Fluids and time

[bigdawg74]

So, if mileage is not a factor, what are the max times you would go before changing your vehicle's fluids...ATF, brake fluid, coolant, power steering, etc.? I'm not talking about oil, though. Oh, and what about items like air filters and spark plugs? I'm just curious as to people's thoughts and reasoning.

 

[randomhero439]

Originally Posted By: bigdawg74
So, if mileage is not a factor, what are the max times you would go before changing your vehicle's fluids...ATF, brake fluid, coolant, power steering, etc.? I'm not talking about oil, though. Oh, and what about items like air filters and spark plugs? I'm just curious as to people's thoughts and reasoning.


Oil on my Accord is 3750 or 4.33 months. Sees track usage
Coolant, timing belt, spark plugs, waterpump 105k or 10 years
Brake fluid bleeding 10k or 1yr
Manual trans fluid: 30k or 3yr
P/S fluid reservoir gets a quick drain&fill at every oil change
Clutch fluid bleeding every 30k/3yr

 

[EType]

I'm currently using test strips and it seems 2 years for dot 4 makes sense and 2-3 years for dot 3. This is from a copper contamination point of view.

I had a cabin air filter that caused a musty smell at 2 years even though it didn't have the mileage on it. That was the first time that has happened to me. The manufacturer had 2 years for that part.

I asked about air filters when considering Amsoil and the reply was that a quality filter might go 8 years.

I first changed power steering fluid at about the 8 year mark. It was ATF and only slightly discolored.

I think with ATF you can use color as an indicator. You can also get blotter cards.

 

[KitaCam]

How long do you want/expect to own your car?

If 5 years or so...don't...use it and sell it...the next owner would likely start fresh anyway.

If more than 10 years, change fluids every 4 years...the chemistry does get compromised by air and age, and not just use/miles.

Cabin air filter and engine air filter every 2 years....though dusty/dirty driving conditions can make that 1 year....inspect then.

Plugs....depends on OEM specifications...Toyota's are Denso plugs to go 120k miles, but if that's more than 8 years, changing @ 8yrs is a good period of time...

Don't forget the PCV valve...change it every 8yrs/100k miles....and check hoses and engine mounts too!

 

[SteveSRT8]

Absolutes do not exist in maintenance.

All time or usage limits for any machinery MUST take into account the duty cycle.

There are no specifics, just guidelines. You must tailor those to your car and your driving...