I have owned my Volvo for two years. Yesterday, while checking in the
                  owner's manual about the next servicing, I read that, after two years, the
                  dealer must change the brake fluid, if the owner asks for it.
                  I am wondering what it means. Is it really useful ? Is it worth the
                  money it will cost ? What could happen if I do not have it done ?
                  I would like to know if anybody has an opinion about this matter or has
                  ever done it.

                  Thanks in advance
                  --
                  Claude

                  Brake fluid can absorb moisture (it is very hydroscopic) which
                  can cause problems when the brake fluid heats and the water boils
                  (you get air in the lines and poor braking). Also, keeping the
                  fluid fresh is supposed to lengthen the life of the ABS
                  components which are very expensive to replace (I suspect it
                  is more of a case of dirty fluid shortening the life of ABS parts).

                  If you live in a dry climate you may be able to go with a longer
                  time between changes. I've yet to do this on my 4 year old
                  98 but will within the next couple months as it hits 30K miles.

                  Dealer where I service our Volvos at includes this in the 30K
                  and 60K services and does not break the price out (so I can't
                  say what it would cost).

                  --
                  Ray Niblett 95 855 GLT / 98 S70 T5M

                  I thank you for the information. I live in Montreal and, after reading your
                  answer, I am still wondering if it is realyy useful to do it after two years and
                  30K kms, which means approximately 18k miles.

                  --
                  Claude

                  It may also depend on your climate. If it is dry yo can go longer.
                  Local dealer probably could advise. After 4 years I've never done
                  mine and I'm not worried about it.
                  --
                  Ray Niblett 95 855 GLT / 98 S70 T5M

                  > I am wondering what it means. Is it really useful ? Is it worth the
                  > money it will cost ? What could happen if I do not have it done ?
                  > I would like to know if anybody has an opinion about this matter or
                  > has
                  > ever done it.

                  Is it useful: Yes. It's your safety we're talking about here!

                  What could happen if I do not have it done: if the fluid is old it will have
                  absorbed a large amount of moisture, which lowers it's boiling point pretty
                  drastically.

                  If you brake hard (emergency stop) or drive down a mountain (regular braking)
                  the moisture which has gotten into the fluid will start to make it boil. This will
                  give air bubbles in the brake lines. This causes loss of braking power as air
                  compresses... As Ray pointed out can dirty brake fluid also cause problems in
                  some (very expensive) ABS parts.

                  Milage is not very important, age is. Every second of every day the fluid will
                  be slowly sucking in humidity from the air. Use it or not. Also one of the
                  reasons that an opened container of brake-fluid can only be stored for 1 to 2
                  months before having to be thrown away.

                  If you were living in a hot, dry climate you may be able to safely extend this
                  period, but in a wet, cold climate I would even lean towards a flush every
                  year. If you drive fast (and need to brake hard often) or in the mountains then
                  I'd definitely go for a yearly flush.

                  I always have my brake system flushed every 2 years (irrespective of milage)
                  and I definitely feel the difference. More positive braking and less 'fuzzyness'
                  when braking longer. I'd call a few $$ for a flush good preventive maintenance.
                  As a side-effect you probably will never have problems with bleed-screws
                  getting stuck because they haven't been used in year..

                  Bye, Arno.

                  --
                  S40T4M with TME ECU upgrade and exhaust, using 215/40R17 Toyo Proxes
                  T1-S tires on O.Z. F1-Cup wheels