1996 Oldsmobile 88 Brake Fluid Flush

1996 OLDSMOBILE 88
41,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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WK2N
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I have a 1996 Olds 88 with 41K. It has ABS brakes. I took it in for an oil change at Firestone and they told me it needs a brake fluid flush.

Is there some way to tell if this is true or an excuse to charge an unnecessary service?

Will visually inspecting the brake fluid color tell me if it needs to be flushed?

How about those brake fluid test strips?
Aug 6, 2009 at 7:11 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

it is a bit hard to tell with a visual inspection, i use an electronic test meter that measure the boiling point of the brake fluid, as this fluid id hygroscopic, that is it attracts moisture as it become contaminated the boiling point is lowered, when it gets to a given point its time to change it, of just change it every 2 years as a good rule of thumb, i have not had cause to use the test strip method as i use my own tester in my work shop.

mark (mhpautos)
Aug 6, 2009 at 8:32 AM