Useful life of vital fluids?

[got2haul]

Brake fluid?  When should it be changed?

Oil?  3 months or 3000 miles is common knowledge.  What about a vehicle that is only driven a few hundred miles each year?

Other fluids?

I bring this up because I have a '89 C1500 that belonged to my dad that I drive around 300-500 miles per year.  57K miles right now.

[bake74]

     With all fluids there is a viscosity rating, a expert would tell you to change when the viscosity starts to break down, but since we don't have chemical labs in our basements a good rule of thumb is when they change color excessively then change them.

[1984k30]

I thought the viscosity of the oil never broke down just the additives in the oil?

[topp]

Oil holds moisture and contaminants from the combustion process.....

I change it at 3000 miles or 3 months regardless...

[VileZambonie]

If the vehicle isn't being driven, changing the oil every 3 months is a pointless. If it isn't being used that much and is stored in a dry environment use a good synthetic and change it two to three times a year.

Gasoline is the worst fluid to let sit. Run a fuel stabilizer as well.

Dot 3 brake fluid is hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture. Change it biannually.

The other fluids just use your judgment.

[84chevysilverado]

Some fuel stabilizers are actually worse then just old fue.some fuel stabilizers will also start to break down after a while. I personally stay away from fuel stabilizers just my 2 cents

[VileZambonie]

Then don't buy your fuel stabilizer from Ocean State Job Lot