So our VW has hit 4 years old, c30k miles.

Our local specialist says ‘we might want to think about’ having the aircon regassed and lubricated and the brake fluid changed. Katie says they were quiet – ie they’re probably looking for work.

My view would be to do neither – we run the aircon all the time by default so i’d not normally touch it until it broke and I’d have expected the brake fluid would be part of the service regime (ie there’s a point when it *needs* to be done)

Advice please

had the fluid on my scenic replaced at about 5 years old and it did make the pedal firmer.

Right up until the moment the ’emergency, emergency, stop car immediately, stop car immediately’ message came up on the dash, an alarm went off and my wife started screaming as we descended possibly the steepest welsh mountain road I’ve ever been down.

Turned out they’d sheared one of the bleed nipples on a rear claiper when doing the fluid change and it had gradually allowed all the fluid out of the system.

After we’d all cleaned our trousers out and the caliper had been replaced it was better again.

Aircon: By using it you’re lubricating it. Unless it’s not blowing cold air I’d leave well alone. Our 10 year old Volvo could freeze an eskimo and it’s never been touched.

Brakes: If they feel spongy then bleed, if they still feel spongy then time to replace the fluid.

4 years is not much at all.

Suprisingly brake fluid is not normally covered under a cars major service, it may be listed in the service manual for change at a certain age but is normally an addtional cost.

Air con, if it is still blowing cold air then it is probably fine, if you want it to blow colder air then get it serviced/re-gassed.

Brakes: If they feel spongy then bleed,

When we got back from South Africa (must write up the trip and post) I nearly put my head through the windcreen the first time I touched the brakes. After 3 weeks driving a knackered hilux with almost none a 4 year old VW was not spongy at all.

Would leave the air con if it’s still working. With the brake fluid I tend to replace mine every two years as per the Haynes reccomendations. I have a Peugeot so they’re probably trying to ensure that I still have fluid in the system where as a VW is more trustworthy!

Re brake fluid. If you have an extended warranty then you may wish to consider changing the fluid. Some VWs have a common abs fault and if the fluid has not been changed then your clam may or is likely to be refused 😥

Brake fluid should just be tested by any half decent garage nowadays IMHO. A simple boiling point test will determine how much water has been absorbed and if it needs to be changed. Standard service intervals for brake fluid changes always used to be 2 years.

As for the aircon, as above if you use it to keep it lubricated then regas it when it ceases to be cold enough.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic which is why they recommend that it’s periodically replaced.

Mine cost £30 at a main dealer to have it changed.

Spongy brakes just means there’s air in the system. You can have perfectly solid brake feel from cold, but knackered old fluid that’s absorbed moisture and will boil after a couple of heavy stops.

Having had that happen (typical M25, going along at 70, slow to 20, repeat a couple of times) and had the pedal drop to the floor with no braking response at all, I always get it changed every 2 years.

Frequent changes mean less likelihood of the nipples shearing off when it is done (as with wwaswas’s case) and getting the thing out or replacing a caliper can cost more than just getting the fluid changed on time.

I reckon 2 years is about right on the bikes – my commuter feels horrid at the moment so I shouldn’t skimp on the motor I suppose. They were quoting £65 plus VAT though which seems a lot. Service was only £200.

VW garage cost for abrake bleed is about £50. Not much to pay for reassurance – your brakes, tyres and steering are the few things to really cosset.

I always have the Audi main dealer change my brake fluid every two years as specified. Costs about £90 IIRC, for that amount I can’t see the point in scrimping. Never touched the air con in 6 years of vw ownership then 5 years of owing an Audi. Never been asked / recommended by a main dealer to touch it either.

At that price get the brake fluid done, but not the aircon if you use it all the time.

13 year old BMW here, still as cold as ever needed – always on.

VW specify brake fluid replaced after 3 years from new and then every 2 years from then on. Air con is specified by VW every 2 years.

my commuter feels horrid at the moment

Of course the other thing that makes brakes feel crap is when the pad material has worn down below the level of the springs. But I’d never let that happen would I?

Brake fluid every 2 years at the minimum.

AC systems tend to lose refrigerant over time. They are also prone to absorbing moisture so the system should be serviced every 2 years. The refrigerant is removed (along with with the lubricating oil). System is then held under vacuum for a minimum of 20 minutes to remove any water vapour. Machine will then check to see if it holds the vacuum – as a(basic) leak check.

Refill system with correct amount of clean refrigerant and oil – job done.

Every 3 or 4 years the receiver/drier should also be replaced – ball park time there, many manufacturers recommend this is replaced more often, or if the system has been left open to atmosphere for any length of time.
Hth
Marko