CHI-Cclass

Hello MBWorld -
My 2014 C300 4matic is in for service at the dealer for A service. The dealer called yesterday, saying they recommended an antifreeze flush and power steering flush at three years or 40K. Each service was about $200. I told them I would pass on the service, but am trying to find out what the recommended service intervals are for those items. I called a local mechanic last night who advised I might not need either right now.

I read in one thread that antifreeze is every 15 years, but then others said every three? How about power steering?

I live in Chicago an do mostly city driving, tactfully dodging potholes.

alecmascot

Coolant is 15 years.
There is no interval specified for PS fluid.

dennish

Coolant is good for 15 years. There are packets of chemicals in the system so that the coolant lasts that long. I didn't believe this, but it's real.

95viper

superangrypenguin

1) Yes, coolant is good for 15 years. If you don't believe this, then either 1) waste your money and get it changed or 2) get it tested.

The poster upthread who mentioned about a coolant additive pack that slowly releases whatever it does. = he/she is bang on.

2) PS fluid = there really is no fluid replacement interval. I asked MB Canada about this. They basically said it only gets replaced when the system eventually leaks or whatnot, but sure enough, there is no flush or whatever prescribed.

95viper

Moto_Guzzi

I read somewhere on PS fluid not changed lead to wear on mechanical parts, however if you lease a car or buy one not cash to keep, nothing really matters, problems of the next owner, thats the reason I never bought a 2nd hand vehicle in my life. I will replace my coolant at 5 years max, 15 years is a long time by any means in mechanical terms, a stretch to say the least. The chances that you going to replace it in any case due to thermostat or waterpump or rubber pypes helps the cause of the 15 year promise.

superangrypenguin

Until you backup your claim with any sort of scientific research, this is just hot air. Do you still feel your oil should be changed every 3000 miles?

Come on. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and thus as per MB spec, needs to be changed every 2 years. Your bold claims above is what leads to class action lawsuits. Carmakers can't get away with crap like that without repercussions.

I can show you 7 UOAs of my engine oil which show that 20,000km oil change intervals should not be a problem, although I change mine out at 13,000km anyways because I'm a freak. That said, until you show me a power steering fluid analysis that shows that it shouldn't be lifetime, I'll tend to believe a bunch of well paid PHDs at Stuttgart.

Are there anomalies that carmakers say that turn out to be false? Yes, but using those instances to paint all statements of claim by an automaker to be "wrong" when it comes to fluid life is nothing short of unfounded and unwarranted conjecture.

Just for fun, did you know that engine oil for jet engines is never ever changed?

95viper

superangrypenguin

Just like I change my oil way early before I should, that's perfectly fine. If you're happy with that, great, but it doesn't mean that what you are doing is right and what MB says is wrong. You err on the cautious side, that's great, and your prerogative.

What is wrong is waiting 20 years to swap out coolant (MB calls for 15 years). What is wrong is never doing brake fluid flushes. What is also wrong is not doing trans fluid services.

chuang

Does anyone know of any "related" issues if you never change your Power Steering fluid and brake fluid, what kind of repair may be needed in the long run later, and how much it might cost you? Thanks!

95_993

Brake fluid is due every two years. Its hydroscopic and will absorb moisture leading to corrosion, gunk and less heat dissipation.