Car Service Scam?

Robisere

knightstyle wrote: »

Why is the brake fluid changed every 4 years I wonder. Some manufacturers say every 6 years.
Plus my old Cortina was in our family for over 25 years and never had the fluid changed even when the master cylinder was changed.

I would avoid any garage that fitted a new master cylinder and used the old brake fluid. Most of the fluid will have drained out anyway, the system would need to be bled to remove air, and fluid replaced Why would they not charge for new fluid? Unless it was done at home and not by a garage of course...

As has been said, brake fluid is hygroscopic: means it attracts water. Brake fluid when new and for up to 2 years, is practically incompressible, that is how it is able to power the slave cylinders, providing the force to operate brakes. Water is very much less compressible, meaning that the brakes will lose that power and should feel spongy. Your Cortina was dangerous!

"Absolute codswallop", absolutely correct!

AdrianC

The problem's not that water's more (I think that's what you meant, rather than less) compressible - it isn't, as a liquid.

The problem is that it boils at a much lower temperature than brake fluid - new DOT4 boils at 230degC. The lower the boiling point comes, the more likely it is to boil with the heat from heavily-used brakes. And steam is very compressible, being a gas...


The other problem, of course, is that the water corrodes steel brake pipes, pistons and bores from the inside. Find me a car that's needing new calipers and cylinders, and I'll show you a car that's had fluid changes neglected.

daveyjp

Old fluid can also damage ABS pumps and clutch master cylinders.

£40 every couple of years for fresh hydraulic fluid repays itself if major repairs are avoided after 5-6 years.

soziblewuup

Thanks for the responses, all useful information. I wasn't aware the renewal was different to a top-up. The engine flush is a little worrying as I know this can often cause more problems than it solves.

soziblewuup

BoGoF wrote: »

How can she object if she gave them the authority to ahead. Scam is the most over used word on this site, this was no scam.

If I knew that, I wouldn't have asked the original question. I suspected not, but thought it best to check we she stands.
I would still argue - even though I concede I did not know renewal's / top-ups were separate activities - the Engine Flush is completely unnecessary. A quick conversation with my partner highlights she has no motoring knowledge whatsoever. I believe they took advantage of this. Maybe scam isn't the right word but I believe they are preying on those who clearly have little motoring knowledge and tagging on additional unnecessary services.

LandyAndy

soziblewuup wrote: »

Hi,

My partner had her car serviced today at a national service company

soziblewuup wrote: »

Maybe scam isn't the right word but I believe they are preying on those who clearly have little motoring knowledge and tagging on additional unnecessary services.

Sadly it is what they are known for and why no one here would recommend using one.