Car Maintenance Question

[Boblobla]

Mrs. Boblobla's '06 Mazda 3 is due in for the 48000km service and I have a few questions. I would really appreciate the input of any of the car savvy people here because I know SFA.

1) Transmission Fluid: Does it need to be changed? The maintenance schedule in the owners manual (schedule 2, page 251) does not indicate when it is recommended to change the fluid.

2) Brake Fluid: Same question as above.

3) Can anyone recommend a good shop in the deep SE/SW? (Shawnessy, Midnapore, Sundance area)

4) When you think 48,000 km service, does a $700 figure shock an appall you or sound about right. It is a manual transmission.

5) Did I correctly use the apostrophe in Mrs. Boblobla's??

Thanks for the help CP Braintrust.

[burn_this_city]

I can't really see the car needing anything except a gas filter, air filter, oil change. Also according to your maintenence book a cabin air filter requires changing at 40,000.

[3thirty]

Brake Fluid I would say yes, tranny fluid no. At least with VW's the tranny fluid is done around 100, 000 km while the BF is done every 32,000 approx.

[CaptainCrunch]

You might also want to have them check the headlight Oil, the Windshield wiper governor, and the seat slide lubricants.

I agree with 3tirty though at 40,000 k Oil change, brake fluid, filter changes.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

5) Did I correctly use the apostrophe in Mrs. Boblobla's??

Yes. High five!

[Old Yeller]

My CR-V is nearing 90,000 km's and other than the cabin air filter, and regular air filter/oil changes I've essentially done NOTHING to it.

I'm getting good mileage and have no complaints but should I be taking it in for a full tune up at some point?

[puffnstuff]

My opinion is the opposite, change the trans fluid and NOT the brake fluid. Brake fluid would need changed because it absorbs moisture which causes damage to the hydraulic lines. The trans fluid breaks down with wear, all those gears meshings, small fragments of metal etc from the moving parts. Just MHO


Edit, just looked at that maintenance guide, all it calls for is an I, for inspection, of brake fluid and system, not replacement.

PS...if you wanna know how I'm gonna guess they 'flush' the brake system...picture a turkey baster...thats all some shops will ever use...scammers...lol

[Jackpot_Smooth]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

You might also want to have them check the headlight Oil, the Windshield wiper governor, and the seat slide lubricants.

I agree with 3tirty though at 40,000 k Oil change, brake fluid, filter changes.

Don't forget to lube the muffler bearing and refill the steam resevoir.

serious though, usually 40k checks are just filter changes and checks of key systems, maybe lube a joint or something. can't see the brake and tranny fluid needing to be changed. unless it's a manual and you think clutches are over rated.

[speede5]

All the fluids in your vehicle need changing eventually. To not do so is asking for problems. IMO the manufacturers recommendations are too frequent, but they are trying to make money on after sale service, and avoid warranty claims.

Check the condition of the fluids in question. If they are transparent, not full of floaties, and don't smell burnt (trans) they are probably fine. Also, you don't need to flush most of these things, just draining the master cylinder and refilling it changes half the fluid in your brake system. Do this three times over three months and you have replaced the whole contents. If you know how to bleed brakes you can completely change the brake fluid in an hour, and you may find they work better after a bleed. even a tiny bubble can affect braking.

Manual trans and rear ends are easy to drain and refill, you can do it yourself in an hour. $700 is a rip off. There's a lot of load on those gears and constant metal on metal wear so that fluid working hard. FWD trannys include the diff so that fluid works even harder.

Don't forget your clutch master cylinder, it uses brake fluid and it is a good idea to change it with time, just like the brake fluid.

Auto trans, change the fluid in the pan and the filter regularly and you will be fine. Unless it is burnt or the tranny is not functioning properly I would never flush an automatic. Regular fluid changes will keep it running right for years.

At the end of the day, you know how your vehicle is being used and how hard that fluid is being abused so make your schedules accordingly. The dealer reccommends a one size fits all target. Using a truck to tow a fifth wheel in BC and driving that truck empty back and forth should not be on the same schedule....

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Just throw some fake balls on that thing and let 'er be.

[Boblobla]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

[DuffMan]

Some vehicles never have their tranny fluid done.
I did my Jeep Cherokee at 250k, and I'm positive that is the first time it's ever been done.
I think some vehicles it is 100k, or 150k, before a scheduled tranny fluid change, and by that time the are in second hand or more ownership, so maintenance like that depends on if you get upsold on it when you go for oil change etc.

[zamler]

Always, always follow the maintenance schedule in the owners manual if in doubt. Even better, change the fluids more frequently than the manual specifies.

As for brake fluid, replacing it every 2 years is highly recommended. The older it gets, the higher the moisture content, which causes the seals especially to degrade and will lead to costly leaks. Your brakes will also work better, and you will have better pedal feel.

I don't know of a good shop in south Calgary, but Browns Auto in the N.E. is a really great place. Honest and reasonably priced.