Is it worth paying for brake fluid change?

[mistertee]

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.

[wantmygti]

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?

[corgi]

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.

[monkeyhanger]

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.

[mistertee]

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. 

[wantmygti]

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.

[Watts]

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.

[Pukeylukey]

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?

[Paul70]

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 

[clubsport]

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.