When to change brake fluid?

geek84

Hi Folks

Recently I took my Seat Ibiza 2011 for a service and was recommended that I have my brake fluid changed.
However, I have checked under the bonnet and the brake fluid is above minimum level and there are no leakages.

Do you think there would really be a need to change the fluid or is this the garage's way of getting more money out of me?

Thanks

DUTR

geek84 wrote: »

Hi Folks

Recently I took my Seat Ibiza 2011 for a service and was recommended that I have my brake fluid changed.
However, I have checked under the bonnet and the brake fluid is above minimum level and there are no leakages.

Do you think there would really be a need to change the fluid or is this the garage's way of getting more money out of me?

Thanks

Sort of both, the service schedule does suggest the fluid change at intervals, IIRC 2-4yrs.

Car_54

DUTR wrote: »

Sort of both, the service schedule does suggest the fluid change at intervals, IIRC 2-4yrs.

Yes, 2 years seems to be the common recommendation.

Brake fluid does deteriorate (it absorbs water), so it's not a scare story on the garage's part.

Crabman

May be worth having the fluid tested by a mechanic for moisture content/boiling point. I recall my mechanic did this on a previous vehicle and advised that there was no need to change the fluid.

AdrianC

DOT brake fluid is hygroscopic - it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. When it does, the boiling point lowers. If fluid boils, you will need to pump away at the pedal before the brakes do anything much. In addition, the moisture causes the internals of the brake cylinders to corrode.

Not changing it is a false economy, at best, and a safety risk at worst.

Two years is the frequency usually given in the service schedule. You can get it tested with a hygrometer, to see how much water's been absorbed, but for the amount of time and cost to change, it's worth doing.

If it's the original after six years, definitely do it now.

System

£30 to change brake fluid, not worth not doing given the pitfalls.

geek84

Thanks folks

fred246

The main driver is simply profit for garages. If it isn't changed you won't have any problems. If they charge you and then don't do anything you won't be able to prove it. I doubt many garages would truly flush out all your brake pipes. The manufacturers will recommend it as a way for the dealers to make money.

Iceweasel

fred246 wrote: »

If it isn't changed you won't have any problems.

Can you guarantee that?

Ever been to Switzerland or Austria on holiday?

Have you seen what real hills are like?

How many years do you think brake fluid lasts?

I bet you would say that you've never had a problem with not changing brake fluid.

Think about it.

Everyone doesn't potter about at low speed.

Giving advice not to change brake fluid could lead to a nasty accident.

fred246

I have read the trade literature. Scare your customers - juicy profits.

BeenThroughItAll

fred246 wrote: »

I have read the trade literature. Scare your customers - juicy profits.

Go on then, please provide a citation to back up your ludicrous assertion.