Brake fluid change

[brads]

Hi, just got off the phone with the main dealer, they suggested I have the brake fluid changed as it is 3 years old. They told me it will not affect my warranty if I decide not to have this work done. Do I need to get it changed. Or is the dealer trying to lead me on telling me its a safety issue?

Thanks

 

[moag]

They told me mine is due for a brake fluid change as its 4 years old now. It's not really a safety issue unless your brakes are low on fluid, so check the levels. I plan on changing mine in the next few weeks just to keep it mint

 

[renfrew]

They told me mine is due for a brake fluid change as its 4 years old now. It's not really a safety issue unless your brakes are low on fluid, so check the levels. I plan on changing mine in the next few weeks just to keep it mint

AIUI brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is it absorbs water vapour from the atmosphere. At least it used to in years gone by. After some time the proportion of water in the brake fluid reaches a level such that the water might boil out when the fluid becomes hot during heavy braking, thus causing the brakes to malfunction at the very time you might need a heavy brake application.

For this reason it is advised by manufacturers that brake fluid is replaced every two years, and also that old brake fluid stored in a can should never be used. It is purely a precautionary measure given the often highly humid atmosphere within an engine bay. It comes down to risk management.

 

[DaveyB]

To be honest it wouldnt do it any harm but I bet 9/10 changes they do the boiling point of the fluid is still perfectly satisfactory. I'm having mine changed in October along with a coolant flush. I keep clear of the dealers and so I can plan the slightly more involved jobs better with my mechanic on inspection of the vehicle rather than just going by years/miles in the log book. If something doesn't need doing then why do it!

 

[renfrew]

To be honest it wouldnt do it any harm but I bet 9/10 changes they do the boiling point of the fluid is still perfectly satisfactory. I'm having mine changed in October along with a coolant flush. I keep clear of the dealers and so I can plan the slightly more involved jobs better with my mechanic on inspection of the vehicle rather than just going by years/miles in the log book. If something doesn't need doing then why do it!

Quite. You must manage your risks as you see fit. One other factor concerning the risk from high water content in brake fluid, is the chance of rust occurring in the braking system.

 

[brads]

Thanks for your replies, I had thought about the rusting bit myself. I will book it in the same time as the MOT is due. £49.00 so its not the earth.

Cheers

 

[audicruiser]

The fluid in my A3 has been changed every two years from new... I thought that was the norm...

 

[DaveyB]

Thanks for your replies, I had thought about the rusting bit myself. I will book it in the same time as the MOT is due. £49.00 so its not the earth.

Cheers

Rusting can occur as Dave N quite rightly mentioned, but things will have to be in a very dire situation for that to happen. Anyway sounds like you have made the right decision so happy days.

 

[ScottTDI]

You could always get yourself a cheap brake fluid tester off the likes of ebay etc,just to see how much moisture has been absorbed in your fluid and make your own judgement.
I changed mine after 3 years.

Scott.