Originally posted by: novon
My car is coming up for it's scheduled 60K service, I read the manual and it's basically a fluid change and new spark plugs - for $249...I was wondering if it really is worth it...or should I just get my normal oil change?
Originally posted by: datalink7
Spark plugs are easy to change. Do them yourself.
Originally posted by: The_good_guy
at 60K normally timing chain is replaced.. try that..
Originally posted by: The_good_guy
at 60K normally timing chain is replaced.. try that..
Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt
Scheduled maintainence is NEVER worth it. It's collusion between the dealer and the manufacturer to help them make more money on parts and labor. Just change your oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and have the timing belt changed whenever mandated. For most cars it's 80,000-100,000 and it's imperitive that you don't skip that step. Timing belts do wear out and break and if they go it's goodbye engine.
Otherwise, they're hitting you up for several hours of labor to inspect hoses, check fluid levels and do other stuff you can check yourself in your driveway in 20 minutes. Bag all those overpriced scheduled maintainance rip-offs and take the care in once a year to a trusted local mechanic for a brief inspection and a cooling system flush/fill. For the most part cars let you know when something is wrong. If the hoses are bad you'll see fliud in your driveway. Brakes have audible wear sensors so they screech when they need to be replaced, there's no need to check pad width. Fluid levels are marked and easy to check. Mileage and power decrease if the plugs are bad, etc etc etc. There isn't really a need to keep taking it in to the dealer to check if something is wrong. You might go to a doctor for a physical once a year, but would you really do it 6 to 12 times a year? Of course not and the same applies to your car. Repeat after me:
Oil changes and timing belt
Oil changes and timing belt
Oil changes and timing belt
Originally posted by: Tominator
Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt
Scheduled maintainence is NEVER worth it. It's collusion between the dealer and the manufacturer to help them make more money on parts and labor. Just change your oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and have the timing belt changed whenever mandated. For most cars it's 80,000-100,000 and it's imperitive that you don't skip that step. Timing belts do wear out and break and if they go it's goodbye engine.
Otherwise, they're hitting you up for several hours of labor to inspect hoses, check fluid levels and do other stuff you can check yourself in your driveway in 20 minutes. Bag all those overpriced scheduled maintainance rip-offs and take the care in once a year to a trusted local mechanic for a brief inspection and a cooling system flush/fill. For the most part cars let you know when something is wrong. If the hoses are bad you'll see fliud in your driveway. Brakes have audible wear sensors so they screech when they need to be replaced, there's no need to check pad width. Fluid levels are marked and easy to check. Mileage and power decrease if the plugs are bad, etc etc etc. There isn't really a need to keep taking it in to the dealer to check if something is wrong. You might go to a doctor for a physical once a year, but would you really do it 6 to 12 times a year? Of course not and the same applies to your car. Repeat after me:
Oil changes and timing belt
Oil changes and timing belt
Oil changes and timing belt
If you are going to keep that car for a few years, the above is just plain wrong!
Fluids wear out or get contaminated.
Preventative care for your car is THE key to reliability!
If a hose goes bad on the road it's likely you will pay MUCH more than this service will cost. If the car overheats you could ruin the complete motor!
Is the transmission an automatic? Even if it's a standard tranny the fluid has a recommended interval for replacement.
The brake fluid should be flushed and a dragging brake pad will ruin the rotor, pads and cause you to get lousy mileage. It could cause an accident too! All without those wear sensors clicking.
Originally posted by: Amused
I agree, but he is half right. The frequency mandated in most car manuals are ridiculously high. The timing belt change at 60,000 miles is WAY too soon. I've seen few, if any break before 100,000 miles. Oh, and to the person who said a broken timing belt screws an engine: Only a few engines these days will be shot if the timing belt/chain breaks. Most will just simply stop running until the belt/chain is replaced.
And don't get me started on the 3000 mile oil change rule. That is SUCH a marketing scam, and it only happens here in the US. In most of the world, oil changes are 5000-10,000 miles... on the VERY same cars and engines sold here. You'll note that most car makes will suddenly raise the standard to 5000 miles or more when they include maintenance free with the car.
But I agree that hoses, all belts, and fluids MUST be kept up.
Another consideration is warranty. Does it violate BB and PT warranties if one does not follow the mandated service schedule?