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Bosch ESI6 Extended Service Brake Fluid

Amazon's Choice#6 in Brake Fluidsliquid
$19.99

Priced as of May 16, 2026

4.8(3,697 ratings)Buy on Amazon

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CarCareTruth's Analysis

Last reviewed May 16, 2026

TL;DR Meets DOT 4 (FMVSS 116 — minimum 446°F dry / 311°F wet); dry boiling point of 519.8°F is documented in the SDS at +73.8°F above the DOT 4 minimum — a meaningful safety margin. Wet boiling point of 365°F is manufacturer-claimed at +54°F above spec, but no independent test document confirms it. Not compatible with DOT 5 silicone systems. The product carries a California Prop 65 warning — disclosed on the product label and SDS §15.

What it is and how it performs

The Bosch ESI6 is labeled as DOT 4, the specification that requires a minimum dry boiling point of 446°F and a minimum wet boiling point of 311°F per FMVSS 116. In fresh condition, the SDS documents a dry boiling point of 519.8°F — 73.8°F above the DOT 4 threshold, which is in the upper tier for DOT 4 fluids on the market. All brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its heat resistance; the manufacturer claims a wet boiling point of 365°F — 54°F above the DOT 4 minimum after moisture absorption — though this figure comes from the product listing and has not been published in an independent test document. The product is engineered to simultaneously clear the boiling-point requirements for DOT 3 and DOT 5.1 as well, reflecting chemistry that is more capable than the DOT 4 label alone suggests. ABS, ESC, and traction control compatibility is explicitly confirmed on the product label.

Who should buy this — and who should skip it

The ESI6 is well suited for daily drivers and light to moderate performance use where DOT 4 is the OEM specification. The documented dry boiling point provides meaningful fade resistance above commodity DOT 4 fluids that cluster near the 446°F threshold, and the brand's OEM-heritage credibility is backed by 4.8 stars across 3,700+ Amazon ratings. Skip if your vehicle explicitly requires DOT 5 — the ESI6 is a glycol-ether fluid and is physically incompatible with DOT 5 silicone systems; the product label marks DOT 5 as an explicit incompatibility. For high-performance or track use requiring a product with a DOT 5.1 label certification and third-party-verified boiling points well above 500°F dry, a dedicated DOT 5.1 performance fluid may be more appropriate.

Safety and environmental impact

The SDS signal word is WARNING. H361 classifies this product as a suspected reproductive toxicant (Category 2). SDS §8 specifies safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves during handling; splash risk during pressure bleeding and overhead caliper work means eye protection is warranted for those operations. No respiratory hazard codes are present at mixture level; standard garage ventilation is adequate for brake service. The sweet taste of brake fluid is a documented attractant for pets and children — store in a sealed, inaccessible location. The product carries a California Prop 65 warning disclosed on the product label and SDS §15. Spent brake fluid cannot be poured down a household drain or storm sewer; collect it during a flush and dispose of it at a used-fluid collection facility.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bosch ESI6 a DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid?

The ESI6 is labeled and sold as a DOT 4 product. It is engineered to simultaneously clear the boiling-point minimums for DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1, but it carries a DOT 4 label certification, not a DOT 5.1 label. For applications specifying DOT 5.1 by label, confirm with your vehicle OEM whether a DOT 4 fluid that meets DOT 5.1 boiling points is acceptable as a substitute.

Can I use Bosch ESI6 in a car that uses DOT 3?

Yes. DOT 4 fluids are backward-compatible with DOT 3 systems. The ESI6 is explicitly marketed as compatible with vehicles requiring DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1. Always check your vehicle owner's manual for the recommended spec before adding or replacing fluid.

Is the Bosch ESI6 compatible with ABS and ESC systems?

Yes. The product label explicitly confirms compatibility with ABS (anti-lock braking), ESC (electronic stability control), and traction control systems. This is expected for all glycol-ether DOT 3/4/5.1 fluids; DOT 5 silicone-based fluid is the type that is incompatible with ABS/ESC systems.

Can I use Bosch ESI6 in a vehicle that requires DOT 5?

No. DOT 5 is a silicone-based fluid that is physically and chemically incompatible with glycol-ether fluids like the ESI6. The product label explicitly marks DOT 5 as incompatible with a red X. Mixing the two fluids damages seals and degrades braking performance. If your vehicle specifies DOT 5, use only DOT 5 silicone fluid.

Does the Bosch ESI6 carry a California Prop 65 warning?

Yes. The product carries a California Prop 65 warning. This is disclosed on the product label and SDS §15.

From the manufacturer

Marketing copy from Bosch, via Amazon. Not editorial.

  • [NEXT GENERATION FLUID] - Bosch ESI6 is a next generation brake fluid designed for today's modern braking systems and is the first fluid to simultaneously combine both low viscosity and high wet boiling point (365 Degrees Fahrenheit)
  • [EXTENDED SERVICE INTERVAL] - ESI6 is designed to last longer than traditional fluids for extended replacement intervals: 100% longer than DOT 3, 50% longer than DOT 4, and 10% longer than DOT 5.1 (with 30% lower viscosity)
  • [BACKWARD COMPATIBLE} - ESI6 is intended for use as a direct replacement for vehicles that specify DOT 3, DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid which includes the majority of all brake systems launched since 1990
  • [REDUCES WEAR] - ESI6 delivers excellent lubricity properties to prevent brake system component wear and reduce noise; ESI6 is fully compatible with DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 fluids for top off but optimum performance is achieved with a full fluid change
  • [NOT DOT 5 COMPATIBLE] - ESI6 exceeds all DOT standards for DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 fluids but is NOT compatible with vehicles that require/use DOT 5 fluids - never use any fluid other than DOT 5 in DOT 5 systems
  • 1 Quart (32 ounces) - When doing a full fluid change, multiple quarts will be necessary to properly flush the old fluid from the system and bleed the brake system after refilling with ESI6

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Manufacturer specifications
Brand
Bosch
Package Information
Can
Liquid Volume
32 Fluid Ounces
Item Weight
32 Ounces
Viscosity
5w
Brand Name
Bosch
Item Form
Liquid
Global Trade Identification Number
00077212216819
Manufacturer
Bosch Automotive
Unit Count
32.0 Fluid Ounces
UPC
077212216819
Number of Items
1

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