[Lynn]

I don't see that as a "con" when it comes to maintenance. By its very definition, nothing has to be broken to maintain. I don't wait until the engine locks up to change my oil. I don't wait until the gutters fall down to clean the leaves out. I don't wait for the pool pump to lock up before cleaning the filters and skimmers.

I knew a guy that claimed he could replace the enging in his car cheaper than changing oil over and over for a period of years. Maybe, but I doubt it.

I would not change from dot 3 to dot 4. I have limited experience with dot 5, but from what I understand, not a good plan unless all parts are new and lines are flushed.

I change brake fluid in the german cars every 3 years (dot 4), and in the murcan cars every two (dot 3). Just in case you need another reason, it is not likely, but possible for steel brake line to rust from the inside out. I have seen it twice, both times on cars that had zero fluid changes over the years.

Kurt's approach is great for a 4 wheel disc car. Rear drums will usually not gravity bleed because of a little check valve in the mc.