FAQ-56

Brake fluid flush, why?

Years ago, when master cylinders cost $59 and the labor was $30 to change them, spending money trying to save or extend the life of your brake master cylinder wasn’t a good idea. If you decided to flush the master cylinder once a year or every other year, the cost of the flush would exceed the cost of the repair. So why spend $35-45 two or three times ($125-200) to save a $90 part?

But today is quite different. Today with anti-lock brakes (ABS) the pump and master cylinder can cost $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending if you have a GM or a Lexus. So if you agree that old dirty brake fluid will eventually cause brake component problems, NOW it makes sense to spend $100-250 every other year in an effort to reduce the risk of having to spend $2,000 or more.

You’ve heard me say, if it isn’t in your manual, then don’t do it. This may be an exception to my rule. Having your brake fluid changed every other year is a good idea that 95% of all well educated techs will agree with.

We have sophisticated test equipment to test the moisture or water content of your brake fluid and the copper content which both are indicators of wear and the need to replace the brake fluid. While we used to just look at your brake fluid and call it coffee, today that is no longer valid.

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