Final answer:
DOT 3 brake fluid can safely be mixed with DOT 4 brake fluid, as both are glycol-based. Mixing with DOT 5 should be avoided, unless it's the DOT 5.1 variant, which is also glycol-based.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the compatibility of different types of brake fluids. DOT 3 brake fluid can safely be mixed with DOT 4 brake fluid. It's important to note that these two fluids (DOT 3 and DOT 4) are both glycol-based and are therefore compatible. However, mixing them with DOT 5 brake fluid, which is silicone-based, should be avoided unless the DOT 5 fluid is specifically labeled as DOT 5.1 which, unlike DOT 5, is glycol-based and compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. DOT 1 and DOT 2 are not commonly used classifications in this context.