car questions

I think this post is serious but I apologise for answering if it is a wind up.

The answer to all of the questions is ask a dealer or any garage with some knowledge.

Your service book will tell you what should be done on a yearly (or more frequent) basis.

I presume a gas filter is a fuel filter. The service schedule will include filter replacement.

Additionally, brake fluid should be checked at least monthly along with all other levels and the service and handbooks will show this.

Low brake fluid has nothing to do with 'brake replacement'.

Looking back, I am sure this is all a wind up!

Nah, it's just another American who thinks UK is a state somewhere between WI & IL. ;-)

And from the US-populated groups I frequent, it reads quite genuinely.

Not long now...

Nope. It's a webtv'er.

Think AOL without a PC.

There are some newsgroups where any posted from webtv (or AOL to an extent), are set upon by the regulars, beaten, killed and then devoured.

Pete.

Not so. As pads wear down, the 'gap' behind the pistons is filled with fluid. If you simply top it up where there is no leak, you'll simply have to remove it when the pads are changed, as retracting the pistons forces brake fluid back into the reservoir.

Normally, brakes don't need topping up - the reservoir if filled when the pads are new has adequate capacity for their life. You could check it to see if it's going down through leaks, though.

Either the brake fluid is getting out or the brake pads are wearing as Dave Plowman said. If you get a wheel off you can check to see how much friction material is left, or go to a fast fit place that does free brake checks.

The car's manual should have the service schedule in it, and this will tell you if and when the fuel filter needs replacing. If not, the dealer should be able to tell you.

Exacly right Dave, but I think I just heard a WHOOSH! from the other side of the pond.

Could be. But I read a US BMW group and there are far more basic questions on there.