Brake Fluid Flushing

I am driving a 2008 Honda Civic sedan. The dealer says that it is advisable to flush the brake system every three years... What do you guys think? Is it really necessary?

Reply to
tb
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Necessary, not so much.

A good idea, I suppose so. Especially every six years!?

Especially if the way you drive your Civic you do a lot of 100-0 stops that boil the brakes. :)

J.

Reply to
JRStern

"tb" wrote

As has been asked many times on this newsgroup: "What does your car's manual say?" The manual is, in effect, the authority.

Reply to
Howard Lester

Flushing, at times, can cause more of a problem then leaving things alone. Drain and replace may be be a better path to follow. MLD

Reply to
MLD

Brake fluid is hydroscpoic; that is, it absorbs moisture. Moisture "may" cause rust in your brake system.

My 2012 Honda Pilot manual specifies 3 year fluid replacements as well. It's a simple job to do so I will comply. That said, my 2002 Toyota Sienna has never had the fluid changed.

Some folks advise to use a fresh unopened can of fluid when doing the job. An open can that has been sitting around will have picked up moisture.

I don't really know what a brake flush is but my manual uses the term "flush" in a specific instance: Quote "Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible" end quote. Good luck with that Honda.

Gary

Reply to
G Mulcaster

Yes.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

Hygroscopic

I know the manual says different, but I've always figured having it done when it was time for a brake job or other brake service (e.g. master cylinder replacement) was often enough.

Reply to
Flatlander

"tb" wrote in news:xn0ixjnaf26wkd000 @reader.albasani.net:

Are you asking

1) in order to make sure the dealer isn't taking you for a ride, or 2) because you don't want to spend the money?
Reply to
Tegger

3) because he can't read the owner's manual? 4) because he won't read the owner's manual?
Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

Because I wanted to hear somebody else's opinion?

Reply to
tb

"tb" wrote in news:xn0ixmuppm2soe001 @reader.albasani.net:

My opinion will depend on whether your answer is 1) or 2).

Reply to
Tegger

3) because I am not mechanically inclined.
Reply to
tb

"tb" wrote in news:xn0ixmvrungtqr002 @reader.albasani.net:

.

I think you don't want to spend the money unless you need to, and are afraid the dealer is trying to take you for a ride.

Honda specifies a brake-fluid change every 3 years. It is a very good idea to adhere to Honda's schedule. The schedule is in the Owner's Manual, which you probably no longer have.

The dealer is NOT "Honda". When I say "Honda" I mean the company that designed and built the car. The company that sells and services the car has no connection to Honda other than having bought a license to fly their flag.

Get it done. By the dealer.

Reply to
Tegger

Why "by the dealer"? Is this brake fluid flushing thing so complicated that no ordinary mechanic can do it properly?

Reply to
tb

it has little to do with the complexity of the operation, it's about the equipment available, and not making things worse by ASSUMING every car is like a 1972 Ford truck, (or whatever), and doing it how "grandpa showed me" instead of knowing the correct procedure for your car.

GW

Reply to
Geoff Welsh

*Without* knowing what the owner's manual says?

"My doctor says my cholesterol is high and that I need to cut way down on red meat and animal fat in general. Do I really have to? Does anyone have an opinion?"

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

No, it would be more like: "My doctor wants me to start taking statins for my cholesterol. Hhmmm, let me get a second opinion and confirm that statins are really the best way to go or if there is some other course of action that I can take."

Nothing wrong with getting a second opinion, right?

Reply to
tb

"tb" wrote

In this case there is no second opinion. The one and only opinion you want is that which is in your owner's manual. You've been told this several times now in response to your original posting.

Reply to
Howard Lester

In this case, from the internet?

What's wrong with starting with the manufacturer's documentation on the car in question?

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

tb wrote in news:lccb9s$2ils$1 @adenine.netfront.net:

So get an ordinary mechanic to do it.

Reply to
Tegger

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