some very BASIC auto maintenance questions

Norm Apter

OK, so my wife and I are first-time car owners after our purchase of a Nissan Sentra '06 last August. Neither of us know anything about the upkeep of cars. Hence my post.

Its an 1.8 automatic, 4-cylinder, 4-door sedan that had 29 k miles on it at the time we purchased it. Since then, we've put 6,500 miles on it (current total 35.5k) The only thing I've done is take it in for two oil changes. Everything seems OK, but given the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" as well as the recommendations by the folks at E-Z Lube, I had a few questions about your approaches to auto maintenance:

1. Tire Rotation. They suggest every 6000 miles and charge 19.00. Based on your experience, do these figures seem reasonable?

2. They also recommended Transmission Service based on a 30k mile figure. It looks like this involves flushing the old transmission fluid and replacing it. The charge amounts to $120 (including additive). Again, do most of you guys do this every 30k miles. Reasonable charge?

3. Brake fluid. They tested it and reported it was "low" This is the one service recommendation they had that they don't actually peform. Any idea on how much a typical charge is for this service? And should I try to find a private mechanic (via a friend) or look for some other chain dealer such as Good Year for this?

4. Power Steering Fluid Service. "safely removes deposits and impurities from power steering systems; cleans all internal components: pumps, turbines, pistons, racks" Recommended every 30k miles (again I'd be past due) for a charge of $60.

5. Intake System Cleaning. "Removes carbon deposits, improves power and performance, reduces emissions" They recommend it every 15 k miles ($80). ???

Aside from these more specific queries, I suppose the bigger question is whether you guys mostly go by the advice of trusted mechanic with whom you have a long-term relationship or whether you choose services based on mileage, as indicated above?

Any feedback is welcome and would be much appreciated.

Norm

F1nut

1. Do it.
2. Do it. Price seems on the high side.
3. Low what, level? You can add brake fluid yourself.
4. Don't bother.
5. Don't bother.

devani

1. You can do the tire rotation yourself as well....jack up one side of the car...and remove both front and rear tires and swap on the raised side....tighten lugs and lower your car and do other side
..you are done....
but if you don't want to do it, it's pretty good price....
2. is on the high side, dealer should charge pretty much same using OEM fluid....EZ lube will use cheap generic trans fluid...

bobman1235

Beware of those EZ Lube places, they'll try to sell you everything they can. People rag on the dealerships, but for oil changes, I take my car to Subaru, beause they don't try to sell me anything extra unless the service schedule actually says it (and they would know the service schedule). And the oil change at the dealership costs the same as at Jiffy Lube or whatever you want to go to (maybe five bucks more).

heiney9

1) do it
2) personally I would have a dealer do it. I don't like that they are adding an additive.
3) brake fluid absorbs moisture and should be changed about every 2-3 years. You should find out why it's low or check it yourself to make sure they aren't mistaken.
4) good idea but at 30K it could wait.
5) the best stuff to use for this is Redline S-1 fuel system cleaner; second is Chevron fuel system cleaner. If you use good fuel and one of the above you don't need to spend the money they suggest

http://www.allraceoil.com/redlinefuelcleaner.html

http://www.chevron.com/products/ourfuels/prodserv/additives/tcp.aspx

Those are my personal recommendations. I have used the Redline but I can't find it local anymore so I use the Chevron about once a month.

I've used the same mechanic since I got of high school; that was 25 years ago. I don't go to the quick lube places or Walmart or Sears, etc.

H9

strider

F1nut wrote: »

1. Do it.
2. Do it. Price seems on the high side.
3. Low what, level? You can add brake fluid yourself.
4. Don't bother.
5. Don't bother.

X2, except I don't think it's that bad of a price for a trans fluid flush. If it's just a drain and fill, yeah, kinda on the high side.

nooshinjohn

1. Tire Rotation. They suggest every 6000 miles and charge 19.00. Based on your experience, do these figures seem reasonable?

this is not to bad. I would say do it

2. They also recommended Transmission Service based on a 30k mile figure. It looks like this involves flushing the old transmission fluid and replacing it. The charge amounts to $120 (including additive). Again, do most of you guys do this every 30k miles. Reasonable charge?

you should not need to do the transmission until 50k, so no do not do this one

3. Brake fluid. They tested it and reported it was "low" This is the one service recommendation they had that they don't actually peform. Any idea on how much a typical charge is for this service? And should I try to find a private mechanic (via a friend) or look for some other chain dealer such as Good Year for this?

The only reason for the brake fluid to be low is that the car needs brakes. have the brakes inspected when the tires are being rotated. The fluid itself should not need to be changed yet.

4. Power Steering Fluid Service. "safely removes deposits and impurities from power steering systems; cleans all internal components: pumps, turbines, pistons, racks" Recommended every 30k miles (again I'd be past due) for a charge of $60.

This service is not due yet either. wait for 50k or get the care intervals from the dealer and follow them

5. Intake System Cleaning. "Removes carbon deposits, improves power and performance, reduces emissions" They recommend it every 15 k miles ($80). ???

do this one yourself. get a can of intake and throttle body cleaner and a new air filter(15.00) remove the air intake pipe/airbox and spray the throttle body with the cleaner on both sides of the butterfly and reinstall the intake assembly. install new air filter and you are done.

I am a service advisor for GM by trade so I can speak from experience that the info given is pretty good, though I don't have info for Nissan. I would assume that they are a bit less needy of labor/maintenance than GM vehicles... do NOT let E/Z lube touch your car for these services. They lie cheat and steal and are only looking to get deeper in your wallet by recommending stuff the dealer would not be recommending at this point. check with the dealer about service intervals before spending a dime. As far as brakes go... have that rotation done and the brakes checked. I bet you need them at 30k. Let me know if I am right.
[/QUOTE]

BeRad

After replacing the transmission on 2 used Intrepids I had (I know I know, Dodge transmissions are garb) I will always get the transmission flush on any vehicle I have every 60,000 km.

I was thinking a nice decal for the rear window: "I'VE BLOWN 3 TRANNYS IN THIS THING!"

strider

nooshinjohn wrote: »

you should not need to do the transmission until 50k, so no do not do this one

do this one yourself. get a can of intake and throttle body cleaner and a new air filter(15.00) remove the air intake pipe/airbox and spray the throttle body with the cleaner on both sides of the butterfly and reinstall the intake assembly. install new air filter and you are done.

I am a service advisor for GM by trade so I can speak from experience that the info given is pretty good, though I don't have info for Nissan. I would assume that they are a bit less needy of labor/maintenance than GM vehicles... do NOT let E/Z lube touch your car for these services. They lie cheat and steal and are only looking to get deeper in your wallet by recommending stuff the dealer would not be recommending at this point. check with the dealer about service intervals before spending a dime. As far as brakes go... have that rotation done and the brakes checked. I bet you need them at 30k. Let me know if I am right.

Don't you have access to AllData? According to the manufacturer, automatic transmission fluid is to be inspected every 15k miles for condition, and replaced as necessary

Are you certain the t-body's accessible? Even so, and I'm not implying that the induction service is necessary at this interval, cleaning the throttle body only wouldn't touch anything further into the intake system, such as the valves, etc.

nooshinjohn

the dealers do not use alldata, they have their own maintenance schedules an dI would follow those. Inspecting is far different than replacing and I agree they should be checked. Fluids last far longer than 15k, with exceptions to gasoline and oil.

strider

nooshinjohn wrote: »

the dealers do not use alldata, they have their own maintenance schedules an dI would follow those. Inspecting is far different than replacing and I agree they should be checked. Fluids last far longer than 15k, with exceptions to gasoline and oil.

Which dealers don't use AllData? The information form AllData is culled from the manufacturers, with the possible exception of customer pay labor times for repairs. It's a pretty good resource.

Agreed that inspection is different then replacement, but I also assumed that was obvious....

wizzy

If you're concerned about money, watch out on those 3000 mile oil changes. This is a myth promoted by the Jiffie Lubes of the world. Cars are fine going 7500 (or 6k, or whatever the manual says) between changes unless all your trips are not even warming the car up - as in under 5 or 10 minutes.

I have a car I don't drive a lot, but it gets at least a few good 5+ mile trips in a month. I change the oil at 12 months if I haven't hit 6k on the oil.

Actually I see you've only put 6.5k on in like 9 months ago, so maybe you did it based on time interval ... or one when new, and one at 6k

wizzy

Norm Apter wrote: »

2. They also recommended Transmission Service based on a 30k mile figure. It looks like this involves flushing the old transmission fluid and replacing it. The charge amounts to $120 (including additive). Again, do most of you guys do this every 30k miles. Reasonable charge?

Hmmm, I would do a basic drain & fill at 30k and full flush at 60k, but then again I could be hosing my auto tranny too. Kind of doubt it though.

The "additive" thing sounds like a way for them to make an extra few bucks.

AudioGenics

remember your limitations when DIY

true professionals have dedicated their lives to the work by investing in specialized tools and equipment and education.

Like after a rotation by a PRO who may uncover an issue that is not recognized by the DIY'er, upon demounting a tire you can see suspension, brakes, any other components. or maybe he / she would notice a small leak.

Establish a long term relationship with a Pro Certified mechanic that you trust. Perhaps with a person that specializes in your model and make.

Also document and keep records.

Safety comes first...

BeRad

joseph.v.chen wrote: »

Establish a long term relationship with a Pro Certified mechanic that you trust.

Very good advice. I have a mechanic on the speed dial that I got to know personally. I found out through work that he is one of the most knowledgable, and honest mechanics I have run into in my 15 years in the auto industry. I trust this guy with anything on my cars regardless of how good of a deal he gives me. (usually very cheap labor, sometimes free.)

F1nut

strider wrote: »

X2, except I don't think it's that bad of a price for a trans fluid flush. If it's just a drain and fill, yeah, kinda on the high side.

I defer to your excellent knowledge, good sir.

Jstas

strider wrote: »

Which dealers don't use AllData? The information form AllData is culled from the manufacturers, with the possible exception of customer pay labor times for repairs. It's a pretty good resource.

Agreed that inspection is different then replacement, but I also assumed that was obvious....

I know of 4 Ford dealers in the area that use ALLDATA because they service more than just Ford vehicles. Gotta make a buck somehow, right?

Besides, even *I* use ALLDATA. Much, much better than any Chilton's, Haynes or other manual short of a manufacturer service manual. It's not cheap and if you got the somewhat less than legal route, it's not easy to get either. But if you are going to be doing your own service, ALLDATA is indispensable.

Then again, you can go to the online resource and get a years subscription for your specific vehicle. Costs about $30 a year but totally worth it because it gets all the updates including TSB's, service notifications and recalls that the mechanics that subscribe to the professional service get.

The first shop I worked in that had ALLDATA, I swore I would never work in another shop without it again. Extremely useful tool.

wz2p7j

I speak from 2 sides as I own a transmission shop but also worked for GM as a quality engineer on a couple transmission programs. My suggestion for trans service (fluid change) is to go with what the manufacturer recommends. Most modern transmissions don't need trans service until 50k miles or even 100k miles. Remember, the manufacturers drove lotsa cars lotsa miles (or other validation, like dyno's) to recommend this. Go with what they say. Chris

Serendipity

wz2p7j wrote: »

I speak from 2 sides as I own a transmission shop but also worked for GM as a quality engineer on a couple transmission programs. My suggestion for trans service (fluid change) is to go with what the manufacturer recommends. Most modern transmissions don't need trans service until 50k miles or even 100k miles. Remember, the manufacturers drove lotsa cars lotsa miles (or other validation, like dyno's) to recommend this. Go with what they say. Chris

I don't know much about cars, but doesn't it depend on the usage conditions? For example, I was told that if towing a trailer or driving in hilly areas, the transmission fluid should be changed more frequently than the 30k miles recommended by the manufacturer.

Can someone clarify this?