[aah78]

Originally Posted by NinadJoshi

For the young and upcoming here, "I drink Limca because I like it" used to be a popular marketing tagline of the soft drink Limca, way back in time. I am not sure if the drink even exists now.

I still drink Limca because I like it, and maybe because it has "isotonic salts to quench your thirst".

Limca & Thums Up are commonly available in Indo-Pak-Bangla grocery stores.
Gold Spot was available till a few years ago too.

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by aah78

Brake fluid flush costs around $90.

Meaning brake fluid beeding? Still waay too early. Not sure about Merc but there are cars dont even have it on their service schedule.

[VLOCT]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Meaning brake fluid beeding? Still waay too early. Not sure about Merc but there are cars dont even have it on their service schedule.

I am not sure if brake fluid flush is on any car servicing schedule. However, there is not doubt that brake fluids must be flushed and replaced, preferably every two years, because of its hygroscopic nature, i.e., it will absorb moisture and the effectiveness will go down significantly if left unchanged, not to mention the chance of any metal components getting corroded. If you live in places with drier climate you can probably stretch it a bit, but for around $150, what exactly is the gain?

When it comes to cars, penny wise pound foolish is not the way to go.

[mohit]

Originally Posted by DexterMorgan

Update: Picked up a 2013 VW Passat TDI SE with Sunroof and Navigation for 27000. Got 14000 for my 2012 Jetta SE manual as trade in.

Think I got a fair purchase price. What say guys?

Congratulations! Good choice. A TDI golf wagon (Jetta Wagon in US) is on my want list. The amount of driving I do doesn't justify it though.

And yes you are correct. Diesel is either at par or marginally cheaper than gasoline here in Canada.

[aah78]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Meaning brake fluid beeding? Still waay too early. Not sure about Merc but there are cars dont even have it on their service schedule.

Yep, bleeding brake-fluid. Sahil mentioned the car's around 3 years old, so I guessed it's about time for a change. Unless it was done within the first 2 years.

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by VLOCT

I am not sure if brake fluid flush is on any car servicing schedule. However, there is not doubt that brake fluids must be flushed and replaced, preferably every two years, because of its hygroscopic nature, i.e., it will absorb moisture and the effectiveness will go down significantly if left unchanged, not to mention the chance of any metal components getting corroded. If you live in places with drier climate you can probably stretch it a bit, but for around $150, what exactly is the gain?

When it comes to cars, penny wise pound foolish is not the way to go.

It is hygroscopic sure but a hydraulic brake system is fully sealed..unless you have a leak ....then you have much more severe problems.

I am not sure if brake fluid flush is on any car servicing schedule.

If its so crucial, then why isn't it?

[VLOCT]

Originally Posted by Mpower

It is hygroscopic sure but a hydraulic brake system is fully sealed..unless you have a leak ....then you have much more severe problems.

If its so crucial, then why isn't it?

Unfortunately, a fully sealed system does not prevent moisture from being formed in the lines eventually from condensation due to natural temperature/humidity variations. It's true for all sealed systems including, air conditioning. Hence, the need to service a/c sooner or later.

Good question. I'm guessing because of the wide variations in climatic conditions of the places where cars are sold, how often the car is driven and the type of use, it's probably difficult to recommend one particular time interval for brake fluid replacement for all.

None of these changes the fact that it needs to be done. Just visually comparing a brake fluid sample that needs replacement to a new sample; old sample - kinda orangy (thats water), new one - colorless. Sedate drivers will probably never notice the difference until the fluid is really old. However, fast drivers will notice the longer stopping distance as time goes by, no doubt it.

[Jomz]

If you renewed your licence in IN, you might get some Money :-).

http://www.indianabmvsettlement.com/...o.aspx?pas=wra

Waiting for my cheque. I'll get a refund & 30c.

[mazda4life]

My current drive here in Phoenix, a Chevy Cruze. Color is the only thing working its favor, feels under powered and not confidence inspiring in the interstate driving, will be getting rid of this soon.

[gomzi]

Originally Posted by mazda4life

My current drive here in Phoenix, a Chevy Cruze. Color is the only thing working its favor, feels under powered and not confidence inspiring in the interstate driving, will be getting rid of this soon.

+1 to that. I have a Cruze as a rental and while it works for my daily in-city drives to work, the very lazy acceleration is not confidence inspiring on the interstates. Quite disappointing, i'll be changing it this week.

[Fraz33r]

Originally Posted by gomzi

the very lazy acceleration is not confidence inspiring on the interstates

Cruze is now coming with its Diesel in 2014. Maybe its launched already! Every one was going gaga over the diesel engine worldwide for its High-End torque.

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by VLOCT

Sedate drivers will probably never notice the difference until the fluid is really old. However, fast drivers will notice the longer stopping distance as time goes by, no doubt it.

Why would it increase stopping distance? It's still fluid that doesn't get compressed. The water has a detrimental effect on the brake system components. In theory you could replace the brake fluid with water, and it would work identically, just not for very long, because you'll end up with leaks and or stuck cylinders etc.

The only reason I can think of if there is so much water content in the brake fluid that the water molecules start boiling when the brakes start getting hot Then your brakes start fading. You would not just notice it, it would scare you s***less! Believe me, I had my brakes fading on me once, going downhill in Germany. Not an experience I would want to repeat.

Leaks and stuck bits will certainly be noticeable, but for every driver, not just the fast ones.

Note that miles driven with the car is not relevant for the condition of the brake fluid. It's time. Moisture absorption by the brake fluid is a function of time. Temperature does have some influence, but for practical purpose its time. (i.e. so many years)

Jeroen

[Jomz]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Why would it increase stopping distance?

I would agree to this --- any incompressible fluid should work.

THe only way in which It would increase stopping distances is if master/ slave cylinders have a small leak which inturn does not transmit the complete braking force.

In other news, I leased a new 2013 Acura TSX on Saturday. The owners manual states to change brake fluid every 3 years irrespective of mileage, which is consistent with Jeroen's theory of hygroscopic nature of brake fluid.

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by Jomz

THe only way in which It would increase stopping distances is if master/ slave cylinders have a small leak which inturn does not transmit the complete braking force.

Yes, correct, but in most cases I would think you would notice that even with normal braking as you will get leakage, or in case of internal leakage, you will notice that your brake pedal goes down further and maybe right down to the floor!


Jeroen

[Jomz]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Yes, correct, but in most cases I would think you would notice that even with normal braking as you will get leakage, or in case of internal leakage, you will notice that your brake pedal goes down further and maybe right down to the floor!


Jeroen

Seen that with clutches, But surprisingly not brakes.

EDIT :- Googed and found that it is common in brakes too. Don't want that feeling on a downhill .