Has anyone replaced brake fluid when your Mach e turns into 3 years old?

[StevenC56]

I am not an IT administrator (although it was briefly one of my side duties at a small factory I worked at long ago). And I'm sorry if you seem to think I have a bone to chew. I thought we could discuss things here, but apparently it is upsetting you to the point that you are warning others about me.

Teslaeata claimed that brake fluid makers said to change fluid every three years ("no debate"). I wondered if that was actually true. I discovered that it isn't (at least not in any public documents I could find). I pointed this out. He decided to treat me like an ignorant child that doesn't know anything, and then proceeded to write several paragraphs that STILL don't show that there is any recommended replacement period by the brake fluid makers.

Brake fluid makers have never listed a recommendation for fluid changes to my knowledge. It's always been up to the vehicle maker to determine all fluid change and other maintenance item schedules.

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[dalola]

Food for thought, DOT4 LV has a shelf life date, just like perishables at the grocery store. And it's in a well sealed bottle.

2 of the 3 bottles at the last Advance Auto Parts store I was in had expired, when I pointed it out to the pimple headed kid behind the counter I just got a blank stare....

I will continue with my every 2 year regimen. ? Future owners of my cars will thank me from the grave....?

 

[Garbone]

I have never replaced brake fluid in a vehicle, so no, I'm not doing it.

I have done it on a few old motorcycles (over 30 years) but never any time before the second decade.

 

[StevenC56]

I have done it on a few old motorcycles (over 30 years) but never any time before the second decade.

Motorcycles are the worst. Lots of heat and a small system where heat doesn't dissipate well. Most MC manufacturers recommend annually if the bike has rubber brake hoses, and every 2 years for bikes with braided Teflon/SS hoses.

 

[sparkout]

Its manual calls for it. Mine will be three in a couple of weeks. I tested the fluid with a ITEQ Brake Fluid Liquid Tester Pen. It oked it. So I'm not doing anything with it.

What do you guys think?

Blah-Ha-Ha I haven't ever changed fluid in any of my cars except till last year in my 25-year-old. Honda s2000 if I still have the MME after 17 years I'll do it then, I never brake hard

 

[tarheelluv]

I only use my brakes when I pull into my garage or a parking space. Wouldn't the brake fluid last longer with this very little use?

 

[ChrisO]

I only use my brakes when I pull into my garage or a parking space. Wouldn't the brake fluid last longer with this very little use?

The people are making is that brake fluid absorbs water over time, and that is what makes it go bad, not how much you used your brakes.

 

[dalola]

I only use my brakes when I pull into my garage or a parking space. Wouldn't the brake fluid last longer with this very little use?

No offense, but I hope I never see you on the road....

 

[ack154]

One thing I don't think I've seen called out here is just paying attention to the actual recommended service interval in the manual or maintenance guide - with respect to warranty coverage.

If your vehicle's manual calls for a brake fluid flush at 3 years and you do NOT do it and then have some sort of braking system issues after that time that require warranty service (if you have an extended warranty), they may opt to not to cover that service under warranty if you did not complete the recommended service.

Yes, based on the law, they would need to "prove" that the failure to flush the fluid directly caused whatever that failure is in order to not cover it - but when has that ever stopped service departments from fighting the dumbest things in the past?

 

[tarheelluv]

No offense, but I hope I never see you on the road....

I drive 1-pedal and I can control my deceleration by that method. Is there some problem with that I am unaware of?

 

[Teslaeata]

Brake fluid makers have never listed a recommendation for fluid changes to my knowledge. It's always been up to the vehicle maker to determine all fluid change and other maintenance item schedules.

“To your knowledge” ain’t good enough, evidentially!

They do!

Just do as the manufacturer recommends, simple as……

 

[StevenC56]

“To your knowledge” ain’t good enough, evidentially!

They do!

Just do as the manufacturer recommends, simple as……

So, what do brake fluid makers recommend then? I've never found anything other than vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. I'm old, but always willing to learn something new.

 

[dalola]

So, what do brake fluid makers recommend then? I've never found anything other than vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. I'm old, but always willing to learn something new.

From TecLub:

 

[StevenC56]

From TecLub:

I think using a fluid tester and changing at 2% makes the most sense.

 

[tonytaylor53]

The people selling a "consumable" product (or service) would tell you to change it every week if they could get people to believe them.

Ford has to balance safety, warranty costs, dealership service profitability, and customer inconvenience when they set maintenance schedules. Extending oil change intervals across the industry reflect that, along with increased life coolants and better transmission cooling to extend fluid life. I don't think they pulled the 3 year number out of their backsides, I wouldn't stray too far from it.

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