Brake fluid change

[MarcelKan]

Hi everyone,

I would like to know the significant of changing the brake fluid every 2 years. My local specialist garage had advised me to change the brake fluid of my car as there is no stamp or record in the service book to show it has been done since the car out of the factory in 2002. I have owned the car about a year now and don't have any ideas whether the previous owners had done it. So, it was done at £49 + vat but to be honest I don't feels any different before and after the fluid changed.
Thanks.

 

[markjay]

Yes, it is important to do so.

Although to be honest manufacturers do differ - MB say every 2 years, others say every 3 years - since the brake fluid is essentially the same, I am assuming that there is no clear universal rule as to when exactly this needs to be done.

But yes, it needs to be done from time to time, and two years is not unreasonable, especially given the low cost.

You will not feel a difference, but by replacing the old brake fluid with its water content with new 'dry' one, you will prevent brake fade when the brakes are overheated, and will prevent internal corrosion to the brake system components.

So it's a good thing.

 

[wemorgan]

If it had not been done in 10 years then for £60 it was money well spent, even if you don't feel the difference. Not quite the same, but after each oil change the car feels the same to me, but I know it was a job worth doing nevertheless.

 

[effbee584]

Brake fluid changes as required are part of 'the service'. My brake fluid changes are recorded in the service book with a tick, backed up by a mention on the invoice.

 

[MarcelKan]

Thanks for your comments. Anyway, as brake fluid is part of the braking system to transfer energy that essential to control and stop the car safely. I don't mine to spend a little for safety reasons. Cheers.

 

[grober]

It was good advice--- when you would have noticed would be after a couple of really heavy braking episodes---- eventually- sooner than you might think with old fluid- next to no brakes! Now this should never happen. It's something you wouldn't notice in everyday motoring.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

I would think the type of climate where the car lives and driven is important. Wet, damp, cold and changing temperatures = fluid change at least every 2 years
Warm, dry climate = fluid change every 3 years

I certainly wouldn't want to be faced with a brake pedal going to the floor when travelling in the mountains around here

 

[Beno]

Not trying to tempt fate but, has anyone experienced full brake failure? All the modern cars I've owned have always had spilt systems. In theory preventing complete failure (Unless your master cylinder fell apart)

 

[grober]

A split braking system will not protect you from the problems of vapourised brake fluid. Total and Complete brake failure is by definition very rare--- complete loss of fluid, brake master cylinder failure or brake pedal mechanical failure would be possible instances. If however you define brake failure as loss of ability to stop the vehicle rapidly ---its all to common! I hate to think what the modern electronically modified Brake Assist ESP Distronic etc etc brake systems are going to be like a few years down the line.

 

[Beno]

I was thinking more movie style pedal to the floor brown trousers type failure. Its not something i ever heard anyone say that they had experienced, just wanted to know if anyone had or if its one of those urban legends you know my mate down the pub type thing

 

[TedMartin]

I was thinking more movie style pedal to the floor brown trousers type failure. Its not something i ever heard anyone say that they had experienced, just wanted to know if anyone had or if its one of those urban legends you know my mate down the pub type thing

They are no longer here with us to tell the story!

 

[Beno]

I hadn't thought of that

 

[bolide]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. A very small percentage of water in brake fluid reduces the boiling point dramatically. When brakes get hot they dump heat into the fluid and...

Nick Froome

 

[fatdazza]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. A very small percentage of water in brake fluid reduces the boiling point dramatically. When brakes get hot they dump heat into the fluid and...

....... dump brown stuff into the trousers

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

There, fixed that for you

 

[steve333]

Hi everyone,

I would like to know the significant of changing the brake fluid every 2 years. My local specialist garage had advised me to change the brake fluid of my car as there is no stamp or record in the service book to show it has been done since the car out of the factory in 2002. I have owned the car about a year now and don't have any ideas whether the previous owners had done it. So, it was done at £49 + vat but to be honest I don't feels any different before and after the fluid changed.
Thanks.

Have you looked through any old service invoices(if the brake fluid has been changed it should be mentioned)if it hasn't been done then have it changed now(brakes/tyres are 2 things on a car you shouldn't neglect imho).

 

[Steveatki]

MarcelKan, £49 every two years (or 47p a week) is a small price to pay for peace of mind whilst driving, I do wonder how you judge your value calls in life.

 

[MarcelKan]

Hi Steve, no invoices/receipts what so ever to show me that it has been changed. Don't worry, it has been done by the local specialist garage.

Thanks for other fellows comments as well. Cheers!