Hey guys,

I went to Firestone the other day to get my tires balanced since I have warranty with them. For some reason these guys always try to convince me to have my brake fluid flushed. They tell me that my fluid is contaminated and needs to be flushed as soon as possible to avoid any damage to my brake system. I only have 35K miles on my car and I find it hard to believe that my brake fluid already sucks. They want to charge about $200 to do this, heck for another $40 I can get my spacer kit for the intake manifold. Anyways, I wanted to hear from you guys and see if this is a necessary thing to do.

Thanks

 

I wouldn't do it yet. Maybe after 60K or so.

 

I don't exactly see how it could even get contaminated

 

Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it will draw water in from the air surrounding it, altering it's hydrolic properties. But trust me, you'd know if your brake fluid had water in it, i.e in the form of your brake pedal sinking to the floor. In case you didn't know, water is not a good substitute for a hydrolic system.

But I doubt that they'd be able to tell without driving it, no way just by looking at it. I think they are trying to screw you

 

Yep, its a dessicant, absorbing moisture from surroundings. If you don't feel any problems and the pedal travel is fine and car stops like it used to you are good to go (brake). I would change it if I was to change my calipers as part of the job but if you're staying with OEM setup don't waste your money on it untill later on in life. 100K is good time to do major maintenance (belts, hoses, brake fluid, spark plugs etc) but lots will argue that they should be change earlier.

Either way with your 30 something K miles on the car, they are trying to make a quick buck. That is how they make money. First they sell you the contract, then when you come back they try to sell you other things/services. Just like the dealer who will invite you for free oil change only to find other things that can be replaced.

 

Thanks Guys. I wont waste my money on that.

 

Brake fluid will last a very long time unless you submerge the brakes frequently. Shops will normally flush the brake lines when you get new pads. Wait until then unless the brake pedal becomes 'spongy'.