When I went to Mr. Lube the other day to get my oil changed, they said that my rear differential/coolant fluids should be flushed or what not. They quoted me about $90 (CAD) each.
How often do you guys get these done? My car is an '05 with 24,000 miles.
Also, at what point do brakes/rotors normally need to be replaced? (How can I tell if they are getting old?)
When I went to Mr. Lube the other day to get my oil changed, they said that my rear differential/coolant fluids should be flushed or what not. They quoted me about $90 (CAD) each.
How often do you guys get these done? My car is an '05 with 24,000 miles.
Also, at what point do brakes/rotors normally need to be replaced? (How can I tell if they are getting old?)
Generally accepted interval (though not necessarily required) for diff and coolant is 30k miles/24-36 months. This info is in your owners manual package. So, I would say you may be about due timewise, but not in any critical rush.
Brake life is a highly variable thing for each driver and for driving conditions the car is subjected to. (can vary from approx. 15K to 45K) Usuallly, with a regular tune-up, they will inspect the rotors and pads and give a measurement % of remaining pad life so you get a sense of how much life they've got left. A reputable brake shop may do a free inspection for you as well. Also, age isn't the real concern with brakes...it's just the wear that you're concerned about.
When I went to Mr. Lube the other day to get my oil changed, they said that my rear differential/coolant fluids should be flushed or what not. They quoted me about $90 (CAD) each.
How often do you guys get these done? My car is an '05 with 24,000 miles.
Also, at what point do brakes/rotors normally need to be replaced? (How can I tell if they are getting old?)
If you can change oil, you can drain the rear differential. Use a 10mm hex head (allen head) and drain the fluid, put the plug back in (after cleaning the plug off - it's magnetic and metal gear particles stick to it), remove the top fill plug and squeeze fluid in there until it spills out. It takes almost 2 liters and about 10 minutes to do.
As for the tranny fluid, do you have a manual or auto because there are differences in how and what needs to be done.
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Sean Florida G35 ClubOZOCRotora
'03.5 Caribbean Blue 5at Sedan w/ a few mods, '04 Laser Red 6mt Vortech Coupe w/ many mods
This is my first car and my mechanic skills are very limited - so I probably won't be changing any fluids just about yet (not to mention that I'm in an apartment building and don't have a garage / driveway)
I will probably try to stay away from the dealer... they seem notorious for charging too much money. I'm just hoping to find a mechanic around town that will be more reasonable. Mr. Lube quoted me about $90 for either coolant or diff flush... think i can get a better price at a smaller place?
Generally accepted interval (though not necessarily required) for diff and coolant is 30k miles/24-36 months. This info is in your owners manual package. So, I would say you may be about due timewise, but not in any critical rush.
Brake life is a highly variable thing for each driver and for driving conditions the car is subjected to. (can vary from approx. 15K to 45K) Usuallly, with a regular tune-up, they will inspect the rotors and pads and give a measurement % of remaining pad life so you get a sense of how much life they've got left. A reputable brake shop may do a free inspection for you as well. Also, age isn't the real concern with brakes...it's just the wear that you're concerned about.
Mind you the manual says to change the diff fluid 30k miles / 24 months only if towing a trailer / camper or driving on rough/muddy roads.... I don't tow anything and I just drive around on the pavement...
Mind you the manual says to change the diff fluid 30k miles / 24 months only if towing a trailer / camper or driving on rough/muddy roads.... I don't tow anything and I just drive around on the pavement...
You are absolutely correct about that..... and it's the same for the coolant change as well. In fact if you read through the recommended maint for the 3 different levels (premium, schedule1, schedule2), changing them is only listed within the premium maint schedule(every 30k miles)??? If you follow the level 1 or 2 all the way past 120k miles it NEVER requires a change!!??????
I called the dealer on this some time ago, he was at a complete loss as to why and, of course, recommended against it (as would I). In theory, I could take my car in to the dealer and ask for only the required service items per the schedule 1 or 2 plan, and get my book stamped (certifying warranty compliance), and never change coolant or diff oil all the way past 120K miles. He had to concur, but protested loudly.
After that, I just decided the book was full of sh*t and figured I'd change by the tried and true intervals I gave in my previous post. If you ask virtually any professional source they will tell you the same no doubt.
Differential / Coolant Fluids
