[Jody007]

Is it necessary to replace the fluid as often as the dealers say?

[CJ421]

How often do the dealers say?

I'd say brake fluid - good idea to do yearly. My BMW CCA chapter requires brake fluid be less than six months old prior to participating in one of their driving events. It does lose its effectiveness over time, constantly getting heated up/cooled down, etc. This is exacerbated if you drive harder.

[Bavarian Tech]

Generally the rule of thumb is every two years, reguardless of mileage..Brake fluid is ethylene glycol..meaning it will absorb moisture from the atmospheric so over time without regular service your boiling points will be lower than normal, New brake fluid protects gainst corrosion as moisture enters the system

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by Jody007

Is it necessary to replace the fluid as often as the dealers say?

No. It's necessary to replace it MORE OFTEN than the dealers say. The dealers stretch the interval as far as possible since they started paying for "maintenance".

Yearly is best practice but you can get away with every 2 years. Don't forget the clutch, if you have one.

[CALWATERBOY]

Originally Posted by Jody007

Is it necessary to replace the fluid as often as the dealers say?

Yes, and take that as the maximum interval. Good if you only use your ride to drive to church on Sundays.

For anyone who hasn't done it, DIY brake bleeding is a simple procedure. A one man job w/Motiv pressure bleeder. Catch bottle recommended for convenience.

Less simple: activate the ABS pump, fully purging the system.

.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by Jody007

Is it necessary to replace the fluid as often as the dealers say?

Two years would be max and more often if you are tracking your car.