Dealer recommends brake fluid replacement at 30k miles for $350, comment?

[TTort]

I have seen other posts on merits on whether this is really needed. The SF bay area is not very humid, advisor indicated this is not on Ford's maintenance schedule, but a dealer recommendation (?!). Seems pricey for something that I'm not sure is really needed. I know all cars are different, but my 2007 Prius went over 220k miles without needing any brake work. I got the advisor to agree that the best course of action is to see if they find anything at the 30k service inspection before deciding whether the brake fluid change is required, comments?

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[cjljr41]

The maintenance schedule (2021 Premium) states brake fluid replacement every 3 years, regardless of mileage. For some reason, I can't find the schedule in the owner's manual for my '24 GT. I paid $255 here in CT a couple of years ago for the service.

 

[HuntingPudel]

The service schedule assumes a lot of things. While in general the area isn’t as humid as St. Louis in the summer, there are specific locations that can be a lot more humid than others. HMB is known to rust cars out rapidly due to salt and humidity. Foster City and Redwood Shores are more humid than Livermore.

That said, most people in the area likely won’t have issues with the brake fluid at the 3 year mark. It would be better to test the fluid at intervals to see at what level it is and flush/replace when it gets to an unacceptable level unless the vehicle is exposed to some pretty severe driving conditions.

 

[Teslaeata]

Yes, brake fluid change is a requirement.

UK is 2 years but I get it for c£70, it’s not a massive job, think you Americans are being shafted.

 

[jav_eee]

They don’t have any other maintenance stuff to get money out of you with (oil change, engine air filter change, spark plugs…) so they gotta make their money somewhere else.

 

[RickMachE]

I have seen other posts on merits on whether this is really needed. The SF bay area is not very humid, advisor indicated this is not on Ford's maintenance schedule, but a dealer recommendation (?!). Seems pricey for something that I'm not sure is really needed. I know all cars are different, but my 2007 Prius went over 220k miles without needing any brake work. I got the advisor to agree that the best course of action is to see if they find anything at the 30k service inspection before deciding whether the brake fluid change is required, comments?

1) Never do what's on the dealer's list but not on the recommended list.

2) As stated, it's recommended at 3 years.

Many threads, many opinions, all opinions.

 

[nvabill]

I have seen other posts on merits on whether this is really needed. The SF bay area is not very humid, advisor indicated this is not on Ford's maintenance schedule, but a dealer recommendation (?!). Seems pricey for something that I'm not sure is really needed. I know all cars are different, but my 2007 Prius went over 220k miles without needing any brake work. I got the advisor to agree that the best course of action is to see if they find anything at the 30k service inspection before deciding whether the brake fluid change is required, comments?

You start by saying there are many posts on this very subject but, you start your own. Are you expecting different opinions than those stated on numerous previous threads?

 

[Teslaeata]

1) Never do what's on the dealer's list but not on the recommended list.

2) As stated, it's recommended at 3 years.

Many threads, many opinions, all opinions.

Absolutely bang on!

When I’m confronted, not by Ford I might add, with c£800 worth of invoice enhancers when I take wifey’s car in for servicing for things like aircon antibac treatment, fancy pollen filters, fuel additive, engine oil flush etc etc etc I ask the dealer “is that your recommendation or the Manufacturer’s?” And when they say it’s theirs I tell ‘em to do only what the Manufacturer recommends as part of the service schedule and no more unless they find anything necessary and then only with my express authorisation.

With respect to brake fluid it is a recommendation of the Manufacturers so I am more than happy to pay to have that done and, in fact, when they forget I remind them of it.

I like my car well maintained on the inside as well as the outside.

I don’t really care about all the unqualified, inexperienced smart arses who say they never had theirs changed and offer a load of BS in justification

 

[Teslaeata]

You start by saying there are many posts on this very subject but, you start your own. Are you expecting different opinions than those stated on numerous previous threads?

Only one opinion that matters - the Manufacturer’s.

All the rest are puff, stuff & nonsense!

 

[charliec]

Santa Fe Ford in Alachua, Florida did my brake flush for $149. Since I live in a very humid subtropical climate, I did not want to skip this maintenance item. Total maintenance on my '21 CR1 over 4 years and 30,000 miles has been regular tire rotations @ $12, two sets of windshield wipers @$69 each set, a couple gallons of windshield washer fluid, a $22 cabin air filter, and the $149 brake flush, although I will need new tires before too much longer. I did preemptively replace the 12 volt battery at 3.5 years of ownership ($400 — ouch!).

 

[leehinde]

Many threads, many opinions, all opinions.

Forget it, Jake, it's the internet.

 

[Teslaeata]

Santa Fe Ford in Alachua, Florida did my brake flush for $149. Since I live in a very humid subtropical climate, I did not want to skip this maintenance item. Total maintenance on my '21 CR1 over 4 years and 30,000 miles has been regular tire rotations @ $12, two sets of windshield wipers @$69 each set, a couple gallons of windshield washer fluid, a $22 cabin air filter, and the $149 brake flush, although I will need new tires before too much longer. I did preemptively replace the 12 volt battery at 3.5 years of ownership ($400 — ouch!).

Cheap as chips

Ferrari brake reline due on service irrespective of mileage £25,000

 

[John Perry]

They don’t have any other maintenance stuff to get money out of you with (oil change, engine air filter change, spark plugs…) so they gotta make their money somewhere else.

Ridiculous price!

 

[WR221]

Curiously, I just had a 60K mile tire rotation + inspections last week. I pressed my dealer service rep about whether the brake fluid should be replaced. His response was "we'll check the fluid and let you know." Later, "it's fine." So, I paid my $29 bill and left.

 

[Bluestang]

My dealer recommends i buy a new car every year. For $255.00 i would do it myself.

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