Hi Scotty, I had a shop change my oil. They recommended a Brake Fluid change, car has 63,000 miles, my dad was a mechanic and I never seen him do that nor has he ever told me that should be done under normal conditions. Your thoughts?. Thank you.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu
GM wants you to change your Malibu's brake fluid every 3 years or 45,000 miles (whichever comes first) using DOT3 brake fluid.
I never change my brake fluid but I can't refute the logic for doing it.
DOT3 brake fluid is hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture. Any moisture absorbed is dispersed throughout all of the brake fluid in the system.
So if you can afford to have them do it it's a good idea. If you're tight on cash right now don't sweat it.
If you change brake fluid every few years you'll have fewer problems with your hydraulic system. Many people never change brake fluid but they may wind up repairing or replacing hydraulic system parts more frequently due to the moisture the fluid absorbs from the atmosphere.
Refer to your owner's manual for maintenance. GM's recommendations are usually pretty accurate.
Will you die tomorrow if you don't change the fluid? No.
Is it good for your braking system to have fresh fluid? Yes.
Do you have sophisticated laboratory instruments to give you an accurate analysis of the brake fluid moisture content, pH, and other contaminants? If no, then how can you be sure? Are you the original owner, or have complete service records dating back to the original vehicle purchase?
Could changing the fluid help prevent future (more seriously and expensive) problems? Yes
Is braking important? Possibly lead to death or injury? Yes
Will it help prevent corrosion of the brake lines and other components? Yes
Is brake fluid expensive? No. It's actually one of the few dirt cheap fluids you can buy.
Is bleeding the braking system a difficult procedure? Definitely not. Again, one of the easiest things you can do on a car. You barely need any tools.
60,000 miles is a big milestone for any vehicle. Are you sure you want to put it off? Do you want to own & drive the vehicle long term? Trust the safety of your passengers to it? You might as well do it. Not really worth making excuses.
What does your owner's manual say? Also, do you have any issues with your brakes?
My Lexus supplier recommends DOT5.1 now. Apparently it's 3,4,5.1 are compatible. https://www.brakeandfrontend.com/brake-fluid-dot-3-4-5-5-1-faq/
Although I'd get another opinion. Most people seem to think that as soon as you mix them (like if you just replace the fluid in the cylinder without draining at the brakes) you lower the brake fluid temp range of the 5.1
