Vehicle Maintenance

Just trying to gauge how many people actually do this. How many of you follow the recommended scheduled service on your cars/trucks?

A little background. I own two 2021 vehicles that we purchased new. Before this i drove strictly beaters. Im taking cars that would cost as little as $500. On vehicles like those you dont do crap to them outside of oil changes until something breaks.

The wifes vehicle is coming up on 30k miles and it looks like thats when the list of components for inspection/replacing gets pretty long. Id like to keep these vehicles for a long time so im gonna follow the recommendations and take them in for inspection but was just curious what the consensus is on this sort of thing as its pretty new to me having only owned junk before this.

I do know to look out for things dealerships like to rip you off on like charging you an arm and a leg for replacing a cabin air filter ect. Im not the most mechanical person but ive been around long enough to know a little bit about whats important on a car and what maybe isnt so much or when someone is trying to rip you off.

What’s the list for maintenance?

for the honda oddysse its as follows

every 15k miles:

Tie-rod ends
Steering gear box and boots
Driveshaft boots
Suspension components
Brake hose and lines
Fluid levels and condition
Cooling system hoses and connections

Every 30k miles it says

In addition to the services listed above, you need to have the air cleaner element as well as the spark plugs replaced in your Honda Odyssey every 30,000 miles. The drive belts will need to be inspected and adjusted during these appointments too.

For the 2021 Tundra its the following at 30k miles:

Check installation of driver’s floor mat
Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
Inspect wiper blades
Lubricate propeller shaft (4WD)
Re-torque propeller shaft bolt
Replace cabin air filter
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Rotate tires
Inspect the following:
Automatic transmission for signs of leakage Ball joints and dust covers
Brake lines and hoses
Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs Drive shaft boots (4WD)
Engine coolant
Exhaust pipes and mountings
Front differential oil (4WD)
Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
Fuel tank cap gasket
Radiator and condenser
Rear differential oil
Steering gear
Steering linkage and boots
Transfer case oil (4WD)

30K is pretty early for any routine maintenance. Generally I do not subscribe to the theory of flushing a transmission. I dont want them forcing fluid back through the system likely dislodging metal and other contaminants in the process. When its time to service the transmission, I have them drain it and replace the filter. Surprisingly many new vehicles have non-serviceable transmission which is terrifying.
I tend to just fix something when it breaks which hasnt been often for my vehicles, but my wife’s have been a completely another story. Pack a lunch for that thing, but its almost all new from a drivetrain standpoint now and a new transmission last week. New engine last year. Otherwise its in great shape since its a Southern truck we wouldnt have to worry about rust for a very long time. Plan to run this thing into the ground or at least 3 more years while those new parts are under warranty.

Crappie, if you take your vehicle in for oil changes I am sure they check over the majority of that stuff already. We always get some laundry list of things that need to be replaced with my wife’s vehicle or at the very least % of life remaining on them. Been told the tie rod ends are about 50% etc on our Envoy too, but that is going down the road now that her truck is back and my truck finally came in.

crappie55369 wrote:

I do know to look out for things dealerships like to rip you off on like charging you an arm and a leg for replacing a cabin air filter ect.

What I’m about to say is only my own opinion through my experiences and should not be confused with facts or recommendations from anyone who knows what they’re talking about with vehicles.

I noticed over time certain places were ALWAYS finding something wrong. Go in for an oil change, come out with a $700 bill because they “found” this, that, more of this and that, etc.

I’m not well-versed in vehicle mechanics but I’d start just asking essential questions, especially “does this need to be done now?” or “how bad will or could it get if I wait until the next oil change?” Then I’d do some research of my own.

One big example was an oil change where I was told I needed about $800 of work. I asked if it needed to be done now and they recommended it be done “pretty soon.” I did some research and talked to some people and didn’t do anything about it. Lo and behold, next oil change they didn’t even say a word about the issue that was so significant last time.

For the honda does it say to just inspect tie rod ends or replace? 15k seems insane to replace. I would think most of that would be covered under warranty anyway even if it was replace.

My favorite is check the installation of the driver side floor mat.

Change the spark plugs at 30k?

Most of you fluids get checked when you get your oil changed.

I am guessing the other inspections go like this.
Stick there head under the car. Looks good to me.

Dan wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>crappie55369 wrote:</div>
I do know to look out for things dealerships like to rip you off on like charging you an arm and a leg for replacing a cabin air filter ect.

What I’m about to say is only my own opinion through my experiences and should not be confused with facts or recommendations from anyone who knows what they’re talking about with vehicles.

I noticed over time certain places were ALWAYS finding something wrong. Go in for an oil change, come out with a $700 bill because they “found” this, that, more of this and that, etc.

I’m not well-versed in vehicle mechanics but I’d start just asking essential questions, especially “does this need to be done now?” or “how bad will or could it get if I wait until the next oil change?” Then I’d do some research of my own.

One big example was an oil change where I was told I needed about $800 of work. I asked if it needed to be done now and they recommended it be done “pretty soon.” I did some research and talked to some people and didn’t do anything about it. Lo and behold, next oil change they didn’t even say a word about the issue that was so significant last time.

I agree 100%

CaptainMusky wrote:

Crappie, if you take your vehicle in for oil changes I am sure they check over the majority of that stuff already. We always get some laundry list of things that need to be replaced with my wife’s vehicle or at the very least % of life remaining on them. Been told the tie rod ends are about 50% etc on our Envoy too, but that is going down the road now that her truck is back and my truck finally came in.

i take my wifes Honda into the dealership for oil changes. I change the oil on my Tundray myself. Ive read too many horror stories about 18 year old technicians overtightening this or forgetting that. My truck is much harder to replace than my wifes minivan. Eventually ill get around to doing both at home

CaptainMusky wrote:

Generally I do not subscribe to the theory of flushing a transmission. I dont want them forcing fluid back through the system likely dislodging metal and other contaminants in the process.

My cousin is an engineer who has built a number of muscle cars up from the wheels up, and this was his recommendation as well. As far as other maintenance goes, I have a small local shop that I trust do all of our oil changes, and follow their recommendations.

Youbetcha wrote:

For the honda does it say to just inspect tie rod ends or replace? 15k seems insane to replace. I would think most of that would be covered under warranty anyway even if it was replace.

says

Every 15,000 miles, your vehicle will need to have its engine oil filter replaced. Its brakes and parking brake adjustments must also be checked. On top of that, technicians will have to visually inspect the following parts for damage or issues:

Tie-rod ends
Steering gear box and boots
Driveshaft boots
Suspension components
Brake hose and lines
Fluid levels and condition
Cooling system hoses and connections

I’ve mostly done everything on schedule for 2013 RAM 1500 which has an insane maintenance schedule like 16 spark plugs every 30k. My reasoning was that I have the lifetime warranty they used to sell, and didn’t want any reason for something to be denied in the future, but I really doubt it will end up being worth it unless I need something really expensive like a whole motor replacement On the plus side though the mechanic I bring it to says it’s in about the best shape of any truck they see with that many miles. If there aren’t warranty concerns I’d just find a mechanic you trust and do what they say when they say regardless of the schedule.

kind of a side note but ive read a lot about how newer vehicles use the computer system to tell you when your oil level is at X% and thats when you should change it. Ive read a lot about people following that and destroying their engines. For this reason ive always stuck to the 5k miles or 6 months rule for oil changes regardless. I know oil is a much higher quality now than 20 years ago but do you guys agree with this approach? I figure its a cheap way to ensure the most expensive part of your vehicle is in good shape

crappie55369 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Carter Johnson wrote:</div>
For the honda does it say to just inspect tie rod ends or replace? 15k seems insane to replace. I would think most of that would be covered under warranty anyway even if it was replace.

says

Every 15,000 miles, your vehicle will need to have its engine oil filter replaced. Its brakes and parking brake adjustments must also be checked. On top of that, technicians will have to visually inspect the following parts for damage or issues:

Tie-rod ends
Steering gear box and boots
Driveshaft boots
Suspension components
Brake hose and lines
Fluid levels and condition
Cooling system hoses and connections

Ok that makes more sense. Basically just have the 16 year old change the oil and say those things are good.

crappie55369 wrote:

Ive read too many horror stories about 18 year old technicians overtightening this or forgetting that. My truck is much harder to replace than my wifes minivan. Eventually ill get around to doing both at home

Tell me about it. The last two times I had my wife’s oil changed at the dealership they didnt get the filter fully tight. The first time there was a HUGE pool of oil under where her truck was parked and she had already left for work. I drove over there and laid under it and turned it at least one full turn. They have to also make sure the o-ring isnt stuck on there too. A lot easier to do on a lift than laying on your dang back on a cold garage floor.

crappie55369 wrote:

I know oil is a much higher quality now than 20 years ago but do you guys agree with this approach?

I believe there was a thread about this not that long ago. John Rasmussen is well versed in the auto industry so he may be able to help here.

Visual inspection. Take it to a reputable place and have the mechanic do a once over. Every time my lady drives my truck to work for a oil change it gets a 110 point inspection. Easy peasy. Get warnings of what is wearing and what’s golden. Even if something is wearing doesn’t mean it’s bad.

I don’t even wrench on my stuff any more because the woman manages a auto body and mechanics shop. Find a good mechanic and go from there. 65 bucks for a full synthetic oil change and inspection. I do not change ty
Tranny fluid.

crappie55369 wrote:

kind of a side note but ive read a lot about how newer vehicles use the computer system to tell you when your oil level is at X% and thats when you should change it. Ive read a lot about people following that and destroying their engines. For this reason ive always stuck to the 5k miles or 6 months rule for oil changes regardless. I know oil is a much higher quality now than 20 years ago but do you guys agree with this approach? I figure its a cheap way to ensure the most expensive part of your vehicle is in good shape

I go by the mileage the dealer tells me. It is pretty close to the computer on my truck.

gim wrote:

I know oil is a much higher quality now than 20 years ago but do you guys agree with this approach?

I believe there was a thread about this not that long ago. John Rasmussen is well versed in the auto industry so he may be able to help here.

Most all manufacturers use synthetic oil now or at the very least a blend. I remember in college when I was a cold weather tester for Chrysler I asked the engineers if they used synthetic oil and they said “no, we want things to break.”

My recommendation is to follow the list but be reasonable about it. Transmissions should be flushed/serviced every 30-50K. Most shops are not using anything that forces fluid anywhere it’s not supposed to go there is very little pressure being used and does not cause any damage. If a problem happens after a flush it was already going to happen and the new fluid may have made it happen sooner that’s all. That is what I learned from a transmission rebuilder I worked with. The dealer is known for putting these mileage packages together and charging extra to inspect things that most good shops should be looking at each time in, however the guy changing your oil is not a 30 year certified tech. Find a local shop you trust and let them guide you on what to do and when to do it. If anyone needs one in the north metro shoot me a pm.

Crappie most everything on your list is for inspection only. I’ve never heard of spark plug replacement at 30k on newer vehicles. Wipers, air, and cabin filters vary by owner and driving conditions. Inspect and replace these and yourself. Dealers have their place but some of their charges are crazy.

Ripjiggen wrote:

I go by the mileage the dealer tells me. It is pretty close to the computer on my truck.

Im very leery of going by the dash display. That was likely the reason my wife’s engine grenaded because of the LONG service interval. I go by 5K miles and MobilOne oil. Since my son works at the dealership we get oil changes and rotations for like $35 which is a bargain.

gim wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>crappie55369 wrote:</div>
I know oil is a much higher quality now than 20 years ago but do you guys agree with this approach?

I believe there was a thread about this not that long ago. John Rasmussen is well versed in the auto industry so he may be able to help here.

Your taking the correct approach Crappie, I do not trust the magical %, change your oil at least every 5k regardless of what oil you choose to run.

MX1825 wrote:

I’ve never heard of spark plug replacement at 30k on newer vehicles.

Depends on what kind of plugs are ran, copper resistor plugs get changed every 30k, most new engines are getting iridium tips nowadays, however there are some still running copper.

Here is a pretty good youtube series for maintaining a Toyota that is done by a master Toyota technician.

crappie55369 wrote:

kind of a side note but ive read a lot about how newer vehicles use the computer system to tell you when your oil level is at X% and thats when you should change it. Ive read a lot about people following that and destroying their engines. For this reason ive always stuck to the 5k miles or 6 months rule for oil changes regardless. I know oil is a much higher quality now than 20 years ago but do you guys agree with this approach? I figure its a cheap way to ensure the most expensive part of your vehicle is in good shape

I prefer to do my own oil changes as most places only use blended oil and not full synthetic. I change my oil every 10,000 miles and every few changes send an oil sample in to Blackstone for analysis to make sure I am not going too long. FYI, Menards has full synthetic Quaker state on sale for $20/ 5 quart jug plus you can use the 15% off bag getting it down to $17…..I picked up 13.

For the Honda, looks like a bunch of inspections lube oil filter and an air cleaner and plugs. Plugs seems excessive… I would think they should at least last 50K. Drive belts should be inspected, but adjustment I would think would be automatic with the tensioner ?

On the Toyota, obviously Lube oil filter, definitely lube the propeller shaft (should be hit every LOF) air filters.

Oh and for sure, check that floor mat

Agree with BigWerm and Bearcat. Find a smaller local mechanic that you can trust. I would not be going to the dealer for anything other than warranty work, but that’s just me.

Other than oil changes there isn’t anything that should need to be done at 30k.

Your list looks like a lot of visual inspections versus replacements. A vehicle that new that has not been beat to oblivion should be good to go with the most basic of maintenance.

A trustworthy mechanic who is not affiliated with the sale of automobiles is worth their weight in gold. If you suspect anything is a bit inflated or forced, schedule at a different shop without saying a word and compare findings.

We have a family friend who we allow to hunt on our land that runs a small 3 bay auto shop nearby. He has saved me thousands over the years and will fit me in often the same day by just staying late (crazy what a case of beer or a pizza will do to show appreciation for people in the service industry). I used to change all my own oil and do small basic stuff on the lift down in the buildings, but for peace of mind and valuing my own time – I’ve started to send everything to him.