What are valid auto maintenance items that should be done on a regular 3-6 month basis?

Question

I frequently take my car to these quick lube places and they always come back to me with a number of maintenance items that they try to sell me. The last time, the guy said it had been over a year since I last had my oil changed (but only about 5k miles) and I should have my oil line flushed because gunk can form over a year and reduce oil quality and flow. $79 he said. Well, I said no and started to wonder what was really valid and what was a scam. I get the same from my dealer - a yearly letter saying I need to spend hundreds of dollars for maintenance. Is this generally a scam?

Answer 1

At a quick lube, look at what they hire, they are usually kids who just got out of high school making minimum wage PLUS commission, so they are going to try you anything whether its legitimate or not. every 3 months you should at least change your oil, and rotate your tires every7-10k miles(with every tire rotation check the air filter-it may need replacement at this interval depending upon driving conditions) Every year at a minimum you should have your brakes cleaned/lubed and adjusted(drums) Regular lubrication of the brake caliper slides will maintain even wear and maximize the life of your brakes... Thats about all of the real world maintainence you should need... Every 2 years at a minum change your tranny fluid and filter also......

I recommend going to the quick lubes to get the oil changed and tires repaired ONLY. say no to what they try to sell you, but if it is a safety issue, take it to an honest mechanic or dealer to have it attended to....

Answer 2

You need to have your oil changed every 30 thousand miles.

He is trying to get you to buy something you do not need.  

Answer 3

conventional oil change it every 3000 to 3500 miles and do not use any oil that is parafin based or east coast oils. the parafin is what causes sludge.  use a west coast or synthetic based oil.  I did not say use a synthetic oil.  do not know if i can list the good and the bad by name on here..  if you use sythetic oil change it about every 5000 miles. time wise they say every 3 to 4 months for conventional oil and 6 to 7 months for synthetic if you do not reach the mileage limits. As far as flushing an engine i would not do it myself.  as far as maitenence scheduals periodically check your air filter.  

Answer 4

Yes that is their job to try to get money out of you. You should have your oil and filter changed,fuel filter, air filter on a more regular 3-6. Have your plugs and wires checked, suspensionand brakes annually. If you take care of your car the routine maintenance should be enough. Be sure to check your tire pressure often and never drive on under a quarter of a tank of gas. This will prevent problems in your fuel system. You can put a treatment in your gas every so often to prevent a buildup in the ral system. If you have an older car getting things like the fuel system, radiator, transmission oil line flushed can extend the life of your car.

Answer 5

nope, sounds real. you need to change your oil probably twice within 6 months and your oil filter once depending on the shape of it. also, other things i do is check my tires often and once in a while i check my locknuts.

my suggestion, pay the 79$ now and don't let it happen again. your oil clumps up after a while and can stick places reducing flow just as the mechanic stated. flush it out.

every 30,000 miles (above) pfffffffffffffffff. no, max 3000 miles depending on your oil quality OR 3-4 months!!!