Ask Randy...
Q: The dealer said that
I should schedule a “complete engine flush” which
includes changing all hoses and belts, flushing the
cooling system, etc. The cost is $900 and the vehicle
is out of warranty at 40,000 miles. Is this necessary
maintenance and is $900 a reasonable charge?
This is a good question and
a classic example of “too much of a good thing.” I’ll
be the first to tell any car owner that maintenance
is good. AAA’s annual vehicle inspections show
that, overall, people don’t perform enough timely
maintenance on their cars. Nevertheless, this package
being offered at 40,000 miles is serious overkill.
As a matter of routine maintenance, you don’t
need to replace all your belts and hoses at 40,000
miles. In addition, I would be willing to bet that
the manufacturer of your car doesn’t list an “engine
flush” as required maintenance at any time or
mileage interval. Fluid flush services are beneficial
when performed based on need rather than some arbitrary
and all-too-frequent mileage interval.
On most cars, the belts and
hoses are good for a minimum of 60,000 miles. After
60,000 miles, they should be inspected for signs of
wear such as cracking, swelling, and hardening, and
they should then be replaced as needed. Automatic transmission
fluid should be flushed from time to time on many cars
based on its condition but usually no more than once
every 30,000 miles. The engine coolant (or antifreeze)
system should be flushed periodically, as well, based
on its condition – the green kind usually every
other year and the red long-life at a less frequent
interval.
I suggest following a schedule
based on the severe-service maintenance section in
your vehicle’s owner’s manual, along with
the advice of a trusted mechanic. It’s a good
idea to question a $900 maintenance visit on a car
with only 40,000 miles on it. If the service advisor
can’t explain why you need this service other
than by saying, “it can’t hurt,” then
a second opinion is in order.
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