does brake fluid need to be changed in a car?
was told by service mgr that brake fluid was dirty and I needed complete brake line flush for about $100
was told by service mgr that brake fluid was dirty and I needed complete brake line flush for about $100
Echo Chamber
Favorite Answer
Some manufactures recommend it at certain miles and some do not. I recommend it for all cars. By keeping the fluid new and clean you are lowering the chances of contamination. Also brake fluid is hydroscopic and can absorb some water. That is not a good thing because water can boil at much lower temperatures than the fluid causing not so good brake performance. Also you are inevitably bleeding the brakes of air when you do this and that keeps the pedal at a firm positive feel. So, go ahead and do it; although it is not super-necessary to do it immediately for safety reasons.
Anonymous
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
does brake fluid need to be changed in a car?
was told by service mgr that brake fluid was dirty and I needed complete brake line flush for about $100
David
If the brake fluid reservoir is clear and does not need to be opened to check the fluid level, then it can not attract moisture. If it is never opened then there it a total scam and waste of money to flush. This service was never recommended 30 years ago but yet we still use the same Dot 3 and 5 fluid. Why the change? $$$$$$$$$$$ for the service stations
Harry
Yes, brake fluid does need to be changed at regular intervals.
Glycol-based brake fluid (such as DOT 3 and DOT 4) is hygroscopic (not hydroscopic), which means that it will absorb water, pulling moisture right from the air. This is why it is important to keep the brake fluid reservoir tightly sealed. If the fluid absorbs too much water, it can boil, resulting in brake failure. DOT 5 brake fluid is silicon-based, and does not absorb water, but making the switch involves flushing all of the glycol-based brake fluid and very, very thoroughly cleaning all of the brake system components before putting in the new DOT 5 brake fluid. It is usually far easier to perform periodic flushing of the system, continuing to use DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid.
Tad
As Lab said, Brake fluid does indeed absorb moisture and it is recomended you get it flushed. If you open your cap and the fluid doesnt look clear anymore, then its time to get it changed. Not doing so can cause rubber seals and lines to deteriorate as well as the possibility of brake failure (moisture and metal parts dont mix!). Brake flushes are failry easy to do, the system is pressurized and each bleeder valve is bled out until clear fluid comes out.