So I went to Kragen the other day to pick up some brake fluid, and when they looked in their computer they told me they didn't know what kind it takes. Also that I have to go to the dealer to get it. Do i really have to go to the dealer to get brake fluid for this car or can i get something else? What are you guys using...

Tried searching "brake fluid" and got nothing.

 

Mine has a prominent notice under the bonnet (hood): DOT 4

 

Agreed. I purchased a can of Prestone DOT 4 shortly after we acquired the car. Don't know how DOT 4 differs from DOT 3, but I didn't want to take any chances....

 

DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3, and it is less hygroscopic (less affinity for moisture).
Dont put DOT 5 in it thinking it will be an even higher boiling point cause it is not compatable with other brake fluids and could cause damage.

 

So just to be clear it would be okay for my brembo brake system to use the off the shelf DOT 4 fluid?

 

Yes. (Unless someone put something incompatible in before you got the car. Pretty unlikely, I'd guess.)

 

DOT 4 is a generic brake fluid standard. Within DOT 4 compliant fluids, the boiling point will vary a bit from fluid to fluid. The better fluids have a higher boiling point. I personally use the ATE fluids - reasonable cost and it has one of the higher boiling points. They make a blue and gold fluid. Alternating the color between changes simplies the flush since you know the old fluid is out by monitoring the color.