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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: mistertee on 28 October 2016, 13:41

Title: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: mistertee on 28 October 2016, 13:41
Hello all,

Golf GTI is booked in for it's 3rd service and first MOT.  Advisor told me it's worth getting the brake fluid changed and I asked why it wasn't in the service plan, and if it isn't then it can't be worth doing.

So questions are
1) should it be in the service plan
2) It it worth the £59 to do it, car has only done 24000 miles.

Thanks all.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: wantmygti on 28 October 2016, 13:58
My service logbook sets out the recommended brake fluid change. I'm sure I had it changed under the service plan but that was a good few years back.

Given it's only £59, how much do you like stopping when you hit the brakes?
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: corgi on 28 October 2016, 14:02
Yes it is worth doing.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be changed periodically as water absorbed from the atmosphere can adversely affect braking performance. It should not necessarily be related to mileage but to age...

If it is not in the service plan, then to me it is worth £59.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: monkeyhanger on 28 October 2016, 14:07
My service logbook sets out the recommended brake fluid change. I'm sure I had it changed under the service plan but that was a good few years back.

Given it's only £59, how much do you like stopping when you hit the brakes?

1st change after 3 years, then every 2 years. It was included in my last Scirocco's service plan (it used to be changed every 2 years). If I was running a car out of warranty, I wouldn't be changing the brake fluid unless I had a system leak or was changing the pads/discs or had other work done on the brake system. If there's no leak then no atmospheric moisture has gotten in to lower the fluid's boiling point.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: mistertee on 28 October 2016, 14:08
I get your points that it's worth doing then.

But why not put it on the service plan if it's so important.  that's really annoying, I bought a serviceplan so that there were no hidden extras for the next 3 years.  :angry:
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: wantmygti on 28 October 2016, 14:11
My service logbook sets out the recommended brake fluid change. I'm sure I had it changed under the service plan but that was a good few years back.

Given it's only £59, how much do you like stopping when you hit the brakes?

1st change after 3 years, then every 2 years. It was included in my last Scirocco's service plan (it used to be changed every 2 years). If I was running a car out of warranty, I wouldn't be changing the brake fluid unless I had a system leak or was changing the pads/discs or had other work done on the brake system. If there's no leak then no atmospheric moisture has gotten in to lower the fluid's boiling point.

That sounds spot on, but I have continued to have it changed every 2 years regardless of warranty.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: Watts on 28 October 2016, 14:19
Not got to this point yet with the GTI but on my last car I had it done on every long life service which was about 20 months apart. I like good brakes and think for £59 it's a no-brainer.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: Pukeylukey on 28 October 2016, 17:17
My gti has just had its 3rd service and the brake fluid change was included in the service plan. I'm guessing yours should be included also?
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: Paul70 on 28 October 2016, 18:01
My brake fluid was changed during the 3rd service as part of the service plan but I remember the service advisor making a point that it was not usually included but he got approval to do it so just ask nicely  :smiley:
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: clubsport on 28 October 2016, 18:29
My car recently had it's 3rd service under the service plan. A brake fluid change was included, I had to pay up for the first Mot.
They did send me a reduced price Mot card through the post, which was nice!

If you look at the paper work for the service plan, mine states  a brake fluid change is included.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: Jackie Treehorn on 28 October 2016, 19:10
I get your points that it's worth doing then.

But why not put it on the service plan if it's so important.  that's really annoying, I bought a service plan so that there were no hidden extras for the next 3 years.  :angry:

To answer your point.

I asked my dealer a month ago and was told it is part of the service plan so perhaps try another dealer?  I think they are not entirely consistant and as its not an uncommon mass produced car plenty of dealers around so try another, but make sure its from a different network (not two inchcape or Marshals or Marriot group dealers etc).

But if not, brakes and tyres, brakes and tyres, don't be a tight arse and pay up  :grin:  Its about the price of a tank of fuel which we happily through away on pointless journeys
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: mistertee on 29 October 2016, 15:25
It's interesting that it's dealer specific.  I've calmed down a bit now, and I think I'll get it done.  Taking it to another dealership is more hassle for me, as the nearest none Inchcape is quite a way away.

No surprise service plan should mean no surprise! 

Thanks all
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: clubsport on 29 October 2016, 17:41
Is it dealer specific?

My car was supplied by Inchcape with the service pack, I took it to an independent VW main dealer and no questions were asked.

The Inchcape service plan states brake fluid included on the 3rd year service.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: Jackie Treehorn on 30 October 2016, 09:16
Perhaps i wasn't explaining clearly enough, I mean it could be just that dealer that thinks they can refuse and get away with it, like some dealers offer warranty work on cars other dealers don't.  So it may be just how that dealer is applying the rules, or even that service dept.  Options either have a argument with them and raise your blood pressure, or just find another dealer.  :wink:
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: jjgreenwood on 30 October 2016, 09:28
It depends on when the service plan was bought, they used to include BFC but the don't any longer. I guess some dealers might do it anyway but VW won't give them any money for it if its on one of the later service plans.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: TwoSheds on 30 October 2016, 17:37
VW moved the first brake fluid change from the old two year stage to requiring the first change at three years then at every two years thereon.

Brake fluid change at the three year stage is included in the three year Service plan I have and is still advertised as such by VW UK now.

The trouble is that if you hit the 30k miles service limit before the three year stage then you're probably stuffed.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: monkeyhanger on 30 October 2016, 20:08
VW moved the first brake fluid change from the old two year stage to requiring the first change at three years then at every two years thereon.

Brake fluid change at the three year stage is included in the three year Service plan I have and is still advertised as such by VW UK now.

The trouble is that if you hit the 30k miles service limit before the three year stage then you're probably stuffed.

I'll be interested to know if i'll get my 40k miles haldex fluid change gratis on my 5 year service pack.
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: mcmaddy on 30 October 2016, 22:07
Matt, Haldex isn't included on any service plan for the Tiguan so I'd be amazed if it is on the R
Title: Re: Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?
Post by: itavaltalainen on 31 October 2016, 00:29
Again depends on service plan you have. My mate had it changed on his R32 and it was included in his plan (from dealership's group not VW UK).