how often do you change brake fluid?

[Zent]

The manual says every 3 years with Motorcraft DOT-4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Though on my previous mustang (s197 GT) which I also bought new, I never changed the brake fluid and the brake pedal didnt start feeling squishy until 90k miles.

If anything with my 22 gt I feel like the brake pedal is TOO sensitive. I kinda want it the fluid to break down more lol

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[RowdyRam]

Stick with the recommendation in the manual. I've gone (way) too long on a brake fluid change in another vehicle and ended up having brake issues. No fun.

Brake fluid absorbs water (hygroscopic? How do you spell that anyway?) and for that reason alone should be changed regularly.

 

[nicksalvadore24]

Sensitive brake pedal = race car sh*t part of the fun

 

[WItoTX]

If not tracking, follow the manual. Will you be fine if you go longer? Probably. But when some jackwagon slams on the brakes in front of you because a squirrel ran across the road, you will be real happy that you have good fluid.

You are protecting your self from others piss poor decisions. That alone would be why I would swap it.

 

[CrazyHippie]

The manual says every 3 years with Motorcraft DOT-4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Though on my previous mustang (s197 GT) which I also bought new, I never changed the brake fluid and the brake pedal didnt start feeling squishy until 90k miles.

If anything with my 22 gt I feel like the brake pedal is TOO sensitive. I kinda want it the fluid to break down more lol

It's best to change the fluid as the manual says. Brake fluid and anti-freeze are glycol based. Glycol absorbs water over time, and breaks down to form acids. The acids cause corrosion. So, yes, changing brake fluid and anti-freeze coolant every 3 years is a good practice.

 

[Optimum Performance]

DOT4LV loves moisture. Flush it once a year.

 

[Zent]

I have a brake fluid testing pen, but it looks with the way the brake fluid reservoir is designed they have the cap offset to where I can’t get it down to the fluid to test it. That sucks!

 

[Bob Lob Law]

Not as often as I've been changing cars! LOL

 

[Crew4991]

I agree that it is best to change according to the manual so every 3 years if you aren't tracking the car or regularly pushing it to its limits; however, I also think that timeframe can obviously depend on how you prefer the car to drive, how many miles it has, how many you miles you drive the car, and the climate you live in.

Personally I follow the manual at every 3 years I change the brake fluid but I agree with you OP, I too like the squishier feel of the brake when it is not as sensitive. I live in a drier climate with low humidity levels and daily drive the mustang roughly 5-6k miles a year (got other toys to drive as well) but the mustang only has 19k miles on it so far.

I definitely feel like I could get away with changing the brake fluid every 5 years based on my use case but I don't only because I am a fanatic about maintenance and want the car to last me a long time as my designated daily driver. You should base this assumption off your personal use case with your car. I wouldn't think you would have issues extending the timeframe a little, especially if it is more of a good weather toy for you.

 

[Pistol_91]

Never, brakes just slow you down

 

[Garfy]

I agree that it is best to change according to the manual so every 3 years if you aren't tracking the car or regularly pushing it to its limits; however, I also think that timeframe can obviously depend on how you prefer the car to drive, how many miles it has, how many you miles you drive the car, and the climate you live in.

Personally I follow the manual at every 3 years I change the brake fluid but I agree with you OP, I too like the squishier feel of the brake when it is not as sensitive. I live in a drier climate with low humidity levels and daily drive the mustang roughly 5-6k miles a year (got other toys to drive as well) but the mustang only has 19k miles on it so far.

I definitely feel like I could get away with changing the brake fluid every 5 years based on my use case but I don't only because I am a fanatic about maintenance and want the car to last me a long time as my designated daily driver. You should base this assumption off your personal use case with your car. I wouldn't think you would have issues extending the timeframe a little, especially if it is more of a good weather toy for you.

Yes, if you're in a climate that's not very humid, you can probably go longer before flushing the fluid out. I have a fluid tester that checks moisture content in the fluid and I'll use it to determine when to replace mine.

 

[Tycoon]

Stick with the recommendation in the manual. I've gone (way) too long on a brake fluid change in another vehicle and ended up having brake issues. No fun.

Brake fluid absorbs water (hygroscopic? How do you spell that anyway?) and for that reason alone should be changed regularly.

I think hydrophilic

 

[tosha]

About 8 times a year, I think

 

[NightmareMoon]

The manual says every 3 years with Motorcraft DOT-4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Though on my previous mustang (s197 GT) which I also bought new, I never changed the brake fluid and the brake pedal didnt start feeling squishy until 90k miles.

If anything with my 22 gt I feel like the brake pedal is TOO sensitive. I kinda want it the fluid to break down more lol

yeah that’s the master cylinder being oversized which you’re feeling.

Brake fluid is the last place you want old or worn components. You want worn rotors maybe, definitely not thin pads or old fluid. I’d be happy to sell you my old rotors as an upgrade if you like. “Pre-lightened” special edition rotors with “speed” cracks.

 

[Keeffa]

I do it every 2 years. I've used the LV which is insanely expensive and the dot 4 and dot 4 works just fine.

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