Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
HomeAnnouncements
Discussion Groups
By Brand
BMWChevroletDodgeFordGMHondaLexusMercedes-BenzNissanPeugeotToyotaVolkswagenOther Brands
By Topic
4x4 CarsRVsDrivingMaintenance & RepairCar AudioCollectible Cars
Country Specific
Australian ForumsUK Forums
ArticlesAuto InsuranceBuyingCars & TechnologyMaintenanceMiscellaneousSafety
DMV Resources
Related Topics
MotorcyclesBoatsMore Topics ...

Car Forum / Toyota / Toyota Cars / January 2007

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Tire pressure and Brake Fluid

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
vicky7909@rediffmail.com - 28 Jan 2007 22:32 GMT
Tire Pressure:
Should the tire pressure be what is listed in the owner's manual/glove
compartment OR should it be what is listed on the tire?

Brake Fluid:
Mine, like most cars needs DOT3.  The current level is between Min and
Max, so seems ok.  The technician told me that I needed to replace my
brake fluid urgently.  The technician said it's "very low". The color
is muddy. Should I replace it?

I'm trying to know a little bit more about my car and hopefully this
forum can help! :-)

Thanks,
Vicky
JoeSpareBedroom - 28 Jan 2007 22:41 GMT
> Tire Pressure:
> Should the tire pressure be what is listed in the owner's manual/glove
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Thanks,
> Vicky

How many miles on the car?
vicky7909@rediffmail.com - 28 Jan 2007 23:37 GMT
65K and I've had my 60K maintenance.

> <vicky7...@rediffmail.com> wrote in messagenews:1170023562.853370.228660@a75g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> > Thanks,
> > VickyHow many miles on the car?- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -
Hachiroku ハチロク - 29 Jan 2007 00:41 GMT
On Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:37:10 -0800, vicky7909 wrote:

> 65K and I've had my 60K maintenance.

65K and the brake fluid is looking muddy.

Do not despair. I did my first brake fluid replacement on my '85 Corolla
at 212,000 miles...

>> <vicky7...@rediffmail.com> wrote in
>> messagenews:1170023562.853370.228660@a75g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>> > VickyHow many miles on the car?- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text
>> > -
RT - 28 Jan 2007 23:48 GMT
>Tire Pressure:
>Should the tire pressure be what is listed in the owner's manual/glove
>compartment OR should it be what is listed on the tire?

What's listed in the manual/glove box is what you can use. I would
increase it by about 5 psi from that number (usually comes down to
35psi) to get more miles out of the tires.

>Brake Fluid:
>Mine, like most cars needs DOT3.  The current level is between Min and
>Max, so seems ok.  The technician told me that I needed to replace my
>brake fluid urgently.  The technician said it's "very low". The color
>is muddy. Should I replace it?

Yes, if it's muddy looking I would do it. This is something that is
neglected by a lot of people. Will save your abs system if done on
time.

>I'm trying to know a little bit more about my car and hopefully this
>forum can help! :-)
>
>Thanks,
>Vicky
Ray O - 29 Jan 2007 00:29 GMT
> Tire Pressure:
> Should the tire pressure be what is listed in the owner's manual/glove
> compartment OR should it be what is listed on the tire?

The tire pressure listed on the tire is the maximum that the tire will hold
safely.  The tire pressure listed in the owner's manual/door frame/glove
compartment is the automaker's recommendation.  The automaker's
recommendation is usually geared towards a combination of ride comfort and
handling.  I always recommend that people inflate their tires 4 or 5 PSI
over the automaker's recommendation to improve tire tread life and fuel
economy, at the expense of a slightly harsher ride.

> Brake Fluid:
> Mine, like most cars needs DOT3.  The current level is between Min and
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks,
> Vicky

There is no automaker's recommended brake fluid replacement interval,
however, brake fluid absorbs water over time, and the water can corrode
internal brake parts and diminish the fluid's ability to dissipate heat.  I
recommend replacing the brake fluid every over brake lining replacement, or
about 80,000 or 90,000 miles.  The correct brake fluid level is somewhere
between the max and min marks on the brake fluid reservoir.  The color of
the fluid should be like cooking oil.  If it appears to be black, then it
should be replaced, but it is not an emergency thing.

If you have 4 jack stands and an 8 mm open end wrench, then replacing brake
fluid is a relatively easy task.  You can re-post here for instructions if
you would like to save some money and do it yourself.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

vicky7909@rediffmail.com - 29 Jan 2007 00:47 GMT
It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.

No jack-stands and no wrench. Since brake fluid - type DOT3 - is
corrosive, I'll let the professionals handle that. But it's good to
know that this is not immediate.  I'll get it done at the 67,500 mile
maintenance, which is not too far out in the future.

Thanks!

> <vicky7...@rediffmail.com> wrote in messagenews:1170023562.853370.228660@a75g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
>
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)
Mark A - 29 Jan 2007 01:57 GMT
> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Thanks!

Brake fluid is not the color of cooking oil, just the consistency of cooking
oil. It is definitely darker (unless you are talking about some dark olive
oils or toasted sesame oil).
Ray O - 29 Jan 2007 03:27 GMT
> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Thanks!

At 65,000 miles, there is no hurry to replace the brake fluid.  It certainly
would not hurt to replace it but it also would not hurt to wait until the
car has around 90,000 miles or 4 years old, whichever comes first.  You will
probably need a brake job in the next 15,000 to 20,000 miles, you can have
the fluid replaced at that time.
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

sharx35 - 29 Jan 2007 07:01 GMT
> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Thanks!

I replace my brake fluid, p.s. fluid and AT fluid every two years.

>> <vicky7...@rediffmail.com> wrote in
>> messagenews:1170023562.853370.228660@a75g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
[quoted text clipped - 42 lines]
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
Scott in Florida - 29 Jan 2007 13:46 GMT
>> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
>> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>I replace my brake fluid, p.s. fluid and AT fluid every two years.

How do you replace p. s. fluid?


Signature


Scott in Florida

sharx35 - 29 Jan 2007 19:27 GMT
>>> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
>>> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> How do you replace p. s. fluid?

My mechanic does mine--if I did it myself I would use a turkey baster. Suck
it all out, replace. Repeat weekly for 3 weeks. Mly mechanic charges very
little for doing it, though.
vicky7909@rediffmail.com - 29 Jan 2007 19:35 GMT
2002 Toyota Corolla, LE. 65K. Driving aorund in Houston, TX.
Previously driven in Maryland, DC for three years. So, no mountains
here. Just flat :-(

Great info. here! Glad I posted! :-)

> >><vicky7...@rediffmail.com> wrote in message
> >>news:1170031641.203533.90000@s48g2000cws.googlegroups.com...
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> > Scott in Florida- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -
Scott in Florida - 29 Jan 2007 23:45 GMT
>>>> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
>>>> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>it all out, replace. Repeat weekly for 3 weeks. Mly mechanic charges very
>little for doing it, though.

I've been thinking of doing it for mine.  I'm sure the turkey baster
will love a bit of power steering fluid.

I've got one of those neat brake bleeder systems that sucks the brake
fluid out each wheel.  I guess I could use it to suck the power
steering fluid out....

Signature


Scott in Florida

Ray O - 30 Jan 2007 00:03 GMT
>>>>> It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
>>>>> not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> I've been thinking of doing it for mine.  I'm sure the turkey baster
> will love a bit of power steering fluid.

Hint... If you use a turkey baster, buy a replacement for your wife BEFORE
you use the one from the kitchen because you will never remember to get one
between now and Thanksgiving and the wife will complain like you took
something that actually gets used once in a while!

> I've got one of those neat brake bleeder systems that sucks the brake
> fluid out each wheel.  I guess I could use it to suck the power
> steering fluid out....

Mighty Vacs work well.  I'm too cheap to invest in one and so I now have a
turkey baster dedicated to automotive purposes!
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Scott in Florida - 30 Jan 2007 00:34 GMT
>Hint... If you use a turkey baster, buy a replacement for your wife BEFORE
>you use the one from the kitchen because you will never remember to get one
>between now and Thanksgiving and the wife will complain like you took
>something that actually gets used once in a while!

ROFL....

btdt.....

'Where is the turkey baster?'

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm  I think <LOL> I may
have used it on the car......

Signature


Scott in Florida

Ray O - 30 Jan 2007 04:47 GMT
>>Hint... If you use a turkey baster, buy a replacement for your wife BEFORE
>>you use the one from the kitchen because you will never remember to get
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm  I think <LOL> I may
> have used it on the car......

I thought is was funny at the time, she didn't, I ended up at the
supermarket along with all the other husbands who messed up!
Signature


Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Scott in Florida - 30 Jan 2007 15:00 GMT
>>>Hint... If you use a turkey baster, buy a replacement for your wife BEFORE
>>>you use the one from the kitchen because you will never remember to get
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>I thought is was funny at the time, she didn't, I ended up at the
>supermarket along with all the other husbands who messed up!

LOL....me too.

She was NOT amused!

Signature


Scott in Florida

sharx35 - 30 Jan 2007 16:22 GMT
>>>>Hint... If you use a turkey baster, buy a replacement for your wife
>>>>BEFORE
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> She was NOT amused!

I've heard that some women use the turkey baster for other purposes, too.
Can you say, "dildo"?
Scott in Florida - 30 Jan 2007 17:11 GMT
>>>>>Hint... If you use a turkey baster, buy a replacement for your wife
>>>>>BEFORE
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>I've heard that some women use the turkey baster for other purposes, too.
>Can you say, "dildo"?

As I recall my wife threatened to use my 'brake fluid' baster as an
anal probe....

Signature


Scott in Florida

NickySantoro - 30 Jan 2007 22:07 GMT
On Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:45:22 -0500, Scott in Florida
>I've got one of those neat brake bleeder systems that sucks the brake
>fluid out each wheel.  I guess I could use it to suck the power
>steering fluid out....
Works for me.
Bruce L. Bergman - 29 Jan 2007 07:41 GMT
>It's sort of muddy, or orange red or something similar. But certainly
>not as yellow as cooking oil. And definitely not black.

 Yeah, it's got some "unidentified cruft" floating around in it...
;-)

>No jack-stands and no wrench. Since brake fluid - type DOT3 - is
>corrosive, I'll let the professionals handle that. But it's good to
>know that this is not immediate.  I'll get it done at the 67,500 mile
>maintenance, which is not too far out in the future.

 Brake fluid is not "Corrosive" per se, but it does make an excellent
paint remover if you spill any on the car paint - you want to get it
off NOW with paint thinner or brake cleaner.

 And watch your terminology when you take the car in - if you ask for
a "Brake System Flush" the only thing that gets cleaned out thoroughly
is your wallet...  That's the newest "Buzzword Bingo" to make added
profits with a "Fancy Impressive Looking Machine" that's just a stupid
power bleeder.

 You only need a "Deep Bleeding" with fresh brake fluid, until it
runs clear at each wheel - farthest one out first.

  --<< Bruce >>--
Brian Gordon - 29 Jan 2007 01:41 GMT
>Tire Pressure:
>Should the tire pressure be what is listed in the owner's manual/glove
>compartment OR should it be what is listed on the tire?
>    [...]

What is listed on the tire is a maximum allowable pressure -- not the pressure
that is correct for YOUR application.  The pressure for a 3,000 pound micro is
surely not the same as that needed for a 7,000 pound beast.

Signature

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

| Brian Gordon     -->briang@panix.com<--     brian dot gordon at cox dot net |
+                Bass: without a local chorus at the moment                   +
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
larry moe 'n curly - 29 Jan 2007 10:09 GMT
> Brake Fluid:
> The technician told me that I needed to replace my
> brake fluid urgently.  The technician said it's "very low". The color
> is muddy. Should I replace it?

I don't know, but I change mine every two years, and it turns very
dark in less than a year because of water absorption, even though I
live in Phoenix rather than in a humid climate. If I had ABS I'd
change it every 1-2 years because some ABS parts are very expensive.
C. E. White - 29 Jan 2007 13:52 GMT
> Tire Pressure:
> Should the tire pressure be what is listed in the owner's
> manual/glove
> compartment OR should it be what is listed on the tire?

From http://www.michelinman.com/care/tip1.html :

Recommended Pressure
Always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed by your
vehicle's manufacturer. This information can be found in the owner's
manual and often on a placard located in the vehicle's door jamb,
inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door.

From http://www.goodyeartires.com/faqs/Inflation.html :

How much air should I put in my tires?
Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The
inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating
pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle.
Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You
can find it in your owner's manual, posted on the edge of the driver's
door, on a door post or on the inside of the glovebox door. Always
check inflation when tires are COLD: when the vehicle has been driven
less than a mile or one hour or more after driving. Use a good quality
tire gauge. Note: It's natural for radial tires to have a slight bulge
in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Check or adjust
inflation every few weeks, before any long trip or if traveling with a
heavy load. And don't forget to check the spare. Your Goodyear
retailer can answer any questions you may have about tire inflation.

From http://www.tiresafety.com/maint/maint_ipressure.asp (this is a
site linked from Firestone's home page):

Inflation Pressure
Proper inflation pressure is essential for achieving maximum
performance and mileage. Improper tire inflation pressure can cause
severe internal tire damage, which can lead to sudden tire failure and
resulting in serious personal injury or death.Improper inflation
pressure may result in rapid or irregular wear. Pressures should
always be checked when the tires are cold and at least monthly. Under
normal tire operation, approximately 1psi of tire pressure will escape
every month. Also, for every 10 degrees F change in ambient
temperature, tire pressure will change by approximately 1psi.

Vehicle manufacturers list recommended tire pressures for original
vehicle tires in the owner's manual or on a placard on the end of the
driver's side door or in the glove box.

For continuous high speed driving, tire pressures should be increased
by 3 to 5psi above the normal cold inflation recommended. However, for
passenger tires, never exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded on
the sidewall. The inflation pressure for light truck tires may exceed
that molded on the tire by 10psi. Any recommended front to rear
pressure differential should be maintained.

From
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/us/en/continental/automobile/themes/co
ntiacademy/drivers_ed/nitrogen.pdf


Tires are designed and built to provide many miles of excellent
service but must be maintained properly. The key element of proper
tire maintenance is maintaining the recommended tire inflation
pressure. The proper tire inflation pressure is recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle's tire placard or
in the vehicle owner's manual. Continental Tire recommends that the
consumer check his/her tire inflation pressure at regular intervals of
at least once per month and before every long trip or twice per month
depending on local regulations, customs, or conditions.

From http://www.coopertires.com/Flash/index.aspx :

It's important to have the proper air pressure in your tires, as
underinflation can lead to tire failure. The "right amount" of air for
your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on
the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door, or fuel door. It is
also listed in the owner's manual.

> Brake Fluid:
> Mine, like most cars needs DOT3.  The current level is between Min
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> color
> is muddy. Should I replace it?

You did not say how old your vehicle is. Toyota (like many other
manufacturers selling vehicles in the US) does not recommend routine
brake fluid replacement. I've seen numerous articles that indicate
this is not required. However, I usually have it done every three
years or so. As long as the brake system is properly maintained the
brake fluid has only minimal exposure to water and should be OK for
many years. However, some water will eventually enter the system and
this will lower the boiling point of the brake fluid and promote
corrosion in the system. I think it is worth having the fluid changed
out to minimize the amount of water present. On the other hand, I know
plenty of people who have never had the brake fluid changed and never
had a problem. As long as your mechanic knows what he is doing,
changing the brake fluid won't hurt anything and it may prolong the
life of your braking system. Plus if you are in an area with a lot of
mountains, I think it is a good idea.

> I'm trying to know a little bit more about my car and hopefully this
> forum can help! :-)
>
> Thanks,
> Vicky
 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2008 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.