Fresh engine oil is amber in color and turns black when it is dirty. Dirty brake fluid, on the other hand, looks just like clean engine oil. Why replace something that looks clean? How would brake fluid get dirty anyway? Doesn’t it just sit there and only move around a tiny bit when you step on the brakes? Why replace it at all? Is it important?
The fact is, no other fluid is more critical to your safety! (How would you stop without it?)
What many people don’t realize is that brake fluid is “hydroscopic.” This means it absorbs and retains water from the atmosphere. This moisture works its way through the hydraulic system and causes corrosion and deterioration of different components, which in turn pollute the fluid and change its color. This damage will also lead to leaks and other malfunctions with your braking system. In addition, water has a lower boiling point than brake fluid. During heavy braking scenarios, such as downhill braking, the moisture in your brake fluid can vaporize, resulting in a sudden (and dangerous) loss of braking performance. For these reasons, manufacturers recommend replacing your brake fluid at least every two years regardless of mileage.
From time to time, many of our clients receive notices from the manufacturer notifying them of a recall situation. They are being instructed to take their vehicles to their local dealer to satisfy these recall notices. So far, no problem. Expecting nothing more than a free replacement of a defective part or some other update to their vehicle, owners are also receiving a “courtesy” inspection of the entire vehicle along with a laundry list of “urgent” customer charged repairs and services un-related to the recall notice.
This is a problem! Read on …
Based on the inspection reports that we have seen, much of the work being recommended is not needed at all, let alone urgent. It appears to be nothing more than a scare tactic to get you to spend money. Recalls should be FREE! If you experience this situation, please DO NOT authorize any repairs or services until you call Quality Motors at 364-3636 and let us review their recommendations and advise you accordingly.