Brake fluid replacement

[les saisies]

I have received a letter from my local Honda dealer advising me that as the brake fluid in my car is now 3 years old it should be changed. To quote, "not changing the fluid could result in the need for expensive repairs".

While I would not want to compromise my safety on the road I just wonder if this is true. I run commercial vehicles much older than this and have not had a problem and cannot recall ever having brake fluid changed.

If it is that important why is it not part of the routine 3 year service?

Or is the dealer trying to panic customers into paying an extra �55.00 for nothing?

[thebhoy]

its common for dealers to recommend brake fluid changes every 2 years or watever, i wouldnt really say it would cause major problems regarding repairs etc. brake fluid over the years does get dirty and the boiling point of the fluid will change i would leave it the now but keep an eye on it over the years wen it will get a more of a deeeper yellow colour (as i presume it is a pale white/yellow colour the now) then i would be thinking of changing it but if it puts u at ease then go for it the now but as i say i wouldnt

[Toureman]

It is part of the three year service on most modern cars.

They are trying to frighten you into having it done as they state could result in expensive repairs.

It is nothing to do with the colour of your brake fluid it is to do with the amount of moisture that will get into the fluid over time which could cause rust in the brake system and if the fluid has boiled due to excessive heavy braking introducing air bubbles into the fluid which would make the brakes spongy

I change mine every 5 years.

[qapmoc]

Well as Toureman says it is the amount of moisture which is the problem and the problem relates to the ABS system really, if your car has antilock brakes it will have many small components in the control block etc.. which if exposed to water in the brake fluid ''might'' become corroded and stop working, this will result in expensive replacement parts needed to put the ABS back into working order.

[jake-the-peg]

Yes and no

You will almost certainly have DOT4 brake fluid - most manufacturers use this. It attracts water and over time needs replacing because moisture in the brake fluid results in "spongy" brakes.

DOT5 brake fluid is silicon based and does not attract water and does not need replacing. It's a bit contraversial in some quarters. Some people say manufacturers are not using it because of vested interests in replacing the brake fluid. But it is harder to work with and bleed and some people say brakes feel softer with it.

Also DOT 5 should only be used when all the brake components are new (so from new for most cars) and it certainly can't be mixed with DOT4.

So whether you think not using Silicon brake fluid is a money making scheme or not is rather up to your opinion

[qapmoc]

Not really mdoo98, the ABS system does not really do anything during normal use and you could disconnect the power supply to the system and never notice the difference. So if the control block could get damaged by corrosion and you would not notice until either -
A. it is tested.
or
B. you hit something.

[les saisies]

Thank you all for taking the trouble to reply.

The situation is that the car is due for service and first MOT tomorrow. I think that I will get them to inspect the system and change the fluid only if there is a reduced braking capacity and/or degrading of the brake fluid.

The rear pads were replaced about 6 weeks ago and the front checked and found ok so I think that there is probably nothing to worry about.