15K Maintenance

[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by captainm27

So yesterday I went to get my oil changed for the 15K mile interval, and the clerk at the dealer said that it's time for me to do air filter, cabin filter, alignment on tires, and something about a valve, for $130. Does this sound right? I just told the lady that I came for an oil change and that's it. Is this just extra stuff that they want to charge me for?

considering the cost of an alignment (45$ usually) and the cost to have the cabin air filter. 130$ is a pretty darn good deal.

Some toyota dealers are pretty proud of their price too!! ie, 99$ for a cabin air filter. lol

Although, filters do need to get checked, and anyone who is able to change their vaccum cleaner's bag is able to change both air filters.

[supmet]

Originally Posted by IllusionX

considering the cost of an alignment (45$ usually) and the cost to have the cabin air filter. 130$ is a pretty darn good deal.

Some toyota dealers are pretty proud of their price too!! ie, 99$ for a cabin air filter. lol

Although, filters do need to get checked, and anyone who is able to change their vaccum cleaner's bag is able to change both air filters.

Its not a bad price, but there's no way he needs an alignment at 15k. I drive pretty aggressive and have 70k and still haven't had it aligned.

"something about a valve" <<< figure out what they mean. I can't think of a valve that wouldn't be covered under warranty, if it in fact needed replacing at 15k miles.

The cabin air filter is up to you. I still haven't put one in.. I'm thinking about doing the DIY one sooner or later.

[captainm27]

Ok, so maybe the price wasn't too bad..... I don't know....I was just under the impression that all you had to do was change the oil in this car

[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by captainm27

Ok, so maybe the price wasn't too bad..... I don't know....I was just under the impression that all you had to do was change the oil in this car

but there isn't any reason to do an alignment at 15k. I THINK it is recommended to have it checked yearly (as they say), but if the car goes straight (hands off steering wheel), i wouldn't let them do it.

[SilverBack]

I just opted for the oil change along with the usual inspections and adjustments for $80.

They wanted to charge $160 to add the filter services (parts altogether are only about $50). Better to just do that 2 min job yourself...

[scape]

my car doesn't even have a cabin filter...
and yes you should change your air filter, sounds like a good idea to me ! :D
depending on when last you got an alignment, it might be worth it. if your car pulls in either direction, it's worth it in my opinion.
I'd have to say, the best thing I bought with my car was the 2 year maintenance plan. saved me quite a bit, and I can show up and walk out without paying a dime for regular maintenance.

[SilverBack]

Originally Posted by scape

my car doesn't even have a cabin filter...

Alot of ours didn't for some reason. It's a good idea to get one if you live in a warm climate with allergens

[voodoo22]

Originally Posted by captainm27

Ok, so maybe the price wasn't too bad..... I don't know....I was just under the impression that all you had to do was change the oil in this car

It depends on what you're comfortable with, but all I've had up until now is the oil changed. I drive gently and put on mostly hwy miles, so there isn't any wear and tear on the car as I approach 60k kms.

If you had 60k on the car in heavy stop & go with short trips and varying weather, I'd imagine the car will require more maintenance.

You don't need to do all that extra stuff to stay under warranty, that's a scare tactic.

[captainm27]

Originally Posted by IllusionX

but there isn't any reason to do an alignment at 15k. I THINK it is recommended to have it checked yearly (as they say), but if the car goes straight (hands off steering wheel), i wouldn't let them do it.

Well, to tell ya the truth, my car had been leaning to the right. I first noticed this after leaving a car wash. Then, when I ran over the Rabbit I noticed it even more. I went to a local guy who did the wheel alignment for me for $65 in 15 min.

Originally Posted by voodoo22

It depends on what you're comfortable with, but all I've had up until now is the oil changed. I drive gently and put on mostly hwy miles, so there isn't any wear and tear on the car as I approach 60k kms.

If you had 60k on the car in heavy stop & go with short trips and varying weather, I'd imagine the car will require more maintenance.

You don't need to do all that extra stuff to stay under warranty, that's a scare tactic.

I don't do as much stop and go, but I do come across it. I work at a job where I do all 3 shifts, and the day shifts I always hit traffic coming home.

[jake6ppc]

They might have been talking about the "PCV valve". I've heard people say that it needs to be changed about every other oil change. I have not changed the pcv valve in my 2007 Yaris with 19000 miles yet, but I probably will soon. My brother has a 2000 Corolla that was getting "check engine" lights, and the diagnosis was a dirty MAF sensor. I believe they traced it back to a bad PCV valve that was letting oil and other contaminants through.

Jake

[The little red pill]

Originally Posted by jake6ppc

They might have been talking about the "PCV valve". I've heard people say that it needs to be changed about every other oil change.

Changing the PCV valve with every other oil change?!? Why not go ahead and change that pesky 'ol alternator on every other oil change too!
The PCV valve is not a regular maintenance item. If anyone has PCV paranoia, detatch it, shake it, and if you hear it rattle, you're good to go.