Brake fluid change - get it done!

[kalniel]

Recently my brakes had been a little bit spongy, and the handbrake required a lot of travel, so fearing the worst I booked in for a free health check. Not five minutes after dropping it off I got a call saying the reason my car was telling me it needed a service (what? it must have literally started that day as I hadn't noticed before) was simply that a brake fluid change was due - which apparently it does every two years and thanks to the lengthy variable service intervals I have I'd hit this mark outside of the normal servicing. Luckily it's on the list of fixed-price jobs they advertise to try and fool you into thinking owning an Audi isn't that expensive.

And what a difference. I think the very very wet winter hadn't helped and the fluid had probably absorbed quite a lot of water, but now the braking is much firmer, better feel etc.

So that's one more thing going on the list of things I'm getting regularly changed outside of service, especially if the cars been sat around in such wet weather.

[Zak33]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PT-Enterpris...e+fluid+tester

brake fluid tester... good value.

[herulach]

More worrying that whoever had done your last variable hadn't pulled it. Assuming its the same as my leon it should call at 20k/2 years, and if the fluid is in a 2 year service it should get done.

[kalniel]

More worrying that whoever had done your last variable hadn't pulled it. Assuming its the same as my leon it should call at 20k/2 years, and if the fluid is in a 2 year service it should get done.

My variables fire about every 18 months (20k) so it's not always in sync. Likewise I get the oil changed at least as frequently as every 10k.

[MaddAussie]

Also if your car is getting on a bit consider getting the rubber brake hoses (as the rubber stretches over time and balloons out as you press the pedal reducing breaking force) replaced or upgrade to braided ones, it will improve pedal feel and stopping distances no end.

[kalniel]

Also if your car is getting on a bit consider getting the rubber brake hoses (as the rubber stretches over time and balloons out as you press the pedal reducing breaking force) replaced or upgrade to braided ones, it will improve pedal feel and stopping distances no end.

Oo tempting, though that's getting into insurance affecting mods I guess if not OEM?

[MaddAussie]

Not according to my insurer, others may vary! 60 quid for a set of Hela braided hoses and I have a rock solid pedal. Even new OEM hoses will help tho.

[kalniel]

Not according to my insurer, others may vary! 60 quid for a set of Hela braided hoses and I have a rock solid pedal. Even new OEM hoses will help tho.

Yeah I'll have to investigate, I do like a solid brake pedal. Miss the feel from my Astra but without ABS it needed it!