Have a 2005 Accord with 53K miles.

Never had the brake fluid changed. The owners' manual recommends replacing it every 3 years.

Is changing the fluid necessary, and is there a way to tell if my car needs it?

 

Three years is a very good recommendation.

Is there any way to tell if it needs changing? Yes, time is pretty much the only factor; regardless of whether you've driven your six miles or six-hundred-thousand miles since the brake fluid was new, if you've gone over three years, it needs to be changed.

Why? Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs water on a continual basis; this creates two issues:

1. As the water content of the brake fluid increases, the fade resistance of your brakes decreases. Ultimately the brakes will start to fade in simple day to day driving.
2. Water in the brake lines and down in the calipers and brake cylinders (if so equipped) WILL cause corrosion; keeping the brake fluid (relatively) fresh will eliminate or severely limit said corrosion.

 

Shipo, many thanks for the response.

 

My pleasure.