4 for track use, but you need to change it more often.
Use Dot 3 for street use, or if you change the fluid less often than every 2 years.

 

[Mopar Steve]

Don't forget is going up in brake fluid temp rating the entire system must be flushed. simply adding a higher temp fluid to the resivoir will do no good. The temp rating will be that of the lowest fluid in the mix.