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Fuel and Lubricant Solutions

Safety doesn't happen by accident

HYDRAULAN® history – Ich bremse mit Hydraulan Bremsflüssigkeit.

In the service of safety

BASF has a longstanding history of setting and shaping the benchmarks of premium vehicle safety. Already back in 1952, BASF patented its first premium brake fluid under the brand name HYDRAULAN® for automotive applications. 

Later, it was also BASF that introduced the first tailor-made brake fluid suitable for vehicles with electro-hydraulic brake systems which even today meets and exceeds the most demanding industry standards. 

BASF's HYDRAULAN® – Stay prepared for the unexpected!

Today

Setting and pushing the benchmarks of premium vehicle safety and continuing to build on long-established close partnerships with the automotive industry, BASF's latest HYDRAULAN® innovations set new performance parameters for premium brake fluids. Whether it comes to performance or specifically addressing the requirements of latest technologies, standards or sustainability - stay prepared for the unexpected!

Premium Quality for Premium Safety

Approvals and International Standard

The brake system is one of the most important safety features of a vehicle and therefore needs to meet the very high standards required by the automotive manufacturers, the automotive industry and automotive safety legislation. Therefore brake fluids must meet stringent specifications and are often also officially approved by the automobile manufacturers.

HYDRAULAN® premium brake fluids exceed the requirements set by international standards in all criteria and are officially approved by leading automobile manufacturers.

The brake system – One of the most important safety features of a vehicle.

Stay prepared
for the unexpected!

HYDRAULAN® 404 – A best-in-class DOT 4 Class 6 brake fluid

HYDRAULAN® 404 is a best-in-class DOT 4 Class 6 brake fluid

which at low temperatures, has a very low viscosity. This enables brake pressure to build up quickly and the wheel brakes to respond in a timely manner. Compared to conventional fluids, brake pressure build-up at low temperatures of approx. –20 °C is about 30 % faster, also securing effective brake performance during harsh weather conditions. 
 

Packaging
HYDRAULAN® 404 is globally available as bulk delivery and in small packaging. Sizes of packaging and offerings may differ per region.
 

More details: Technical Specifications, Approvals, International Standards

At a glance

  • Achieves excellent brake safety performance through outstanding brake response 
  • Ensures low viscosity even at low temperatures 
  • Protection of overall brake system through excellent corrosion protection for metals and good lubricity for low wear during operations 
  • Reduced CO2 emissions when applying BMB version 
HYDRAULAN® 404 – A best-in-class DOT 4 Class 6 brake fluid

HYDRAULAN® 406 ESI is a next-generation high-performance brake fluid

that meets and exceeds the very demanding industry standards and international requirements for low-viscosity brake fluids. Due to its very low viscosity at – 40°C (viscosity more than 50 % lower than standard products), braking safety is improved significantly even in the most difficult conditions.
 

Packaging
HYDRAULAN® 406 ESI is globally  available as bulk delivery and in small packaging. Size of packaging and  offerings may differ per region.
 

More details: Technical Specifications, Approvals, International Standards

HYDRAULAN® 406 ESI – A next-generation high-performance brake fluid
HYDRAULAN® 406 ESI – A next-generation high-performance brake fluid.

At a glance

  • Elevates the benchmarks for a superior brake safety performance through high wet and dry boiling points, maximized lubricity and very low viscosity 
  • Achieves superior brake safety performance through outstanding brake response 
  • Achieves long-lasting brake safety through minimized sealant and elastomer wear 
  • Ensures a very low viscosity even at low temperatures 
  • Protection of overall brake system through excellent corrosion protection for metals and good lubricity for low wear during operations 
  • Secures freedom to operate through full regulatory compliance, e.g., REACH 
  • Reduced CO2 emissions when applying BMB version 

 

FAQ

Questions and answers about brake fluid essentials and BASF's HYDRAULAN®

 

Details

about our HYDRAULAN® premium brake fluids

HYDRAULAN® is officially approved by leading automobile manufacturers:

Product Automobile manufacturers (OEM) Approval code
HYDRAULAN® 404 BMW Group (MINI, Rolls-Royce) QV 34 001
GM Europe (Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Opel, Saab, Vauxhall) GMW 3356
Volkswagen Group (Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat, Škoda, VW) TL 766-Z
Ford WSS-M6C65-A2
Peugeot S.A. (Citroën, Peugeot) STL S71 2114
Toyota Motor Corporation (Lexus, Toyota) TSK 2602G
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FCA 9.55597
Geely Group, BYD, FAW Car, GAC Motor, Great Wall Motors, Li Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mazda, NIO, SAIC, Xpeng OEM does not issue an approval code
HYDRAULAN® 406 ESI Mercedes-Benz Cars MB 331.0
Daimler Trucks & Buses DFTR 30B100
Robert Bosch GmbH N28 BS302
Volvo Cars TR 33413395-002
Polestar OEM does not issue an approval code

HYDRAULAN® exceeds the requirements set by the international standards in all criteria: 

Product International standard Dry ERBP [°C] Wet ERBP [°C] Viscosity at – 40°C [mm2/s]
HYDRAULAN® 404   ≥ 265 ≥ 175 ≤ 700
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 4 ≥ 230 ≥ 155 ≤ 1.500
SAE J 1704 Low Viscosity ≥ 250 ≥ 165 ≤ 750
ISO 4925 Class 6 ≥ 250 ≥ 165 ≤ 750
JIS K 2233 Class 6 ≥ 250 ≥ 165 ≤ 750
HYDRAULAN® 406 ESI   ≥ 265 ≥ 180 ≤ 700
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 4 ≥ 230 ≥ 155 ≤ 1.800
SAE J 1704 Low Viscosity ≥ 250 ≥ 165 ≤ 750
ISO 4925 Class 7 ≥ 260 ≥ 180 ≤ 750
JIS K 2233 Class 6 ≥ 250 ≥ 165 ≤ 750