service neccessities??

[dieseluser07]

Hi all, im due a service on an old school clio 1.2 8v 60hp.

My last service was 10,000 miles and 1 year ago.

The car is on 40,000 now and is 6 1/2 years old.

Im trying to save on servicing costs but want to keep the car in good nick. It says in the service manual that at this age the brake fluid needs changing, does this really need to be done? its never been done yet, what are the downfalls if i dont change it?

Also it says the spark plugs are due every year, is this a necessity? they were last done 10,000 miles ago.

It will be getting an oil and filter change but unsure about the other 2???

[iva cosworth]

Brake fluid should have been changed probably twice by now.

It's hygrascopic [sp] and usually lasts 2-3 years between changes.

[Krikkit]

For the extra cost just do them tbh! Brake fluid is easy as long as the bleed nipples can be loosened OK - get yourself a deep socket on them first for plenty of purchase, and preferably give them a good going over with a hand-held wire brush to make sure they're reasonably clean.

Spark plugs should be pretty easy on a transverse 4-cyl, just make sure you've got an elbow joint for your socket set!

[FredClogs]

You don't need to change the brake fluid unless it's black out the brakes feel spongy, but like they said it won't save you much not doing it.

[B'stard Child]

FredClogs said:

You don't need to change the brake fluid unless it's black out the brakes feel spongy, but like they said it won't save you much not doing it.

I've never seen black brake fluid on spongy feel is no indication of the need for a fluid change

The time you will find out that the fluid needs changing is when you boil the brake fluid on a long descent and then find you have none at all......

I'd prefer to avoid finding out I've no brakes when I really need them.