~70,000 mile maintenance

[stratking]

My truck recently hit the 70k mark and I was wondering what I should be looking at as far as maintenance. Looking online, there seems to be varying suggestions and wanted to get the opinion here. As a disclaimer, I haven't done too much with cars but would like to actually try my hand at some of the work. I've never changed oil or spark plugs but think I am going to try these myself.

Recently my truck, a '03 B3000, has been losing gas mileage. My last tank netted me around 260 miles where as I used to get about 310/tank. The last time I was at the shop, I was told that I need a fuel flush. I'd imagine that I can't do that myself, but maybe checking the fuel filter would be doable?

And lastly, at this mileage, should I be looking at a synthetic oil or just the cheap stuff? I'd like to put something good in there but not sure where to start.

 

[Vette73]

You might want to say what it is, your car? I see you said b3000, so i take it that you have a 2003 Mazda B3000 (3.0L V6). Same as the ford ranger. Also is it auto/stick, 2/4 wd,???


But the basic stuff.

1. Filters. Check/replace PCV Valve, fuel filter, air filter, and trans filter if an auto.
2. Fluids. Check/Replace antifreeze, trans fluid, diff fluid, and brake fluid.
3. Replace Rad cap and maybe spark plugs.
4. Check brakes and shocks.

Plug wires should be ok, I don't think they had coil on plugs in 03?


All of this is not to hard on that truck. I have a 94 B4000 and did all that after I got it. It has 160k on it right now.

 

[Arkaign]

If you don't mind spending some extra $$ for better quality (in case you run into an extended time where you don't get the chance to change your oil), or you just want improved longevity from that motor, use :

Schaeffer's
Royal Purple
Amsoil

^^ any of those 3 are paraffin Group IV synthetics, really really good stuff.

 

[stratking]

Yeah, forgot to mention that. You got it right, it's a 2003 Mazda B3000 w/ an automatic and 2wd. I think I should be able to handle the fluids and the air filter. Not sure how to tell if the fuel filter needs to be replaced or not. Also not sure how to check the brakes and shocks, need to start looking online for that.

 

[spigot]

On brakes, I've started making it an annual maintenance item. Find a good shop book (factory ones are usually the best, I've found) and take those brakes apart. Clean all the rust from the sliding surfaces. That'll help prevent one end of a pad from binding and causing uneven pad wear on front calipers. Check the brake hose that the caliper is connected to for rot or excessive cracking. Check the rotor for noticeable uneven wear or deep grooves that might indicate other problems.

Generally if they aren't making noise, and I've got good pad life left, then I lube the backsides of the pads and the sliding surfaces just like I was installing new ones, and I put it all back together for another year.

Also like Marlin1975 said, might want to consider brake fluid change if that hasn't been done. So many people neglect brakes overall until it's too late, and especially the fluid.

 

[frozentundra123456]

My truck recently hit the 70k mark and I was wondering what I should be looking at as far as maintenance. Looking online, there seems to be varying suggestions and wanted to get the opinion here. As a disclaimer, I haven't done too much with cars but would like to actually try my hand at some of the work. I've never changed oil or spark plugs but think I am going to try these myself.

Recently my truck, a '03 B3000, has been losing gas mileage. My last tank netted me around 260 miles where as I used to get about 310/tank. The last time I was at the shop, I was told that I need a fuel flush. I'd imagine that I can't do that myself, but maybe checking the fuel filter would be doable?

And lastly, at this mileage, should I be looking at a synthetic oil or just the cheap stuff? I'd like to put something good in there but not sure where to start.

I would concur with most of the recommendations already posted. I have never changed brake fluid, but plan to on my most recent car. You should definitely do the routine maintenance, but I would not count on gas mileage to increase to the previous level. It can vary a lot because of the weather and what kind of driving you do.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

That's a heck of a zombie.