Ferodo DOT 5.1 Brake & Clutch Fluid 500ml FBZ050A

Ferodo DOT 5.1 High Performance Brake and Clutch Fluid 500ml – Low Viscosity Fluid for ABS and ESP Equipped Road Cars, Vans and Motorcycles

Ferodo FBZ050A is a high-performance DOT 5.1 brake and clutch fluid for everyday road vehicles. It has a typical dry boiling point of 269°C and a typical wet boiling point of 187°C, both comfortably above DOT 4 minimums. That gives a useful safety margin against brake fade during heavy braking, such as a long descent, a loaded van, or towing.

The fluid's very low viscosity is what sets it apart. At just 810 cSt at -40°C (900 cSt maximum), it flows quickly through the small valves and passages of ABS, ESP and traction control units, so these modern safety systems respond quickly even on a cold winter morning. That makes it a good match for current cars with complex electronic braking systems.

FBZ050A is glycol-ether based and meets FMVSS 116 DOT 5.1 and ISO 4925 Class 5.1. It's also suitable for hydraulic clutch systems. It's low-corrosion and causes very little rubber swell, protecting seals, hoses and metal components throughout the brake system. The "A" suffix indicates the Western European version, with health and safety labelling in English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish and Arabic.

Key Features

• DOT 5.1 specification: meets FMVSS 116 DOT 5.1 and ISO 4925 Class 5.1.
• 269°C typical dry boiling point (260°C minimum spec).
• 187°C typical wet boiling point (180°C minimum spec), so it keeps performing as it ages in service.
• Very low viscosity (810 cSt typical at -40°C), ideal for ABS and ESP braking systems.
• Brake and clutch fluid for cars, vans and motorcycles designed for synthetic glycol-based fluid.
• Low corrosion, protecting calipers, cylinders and brake lines.
• Very low rubber swell, which is kind to seals and flexible hoses.
• Supplied in a sealed 500ml bottle.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Ferodo
• Part Number: FBZ050A
• Specification: DOT 5.1 (FMVSS 116 / ISO 4925 Class 5.1)
• Base: Glycol ether (polyalkylene glycol ether and esters)
• Dry Boiling Point: 269°C typical / 260°C minimum
• Wet Boiling Point: 187°C typical / 180°C minimum
• Kinematic Viscosity at -40°C: 810 cSt typical / 900 cSt maximum
• Volume: 500ml
• Recommended Use: Road
• EAN: 4060426489700

What Is Ferodo DOT 5.1 Suited To?

FBZ050A is ideal for routine brake fluid changes on road cars, SUVs, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles, particularly modern vehicles with ABS, ESP and traction control. It's also a straightforward upgrade for cars that currently run DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid, as it has higher boiling points and better cold flow. For regular track days or motorsport, choose one of Ferodo Racing's dedicated race fluids, such as Super Formula (FSF050) or FRF340.

What is the difference between DOT 4 and DOT 5.1?

Both are glycol-based, but DOT 5.1 has to meet tougher requirements. Its minimum dry boiling point is 260°C (DOT 4 is 230°C), its minimum wet boiling point is 180°C (DOT 4 is 155°C), and its maximum viscosity at -40°C is 900 cSt (DOT 4 is 1800 cSt). The result is more resistance to fade and faster flow through ABS and ESP units.

Is DOT 5.1 the same as DOT 5?

No, and this is important. DOT 5 is silicone-based and is not compatible with glycol-based fluids. DOT 5.1 is glycol-based, like DOT 3 and DOT 4. Never mix FBZ050A with DOT 5 silicone fluid, and never put it in a system designed for DOT 5.

Can I use DOT 5.1 in a car that specifies DOT 4?

In almost all cases, yes. DOT 5.1 is compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4 systems and exceeds their performance requirements, so it's a common upgrade. Always check your vehicle handbook first, as a small number of manufacturers specify a particular fluid.

Can I mix it with the fluid already in my car?

FBZ050A is chemically compatible with other glycol-based DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 fluids, so topping up won't cause a problem. However, for the best boiling point and ABS performance, we recommend a complete flush so the system contains only fresh DOT 5.1 fluid.

Is it suitable for motorcycles?

Yes. It's suitable for motorcycles designed to use synthetic glycol-based brake fluid (DOT 3, DOT 4 or DOT 5.1). It isn't suitable for bikes that specify DOT 5 silicone or mineral oil.

Can it be used in the clutch system?

Yes. FBZ050A is a brake and clutch fluid, and it's suitable for hydraulic clutches that share, or are separate from, the brake fluid reservoir.

How often should brake fluid be changed?

Glycol-based brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can cause internal corrosion. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a change every two years. Follow the interval in your service schedule, or change it sooner if a moisture test shows high water content.

How much fluid do I need?

A full flush on most cars uses around 1 litre, so two 500ml bottles is usually enough. A simple top-up or a motorcycle may only need one bottle, while larger vehicles or systems with a shared clutch reservoir may need more.

Is it suitable for track days?

FBZ050A is designed for road use. For occasional spirited driving it performs well, but regular track days and motorsport produce much higher brake temperatures. For those, a dedicated high-boiling-point race fluid such as Ferodo Racing Super Formula or FRF340 is the better choice.

How should I store an opened bottle?

Keep the cap tightly closed, and store the bottle upright in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Once opened it starts absorbing moisture from the air, so use it promptly. Don't reuse fluid that has been bled out of a system.

Will brake fluid damage paintwork?

Yes. Like all glycol-based brake fluids, it will damage paint and some plastics. Cover painted surfaces when working, wipe up spills immediately and rinse with plenty of water. Brake systems should only be serviced by competent mechanics.