My parents Yeti is coming up to 3 years old and they are keeping it.

They're taking it to the local independent garage for servicing.

It has 8000 miles on the clock.

Should it have a brake fluid change?

Yes, then every 2 years.

No.  The system is sealed and should not require any maintenance just yet.  You can check the reservoir for peace of mind though; check the level via the dipstick usually on the underside of the cap and you can also dip in some rolled up kitchen roll or similar and check the fluid is a bright green colour, it will likely look like vegetable oil on the paper.    If the level and colour is good then don't worry.

 

I don't believe Skoda (and most others) actually specify a time/duration for a PAS fluid change, in the maintenance schedule but I can't confirm as the paper schedules/records are no longer provided.    I've always thought every 5 years as the fluid can and will eventually break down and lose it's viscosity.  Once it starts to break down it could damage the seals on the power steering pump and ancillary hoses so a change should prolong the life of those parts.  

 

EDIT: OH FFS, disregard all the above I'm on about power steering fluid as I misread the OP. 

 

 

Edited 21 September, 20187 yr by penguin17

The brake system is not sealed, the reason for the change of fluid is that the brake fluid used takes on water over the years which leads to brake failure if the brakes are used continuously such as on long hills.

Skoda specify the 1st change at 3 years then 2 years ever after.

Edited 21 September, 20187 yr by peter3197

Just now, peter3197 said:

The brake system is not sealed, the reason for the change of fluid is that the brake fluid used takes on water over the years which leads to brake failure if the brakes are used continuously such as on long hills.

Reread my post.  Edited as I misread the OP and for some reason thought he was asking about the PAS system.  Apologies, you're quite right. 

9 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

 

 

EDIT: OH FFS, disregard all the above I'm on about power steering fluid as I misread the OP. 

 

 

 

And in any case the Yeti has electric power steering,  NOT hydraulic,  so no fluid to change.  Brake fluid IS recommended to be changed after three years.

4 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

Reread my post.  Edited as I misread the OP and for some reason thought he was asking about the PAS system.  Apologies, you're quite right. 

Both of us off to Specsavers.

Rick,

to clarify above. Skoda and many other manufacturers say first change should be at 3yrs with subsequent changes at 2yrs. The change is required because the fluid absorbs water. The difference between first and subsequent changes is due to the time the fluid may have been "on the shelf" and absorbing water. When the vehicle is new the manufacturer is using fresh fluid and as such expects it to last longer than something that may have been standing at a motor factors for some time.

In times gone by you may have tested the specific gravity of your fluid with a hydrometer, but now with abs etc I am lead to believe we need to be more stringent.

 

Colin

Interesting proposition; keeping a VW product once out of warranty and less likely to get Skoda UK goodwill support if something goes wrong.   Not a problem if you have money in the bank however.

2 minutes ago, eribaMotters said:

Rick,

to clarify above. Skoda and many other manufacturers say first change should be at 3yrs with subsequent changes at 2yrs. The change is required because the fluid absorbs water. The difference between first and subsequent changes is due to the time the fluid may have been "on the shelf" and absorbing water. When the vehicle is new the manufacturer is using fresh fluid and as such expects it to last longer than something that may have been standing at a motor factors for some time.

In times gone by you may have tested the specific gravity of your fluid with a hydrometer, but now with abs etc I am lead to believe we need to be more stringent.

 

Colin

I’d like to know if there is a special technique for flushing an ABS equipped vehicle.  I haven’t kept one long enough to need to do it.

Is it an ‘open’ system all the time?.

Thanks people,I'll  recommend they have a brake fluid change at the next service then.

8 hours ago, penguin17 said:

Reread my post.  Edited as I misread the OP and for some reason thought he was asking about the PAS system.  Apologies, you're quite right. 

Thanks anyway penguin