Done brake fluid change anyone?

[markboris]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Over time, the water content increases, which reduces the fluid's boiling point and increases the possibility of rust in the system. This happens even if the vehicles is parked unused, so the brake fluid need to be changed based on time rather than miles. If you do not change your brake fluid, you can end up with brake fade from the fluid boiling, or have trouble with seized brake components due to corrosion. This is why the fluid needs to be changed every X years regardless of miles. Most car owners have no idea they're supposed to change their brake fluid periodically.

I have a brake fluid moisture tester, and it usually indicates I need a fluid change after 4-5 years. In a very humid place like Florida you probably should do it every 3 years as prescribed.

I have one of those testers also. Where I live, the humidity is extremely low and a couple of months ago, I tested the fluid in the GT500 which turns 4 years this month. My tester still showed green so I should be good for at least another year or two before it even gets into the yellow which is when I usually change the fluid. I never let it get into the red area. I haven't checked the Mach-E yet but it's only a little over 2 years old so I think I have some time.

Speaking of humidity, I checked what ours is here in Sonora, CA compared to say Orlando Florida (you mentioned Florida so I picked Orlando as a comparison) and there is quite the difference.

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[MoonRiver]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Over time, the water content increases, which reduces the fluid's boiling point and increases the possibility of rust in the system. This happens even if the vehicles is parked unused, so the brake fluid need to be changed based on time rather than miles. If you do not change your brake fluid, you can end up with brake fade from the fluid boiling, or have trouble with seized brake components due to corrosion. This is why the fluid needs to be changed every X years regardless of miles. Most car owners have no idea they're supposed to change their brake fluid periodically.

I have a brake fluid moisture tester, and it usually indicates I need a fluid change after 4-5 years. In a very humid place like Florida you probably should do it every 3 years as prescribed.

The brake fluid moisture tester sounds interesting. I might need one to test my another 16 years old ICE too. Where did you get it from?

 

[markboris]

The brake fluid moisture tester sounds interesting. I might need one to test my another 16 years old ICE too. Where did you get it from?

You can get them from most auto stores and also online like Amazon.

 

[Teslaeata]

Really? Brake fluid flush is normally around 100K miles

Think you’ll find it’s on time not mileage. Due to hygroscopic nature of the stuff.

 

[Teslaeata]

What do you know. ?

What I said ?‍

 

[Tbird]

What is the dealer charge for changing brake fluid?

 

[Logal727]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Over time, the water content increases, which reduces the fluid's boiling point and increases the possibility of rust in the system. This happens even if the vehicles is parked unused, so the brake fluid need to be changed based on time rather than miles. If you do not change your brake fluid, you can end up with brake fade from the fluid boiling, or have trouble with seized brake components due to corrosion. This is why the fluid needs to be changed every X years regardless of miles. Most car owners have no idea they're supposed to change their brake fluid periodically.

I have a brake fluid moisture tester, and it usually indicates I need a fluid change after 4-5 years. In a very humid place like Florida you probably should do it every 3 years as prescribed.

huh TIL!

 

[Logal727]

I have one of those testers also. Where I live, the humidity is extremely low and a couple of months ago, I tested the fluid in the GT500 which turns 4 years this month. My tester still showed green so I should be good for at least another year or two before it even gets into the yellow which is when I usually change the fluid. I never let it get into the red area. I haven't checked the Mach-E yet but it's only a little over 2 years old so I think I have some time.

Speaking of humidity, I checked what ours is here in Sonora, CA compared to say Orlando Florida (you mentioned Florida so I picked Orlando as a comparison) and there is quite the difference.

Yes, you now see my nightmare

 

[macchiaz-o]

Yes, you now see my nightmare

Florida is miserable, oppressive, and muggy. I think we already knew this. ?

 

[BillPitman]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Over time, the water content increases, which reduces the fluid's boiling point and increases the possibility of rust in the system. This happens even if the vehicles is parked unused, so the brake fluid need to be changed based on time rather than miles. If you do not change your brake fluid, you can end up with brake fade from the fluid boiling, or have trouble with seized brake components due to corrosion. This is why the fluid needs to be changed every X years regardless of miles. Most car owners have no idea they're supposed to change their brake fluid periodically.

I have a brake fluid moisture tester, and it usually indicates I need a fluid change after 4-5 years. In a very humid place like Florida you probably should do it every 3 years as prescribed.

Lee, what tester might you have?! Bill P

 

[Fixbear]

I’m surprised so many owners change break fluid in their cars at 3 yrs. With 1PD and regen the brakes hardly get used.

Maybe the 3 yr recommendation is so the Options purchasers can get dinged if they turn the MME in at 3 yrs.

No, its' due to the fact that the fluid absorbs moisture over time. That later causes corrosion inside the system.

 

[Teslaeata]

No, its' due to the fact that the fluid absorbs moisture over time. That later causes corrosion inside the system.

……and the hygroscopic nature means moisture in the fluid can boil, evaporate with the consequent risk of vapour lock which could result in brake failure, so nothing to worry about there, then, by people inventing their own servicing requirements ??‍

My advice is if Manufacturer recommends it should be done, there’s good reason?

 

[Mach-Lee]

Lee, what tester might you have?! Bill P

One that cost about $30 on Amazon, there's tons of them out there.

 

[Teslaeata]

The small, cheap DIY ones which you just dip in the fluid reservoir and have a traffic light warning system are fine for DIY use and for providing a rough idea on moisture content.

The professional type boiling point testers which I use for a definitive boiling point measurement cost in the hundreds of £/$ which is over the top for the DIY motorist.

 

[RickMachE]

Been driving for 40+ years. Lived in Mass, PA, MI. Never changed brake fluid, even with vehicles up to 15 years old. Never experienced an issue.

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