Brake fluid flushes are recommended every 30, miles or 2 years, depending on your driving and braking patterns. For example, if your daily commute is mostly long stretches of highway, you may be racking up miles quickly without using your brakes heavily.
This puts less stress on your system, allowing you to wait for the full 30, miles before you need a brake fluid change. For drivers with shorter, brake-heavy commutes, the 2-year mark may be more appropriate for proper brake protection. Your vehicle year, make, and model may also affect your brake fluid flush cadence.
Make sure that the shop replaces the filter when it changes the fluid. Trouble is, any sludge that an oil flush does dislodge could clog the oil pump pickup screen, causing more problems than it solves. What to do: Have your oil changed, not flushed. These cost a few dollars more but do a far superior job protecting your engine.
Modern braking systems are designed to pretty much take care of themselves without this treatment. Fuel injectors can become clogged and require cleaning, but this generally happens slowly. What to do: Get a fuel system cleaning every 35, miles or so. Anything more is overkill. Have this work done by a mechanic in a fully equipped shop that appears very well-stocked with modern-looking computerized equipment.
Doing fuel system cleanings properly requires specialized equipment, tools and know-how that many shops lack.
The paint sealants, protectants, under-car sealant and color waxes that car washes offer tend to be virtually worthless. What to do: The only service worth paying for at a car wash is a car wash. When a mechanic suggests you need a brake flush, many drivers fear that their wallets are being flushed instead.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is now that cars have advanced braking systems that contain lots of expensive components, so it makes sense to periodically flush the system. Recommendations for brake flushes vary, based on the manufacturer and vehicle. Flush treatment suppliers claim to reduce the risk of steering gear seals, pump and hose failures. Opting for a treatment supplier that provides a system warranty with purchase can help alleviate the often expensive and common repair costs of steering fluid leaks.
Carmakers never recommend injector service or fuel system purges in their maintenance schedules. But many vehicles have been prone to carbon buildup on engine valves and varnish coatings on throttle plates. Repair shops can accurately predict the demand for this service based on fuel price increases.
A good quality fuel system cleaning treatment, when properly applied, can reduce these buildups. Are you planning on keeping the vehicle long enough to warrant some additional warranty coverage that certain treatment suppliers offer? Are you a preventative maintenance or drive-it-until-it-drops type of vehicle owner? Sign up to receive Driving. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Driving. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again.
0コメント