Advice from the dealer

Yep. That'll work.

 

Just one thing to be careful about. Do not use brake fluid from a can that has been opened for while. Always start with a new fresh never opened can when the brake fluid is changed. When I have new brake fluid left over from a fluid change, I discard it with the used fluid.

 

This is very good advice!

 

Dealer is just looking for revenue. At 5 years and 71k I would not do it. I do it when I change pads which I may never do with the way I use brakes.

 

This guy explains it well.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6tQtyxbac4M

 

In general, yes, or 4, or 3/4. Here is a great link for characteristic comparisons. https://www.lelandwest.com/brake-fluid-comparison-chart.cfm

I recommend using 4, even on a daily driver. This article explains why. http://www.mossmotors.com/SiteGraphics/Pages/brake_fluid/page1.html

Pick a product based on how you use the vehicle. For my performance stuff, I liked the ATE and high end Castrol products. But heat was my concern.

For daily use, Castrol LMA is my go to.

Some of the store labeled stuff may be fine, particularly if you can figure out who actually makes it, and if you never stress your brakes.

Problem with figuring out who makes rebadged products (of any kind) is that when that contract runs out, you don't know who the next producer is. So for critical systems (I consider all lubricants/fluids critical, unless it's a pure beater I'm just keeping breathing) I prefer to use a named product.

 

I have a 2007 Tacoma TRD. Canadian model. My maintenance booklet and ownership manual make no reference to changing out brake fluid at any point. Just adding when low from an unopened container of brake fluid. i think it is a good idea to change the brake fluid at any rate and wonder when Toyota added this to the maintenance schedule. Also coolant replacement is recommended at 96mos/128000km initially and 48mos/64000km thereafter in my 2007 manual.

 

^Yes there have been some changes to the maintenance booklet over the years. I could find the 2009 through 2012 booklets online. See attachments.

Does it make sense to have an initial long interval then recurring short intervals for the coolant? Can't think of a good reason why the factory fill would be better than the jugs of SLLC at the dealership parts counter. That's why I just go with the recurring short interval.

 

Your correct I did my coolant flush at 8 yrs but I'm embarrassed to say that at 9yrs old I still only have 74000 km approx. 46000 miles on it