Cost by vehicle:
your car, your price.
What your specific make actually costs to flush at the dealer versus an independent shop, the DOT type it requires, and the manufacturer interval.
Every major make
| Make | Dealer | Independent | DOT type | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda / Acura | $100 to $150 | $80 to $110 | DOT 3 | 3 yrs |
| Toyota / Lexus | $100 to $160 | $80 to $120 | DOT 3 | 2 yrs / 20k mi |
| BMW / Mini | $180 to $250 | $100 to $150 | DOT 4 (some models DOT 4 LV) | 2 yrs |
| Ford | $100 to $160 | $80 to $120 | DOT 3 or DOT 4 | Inspect at service |
| Chevrolet / GMC / Buick | $100 to $160 | $80 to $120 | DOT 3 | Inspect at service |
| Subaru | $100 to $140 | $80 to $110 | DOT 3 or DOT 4 | 30k mi (~3 yrs) |
| Hyundai / Kia | $100 to $150 | $80 to $110 | DOT 3 or DOT 4 | 2 yrs / 15k mi |
| Volkswagen / Audi | $150 to $220 | $100 to $150 | DOT 4 | 2 yrs |
| Nissan / Infiniti | $100 to $150 | $80 to $110 | DOT 3 | Inspect at service |
| Mercedes-Benz | $180 to $260 | $100 to $160 | DOT 4 Plus | 2 yrs |
The detail
Honda / Acura
DOT 3Straightforward bleed procedure, no special tools. Among the cheapest flushes to get done.
Toyota / Lexus
DOT 3Simple system. Toyota dealers push this aggressively at every service. Most owners can wait until the 2-year mark.
BMW / Mini
DOT 4 (some models DOT 4 LV)Higher cost: DOT 4 fluid pricier than DOT 3, ABS may need scan-tool bleed, dealer labor $150+/hr. An indie BMW specialist saves $80 to $100.
Ford
DOT 3 or DOT 4No set interval but Ford recommends inspection. Trucks (F-150, F-250) cost $10 to $20 more for the larger system.
Chevrolet / GMC / Buick
DOT 3GM does not specify a fixed interval, so use the 3-year industry default. Pricing tracks Ford closely.
Subaru
DOT 3 or DOT 4Straightforward. AWD does not change the brake fluid procedure.
Hyundai / Kia
DOT 3 or DOT 4Among the most frequent recommended intervals. Worth checking your specific model in the owner manual.
Volkswagen / Audi
DOT 4Similar to BMW: European labor rates plus DOT 4 fluid. Indie European specialists offer 30 to 40 percent savings.
Nissan / Infiniti
DOT 3No fixed interval. Use the 3-year default unless your manual says otherwise.
Mercedes-Benz
DOT 4 PlusThe most expensive routine flush due to specialised DOT 4 Plus and dealer labor rates. Indie Mercedes specialists are a much better deal.
Why European cars cost more
BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Porsche flush prices land 30 to 60 percent above their Japanese and American equivalents. Three drivers:
- Fluid spec. DOT 4 and DOT 4 Plus run $8 to $20 per quart, versus $4 to $8 for DOT 3.
- Scan-tool bleed. Some models require a factory scan tool to cycle the ABS pump. Adds 15 to 30 minutes and $20 to $50 to the bill, but it is legitimate work.
- Dealer labor. European dealer rates are $150 to $200 per hour. Independent European-specialist shops charge $90 to $130 and do the same work.
Larger systems, slightly more
SUVs and trucks use 1.5 to 2 quarts of fluid versus roughly 1 quart for a sedan. Some trucks have rear drum brakes that add a few minutes. Expect $10 to $30 more than the sedan equivalent for the same make.