Just had 2nd service done even though the car only has circa 7k miles .

Was quoted for the full 18k service as the garage did a short service last year and can't do that 2 years running I am told.

The garage did not change the brake fluid even though the service schedule says to change every 2 years. The invoice says they simply tested it at 198oC. and they added a footnote to say its due change at next years service.

Is this acceptable practice please?

to be honest the dealers don't know what should be what half the time with the service schedules...then again nor do Fiat themselves!

IMO 2 years regardless of mileage the car needs a brake fluid change as mileage is not an issue here but the 'shelf' life of the fluid.

i think the problem is that a lot of garages dont know exactly what should be done not only that many seem to pitch brake fluid change along with the other "extras" they offer

such as air con Cleaning and engine flush and fuel treatments at vastly over hyped prices with the added scare factor to suck un knowing punters in on the flip side making others "who know a bit about cars" thinking they are trying to rip them off as they never changed the fluid in their old car.....


if you can read my attachment Did you know that "Over time, a build up of moisture can reduce the systems air flow" relating to the bacterial cleanse of the blower/ air con.......

Thanks to you both for the brake fluid advice. Intend to challenge Dealer Monday morning

On a similar matter.

Always a risk that my knowedge is out of date BUT I always believed changing antifreeze every 2 years (maybe longer if expensive hi-tech antifreeze was used) was essential to keep the inhibitors working for the aluminium head. And yet Fiat's schedule only ever talks abot topping up cooling fluid and never calls for replacing it. Is this advisable?

Does it? Something that should be changed once a year...well for me anyway.

I think the interval on the coolant is 5 Years but dont quote me on that know the new FORD stuff is 10 year

Magic Johnson said:

Does it? Something that should be changed once a year...well for me anyway.

Click to expand...

Once a year seems excessive to me to be honest, when I checked my service schedule it said every 5 years. I replaced it with a similar grade of coolant that is supposed to last for 5 years.

I'm a freak though. I change all serviceables that can be changed annually (except gearbox).

I got an explanation from my Service garage that I think has credability.

They advised that yes Fiat say to change brake fluid every 2 years but added that techology has moved on. They now have the ability to actually test the brake fluid to establish its boiling point (which goes lower the higher the water content.) So the higher the boiling point the better the brake fluid.

New brake fluid will boil at circa 250C.

A boiling point below 180C will give them an alert; one below 150C will get them to renew the fluid.

Mine boiled at 198C which, they say, is safe but will probably lead to needing a change next year, thus their note on my report to change at next service.

They believe Fiat (and others) will amend their advice shortly as the new technology is being accepted.

I do trust this garage but am only too aware of T's and Andy's comments so am still not 100%

I just wonder if it still under warranty that it will have to be changed to keep the warranty on the brake system intact?

Thanks for the thought Andy; similar thpought went through my mind.

Then I thouht I am now "down" to the dealers 3rd year warranty.

So the chances of it covering the brake system are probalby slim bordering on non-existant?

more than likely not sure whats covered in the third year suppose it will be in the warranty handbook :shrug:


I just changed mine myself when it was out of warranty didnt take long to do