Brake Fluid Change

[SilverCupra]

Hi all,

I have read all the posts on here about the service of the Cupra Born, but there seems to mixed views on whether the brake fluid should be changed at 2 years.

My Born went into Cupra today with instructions to change the brake fluid if it is due, and they even called me an hour later to see if I wanted it done.

But guess what, when I picked it up they said that the brake fluid wasn't actually done !!

When I questioned it, they gave the excuse that the workshop was busy, and that they would do it on my next visit, which is potentially another 2 years unless something crops up !!

I have always been told by my dad who spent 50 years in the trade "Don't mess with Brakes and Tyre's, always look after them and replace with good quality", and have always done so.

So, I am now wondering if anyone has the definitive answer, should the brake fluid be changed on the Cupra Born at 2 year first service ?

Many thanks guy's..

[SabreDentist]

Similarly curious about service intervals and not getting a straight answer from the dealer, I bought a workshop manual online for the Born.
It states very clearly that brake fluid should be changed every 2 years for cars in all countries. So I would go with that. I certainly would not try and stretch it out for 4 years. Props to your Dad!

Your dealer shouldn't just choose not to do these items because they are busy. That's appalling service. They should have made a time to get you back. Did they reduce the service charge to refect the fact that they didn't perform the full range of service items?

Some other service items like renewing the AC refrigerant are stated to be every 2 years for some countries and every 4 years for others, including UK. Don't ask me why - probably something to do with how hot and arduous the climate is.

[A4d]

I bought my Born at the start of the year and it came with a care plan. This care plan states it gets a service at 2 years and a brake fluid change, pollen filter, wipers, brake pads replaced.

[Ponk]

You will eventually just get the same mixed views here.

Over time, brake fluid can get water moisture in it, changing the properties of the fluid and increasing the chances of poorer performing brakes. The actual chance of this happening is very very small, so (imo) it`s probably no big deal to skip it after 2 year and do after 4 years.

But in saying that, the cost should not be so much to do it (at least for UK), and if there are ever any future issues with brakes, the dealer will be sure to point out that you skipped the recommended service items, so the warranty is void, for that reason alone I would just get it done.

Pollen filter, pads and wipers are a different story. Pollen filter is €20 off Amazon and takes 30 secs to change, I did it already after 1 year and will ask them not to do it. My Mazda doesn`t even have a filter!
Wipers can be a good idea but you know when they are not working so great, I also did them myself and change to Bosch Aero...much quieter.
Pads can be used until they reach their wear limit or you feel a problem with them, service should inspect them and the front discs (thickness and condition) and ask if they see a problem, ask if you want changed.
Pads should last long, like 60k to 100k miles easily, especially in an EV, you will be changing tyres before brake pads, and listen to your dad and get good tyres, change them 1-2mm before they become illegal, and buy good tyres.

[Kugaman1]

Nope.
Theres no way brake fluid should be needed in 2 years of driving an EV for an average mileage driver.

Brake fluid deteriorates by absorbing moisture and theres no way an issue that would be apparent in 2 years.

Most manufacturers recommend 3-4 years, so why should the Born be any different?

[A4d]

My previous 2 Seats, diesels, had their fluid changed a 2 years on the service plan they came with, so 2 years may be the norm for the VAG group. Not saying it needs done, just that that when it is done.

[SabreDentist]

My issue is less about the service interval and more about dealers who charge for services that are not actually rendered as appears to be the case for the OP. We must all stand up to such dodgy behaviour vociferously.

[Ponk]

If they didn't pay for it then it`s not a problem, as long as the service report clearly says the garage decided it was not required. OP can feedback if that`s the case. I`ve been driving 35 years and lived in a few countries, every garage is just out to scam you.

[monkeyhanger]

Up until a few years ago, common VAG stance on brake fluid was to change initially at 3 years, then every 2 years thereafter. Unless you have a leak in the system, brake fluid shouldn't be absorbing moisture to lower its boiling point/introduce water vapour in use for 4 or 5 years. From an environmental viewpoint, the service providers should be doing a quick indicator paper dip test to confirm moisture levels are within spec rather than replacing blindly.

I suspect that VAG brands have all decided to appease the dealerships to increase work on the service schedules and boost their revenue streams. BEV service regimes seem to be a complete racket, as costly as an ICE service, yet little to no consumables to replace (at least when my S3 needs a service, I know a fair chunk of the money is going on 5.7l of oil, a sump plug and an oil filter. What did I get for my £175 Born service? About 40 mins of visual checks. They wanted an extra £69 to supply and fit a £17 pollen filter that takes 30 seconds to fit, an an extra £80 for the brake fluid that probably isn't required. Absolute racket.

[davmatjo]

Interestingly they only wanted £120 for my service and that actually included the pollen filter. Then another £69 for the brake fluid change. It sounds a lot better than some of the prices I have seen here.