My Prius will reach 30k within the next several months and as y'all know, that is the traditional milestone for complete fluid replacements.
Lexus requires a brake fluid change every 3 years or 30k, whichever comes first, on their CT200h. There is no reason to believe the Prius is any different since the two are mechanically identical. It is unclear why Lexus requires brake fluid changes for the CT200h (and all of their hybrids), but Toyota does not. I personally suspect that it is because Lexus owners are theoretically more willing (and can afford to) to take better care of their vehicles than us.
Since this service is not mandatory, I am on the fence on whether or not I should have this done. Obviously there is some merit to the fluid change recommendation, which is why I am bringing it up. My question is whether brake fluid degrades more by time or miles used. Evidently Lexus believes both, or else they would have suggested a time-based recommendation. However, most other automakers have a time-based recommendation: Honda, VAG, BMW, MB, etc.
My brake fluid does not look too bad after 16k, but it definitely does not look new anymore. I guess the only way to verify its condition is to use the test strips, but I have no idea where I can get some. On others cars, I usually flushed the brake fluid every three years or 30-45k but at my current rate of mileage accumulation, I would be at around 110k by the three year mark. Or around 70k by the two year mark. I would never leave brake fluid in for that many miles, hence the dilemma.
My trusted independent, Luscious Garage, charges around $130 for the brake fluid flush ($120 for 1 hr labor + fluid). The techstream (factory scan tool) is necessary for this service and I have no plans to try the alternate method listed in the manual after the disaster last week. So, the price is not too outrageous but I would not mind saving $130 if it is not needed.
What do you guys think? I would really kick myself if I had to pay $2000 for a new brake actuator at 75k if it could have been prevented by doing more preventive maintenance.
Lexus requires a brake fluid change every 3 years or 30k, whichever comes first, on their CT200h. There is no reason to believe the Prius is any different since the two are mechanically identical. It is unclear why Lexus requires brake fluid changes for the CT200h (and all of their hybrids), but Toyota does not. I personally suspect that it is because Lexus owners are theoretically more willing (and can afford to) to take better care of their vehicles than us.
Since this service is not mandatory, I am on the fence on whether or not I should have this done. Obviously there is some merit to the fluid change recommendation, which is why I am bringing it up. My question is whether brake fluid degrades more by time or miles used. Evidently Lexus believes both, or else they would have suggested a time-based recommendation. However, most other automakers have a time-based recommendation: Honda, VAG, BMW, MB, etc.
My brake fluid does not look too bad after 16k, but it definitely does not look new anymore. I guess the only way to verify its condition is to use the test strips, but I have no idea where I can get some. On others cars, I usually flushed the brake fluid every three years or 30-45k but at my current rate of mileage accumulation, I would be at around 110k by the three year mark. Or around 70k by the two year mark. I would never leave brake fluid in for that many miles, hence the dilemma.
My trusted independent, Luscious Garage, charges around $130 for the brake fluid flush ($120 for 1 hr labor + fluid). The techstream (factory scan tool) is necessary for this service and I have no plans to try the alternate method listed in the manual after the disaster last week. So, the price is not too outrageous but I would not mind saving $130 if it is not needed.
What do you guys think? I would really kick myself if I had to pay $2000 for a new brake actuator at 75k if it could have been prevented by doing more preventive maintenance.
