2009 - 2017 Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V: Service Bulletin: #PIC6162B: Questions Regarding The Use Of High Performance / High Temperature Brake Fluid During Track Use

#PIC6162B: Questions Regarding The Use Of High Performance / High Temperature Brake Fluid During Track Use - (Jun 27, 2017)

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern

Some customers may inquire about a section in their owner’s manual that addresses the use of high temperature brake fluid that should be used in their car during track use.

The following is an excerpt from the owner’s manual:

"For racing or competitive driving, it is recommended that the brake fluid be replaced with a high performance brake fluid that has a dry boiling point greater than 534°F (279°C).  After conversion to the high performance brake fluid, follow the brake fluid service recommendations outlined by the fluid manufacturer. Do not use silicone or DOT 5 brake fluids."

Recommendation/Instructions

There are several products on the market that are sold as "racing" brake fluid. 

 They have various dry boiling points that are well above the specs of standard DOT 3 (401°) or DOT 4 (446°) brake fluid.

Important: Keep in mind that any type of DOT 5 brake fluid should not be used in these vehicles as it is not compatible with DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluids or the braking systems that they are used in.  Also, it is recommended that this high performance brake fluid should be flushed back out of the system when the vehicle is done on the track and it is being driven on public roads once again.

Refill the vehicle with the recommended type of brake fluid that is listed in the respective Owner’s Manual. 

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.