How often do you change brake fluid?

[lancesir]

Hey guys, just wondering how often you guys change your brake fluid? My 2 years service is coming up and I would think that 2 years/flush is about right for regular driving. But when I looked at the service schedule in the owner's manual, I didn't see anything about brake fluid replacement, only inspections.

[hhusada]

This year is my 3rd year. I never change my brake fluid. I just make sure the level is OK.

Wonder too, Do we need to change it or not?

[Karen Lee-McNair]

this service is not listed in the mazda 3 owner's manual as it is really only performed when required, and may vary from driver to driver. Only certain models call for it during certain intervals, i.e. RX-, MPV
on a 2 year old mazda 3, i doubt you would require it.
Just a note, the service dealer will inspect all your fluids upon regular maintenance, and keep you informed.

If you require any service assistance, feel free to contact me!

Hey guys, just wondering how often you guys change your brake fluid? My 2 years service is coming up and I would think that 2 years/flush is about right for regular driving. But when I looked at the service schedule in the owner's manual, I didn't see anything about brake fluid replacement, only inspections.

[TheMAN]

I recommend this be done AT LEAST every 2 years.... brake fluid is hygroscopic and the moisture in the brake fluid can be dangerous when you really need your brakes! boiling brake fluid means your pedal is going to the floor and you're not stopping!

even if you won't/don't see the brake fade problem, the moisture also causes rust in the brake lines and cylinders and that can cause the seals to be tore up and lead to brake seizures


so for a matter of safety and longevity of your brake parts, just get it done every 2 years or if you are hard on your brakes, every year... it should be done on ANY car regardless of make and model... brakes are brakes, they all work under the same principles!


FYI, the european mazda3 service schedule shows the brake fluid being changed every 2 years or 40000km, whichever comes first... you can follow that or just do it with your standard canadian 48k service... not a big deal as long as it's within that time/mileage period

also, the clutch fluid should also be flushed out (if you drive a manual) as it also shares the same reservoir as the brakes... neglecting the clutch fluid is just as bad as neglecting the brake fluid... you'll have a mushy pedal over time (because heat + moisture = air bubbles in system) and that causes poor shifting which can cause transmission damage.... the same thing about rust in the system applies since its essentially the same type of hydraulic system

[Shawn]

Know what I would like to see when a dealer say " Oh, and a brake fluid flush in needed"?
Something like this. http://www.gwrauto.com/stripdip.htm or http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/238727516/Brake_fluid_tester.html
Showing a test result, like a picture, is worth a thousand word. It would convince alot more people that the service is required. $60 investment would be paided of in a month.