Brake fluid flush every 2 years?

[AdamInKC]

I was reading through my maintenance manual for my 2012 S4 and it says that the brake fluid needs to be flushed every 2 years regardless of mileage (I only have 15k miles). Do most people really flush this every 2 years? Any idea on what Audi charges?

Thanks,
Adam

[adbender]

Changing is required due to water absorption over time affecting performance.

2 years with DOT 4 (stock fluid), yearly with DOT 5.1 and up to every 6 months with 600+ is what I have been advised.

If you are pushing your brakes, it's a must.

[audistealth]

Yes, it's required. Also, one is built in to AudiCare.

[SteveYem]

Yes, it's required. Also, one is built in to AudiCare.

True story, my 2012 which has AudiCare is in for the 45k service and the service advisor told me they took car of the brake fluid. I am assuming they changed t and didn't just top it off or something....I will ask for clarification tomorrow.

[ob_1jr]

This is a service that most people are unaware of. It's not just an audi thing. It should be on every manufacturer's scheduled maintenance. If you have a power bleeder, it is really easy to do yourself.

[Legacykid]

Ive been looking at the motive power bleeder, on youtube it looks easy enough for just about anyone to do it them selves.

[whts4]

Actually Audicare will perform 2 brake flushes as long as you haven't exceeded either the 45k mi service or the 5 yr time limit. Changing brake fluid is relatively easy if you know what you're doing and have the right tools, don't recommend it for the first time DIY. I don't know what Audi charges but my local European service garage charges $75 plus fluids (fluids range from $12 -30 depending on what you choose). The flush is bc brake fluid is hydroscopic, it absorbes water/humidity, which can corrode internal working parts. 2 yr flush is a pretty conservative (safe) period for a performance oriented street car, most will say 24- 30 mo or 30k mi which ever comes first. BMW used to require 2 yr flushes but since they are now covering the maintenance they dropped the requirement....brake fluid hasn't changed, so its purely economics on their part. I do mine every 24-30 months.

[AdamInKC]

Just took my car in to get the brakes flushed this morning at Audi. They informed me that my 2012 S4 has Audi Care. I just bought the car 2 months ago CPO and the dealership never mentioned that it had Audi Care. Hard to believe the previous owner purchased Audi Care since the vehicle only had 14k miles on it!

[whts4]

The biggest $$ benefit of Audi Care is on a DSG car at the 35k service, when they need to drain and flush tranny.

[rick b]

Yup...i had the brake fluid flushed after about 3 yrs. I read on this forum that it should be done every 2 yrs so i made a note of it and had it done.

rick b.

[tsjordan]

I've done a brake fluid change every two years on all my cars. I'm sure there are some 1994 Honda Accords running around with the original fluid, but given I like to keep my cars a while, I figure that it's worth it to avoid corrosion of any of the internal brake lines/parts.

I also don't know if it makes a difference if you live in a moist climate (seattle) versus a dry one (phoenix).