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They are not the same fluid. They have almost identical boiling points, and maybe this is why people have come to think they are the same fluid.

I've been selling the ATE fluids for years...about 12 years ago, ATE came out with a Super Blue Racing fluid, a DOT 4+ fluid with a 280C dry and 200C wet boiling point (these temps are significantly higher that ATE's standard DOT 4). The fluid was called Racing Fluid because it was originally DOT "unapproved" (make still be) because of its blue color...the DOT mandates that all brake fluids be yellow in color. ATE decided to take the blue dye out and introduce a second line of performance DOT 4 fluids called TYP200. This has the same high wet and dry boiling points (its the same fluid w/o the dye) as the Super Blue Racing. These fluids are excellent for ABS systems and have a 2-3 year change interval under normal use (I would still recommend at least annual changes for cars used in track events). These 2 fluids have a high Dry/Wet boiling point ratio which reduces their capacity to absorb moisture...this is important for ABS equipped cars as ABS cycling pulls in moisture a lot greater (because of fluid agitation) than normal braking w/o ABS. Many people will alternate annual fluid changes from yellow to blue as to distinguish the fresh from the old fluid during the change process. The fluids should sell for around $10 per liter and a one liter can should be enough for a brake fluid change. SD Steve D'Gerolamo c/o The Ultimate Garage, Emerson, NJ (201-262-0412)

If you go back to a dealership go to Southern States and talk to Fred.

I just got back from performance subaru for a 30k service. Granted I change my oil and trans fluid myself, I wanted them to bleed the brakes, change the radiator fluid, and give the car a once over.

When I took the car in for the 15k service they put in some ate super blue. So when I returned this visit they did have any but were able to get a can of the ate typ 200. Same stuff just different color. When they were finished the left over fluid in the can seemed like a lot. I just thought, wow, the tech must be good to be able to bleed the brakes with that little fluid. I looked the the service manual and it said it takes about 16 oz of fluid to bleed the whole system. My heart kind of sank, freak'n great. The best part is there is blue brake fluid still in the resevoir

So I called the performance service manager and asked wtf. He proceded to tell me that a "brake fluid change" consisted of sucking the the fluid out of the resevoir and replacing it. He tried to tell me that this is what subaru recommended. During his explanation he stated that this would help to refresh the fluid throughout the system . When I tried to explain that the fluid in the brake system does not really circulate through the system and that heat and moisure can decrease the effectiveness of the fluid he replied "that was one school of thought".

Last time I was there I spoke to Ryan the tech and saw him bleeding the brakes. He said that Ryan did something extra by bleeding the brakes.

Well, this got me thinking since my radiator overflow tank was now overfilled. So I pulled off the plastic under tray and looked at the drain valve for the radiator. It doesn't look like it has been touched. Yay. I do not think I have any way to prove the radiator fluid was not changed though.

I called back to asked if my radiator fluid was actually changed or just had the resevoir sucked out and refilled. He "reasured" me that it was drained and changed.

Long story short if you take your car to performance to have your brake fluid changed you might want to have it done somewher else or specify "bleed" my brakes you crack smokers!!!

Anyone ever use Johnson and Johnson import specialist?

PS Brian H., want to help me bleed my brake fluid on sat?

That's the same Fred. He'll take care of any problem you have.

To be perfectly honest, I never had any problems with Performance and their service. I must be one of the lucky few. We had a discrepency once, and they fixed it for me. Never realized that there were this many disgruntled people out there.

If Fred is the Fred that the 4 of us bought our cars from (Kevin, Christine, Jen, and me) then that will be the new location for me to travel to. Little bit closer to me than Performance too.

Now, have you boys tried to make amends with the dealer before posting? We don't want another thread deleted do we.

Now, have you boys tried to make amends with the dealer before posting? We don't want another thread deleted do we.

THey stated that the service manager was contacted and the correct procedure for replacing brake fluid(bleeding) was explained.