routine maintenance over 100K miles

flivver

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All of my cars are over 100K miles now... What do y'all do, as routine maintenance, to keep your high-mileage cars running? Oil changes are a must, obviously (as is a timing belt about every 60K miles or so, if your car has one), but the other stuff isn't so clear.

I've seen recommendations to change the coolant every 30K miles. I've also had people (who seem knowledgeable) tell me to leave coolant alone, and to only change it if I have to change something else (like a water pump).

I've seen recommendations to change transmission fluid every 30K miles. That seems kind of excessive to me, but I'm really not sure. Are there any tricks for doing this yourself, with limited fuss? Unless you want to drop the pan (which I don't), replacing transmission fluid seems to require either some specialized knowledge, or a rigged-up tool that pumps fluid into your system (as you let it pour out via the return line from your transmission cooler).

I've been told to leave power steering fluid and brake fluid alone, until something warrants opening the system (like, if you replace a caliper, go ahead and flush the system; if your rack and pinion goes, replace the fluid).

How about the oil in a truck's rear differential? 30K miles?

Anyway, what are y'all's thoughts?
 
I've never changed the oil in a rear diff, and I've ran several trucks to 200K, and the rear ends in them were still going perfectly fine in them when I sold them.

I've had a transmission flush and fluid change in one of my previous trucks, done at 85K miles. But I've seen plenty go far beyond that. With transmissions, I've always been told you should change it frequently, or not at all. I've heard that waiting until a tranny had very high miles to change the fluid can make it slip.

I've never needed to flush out power steering or brake fluid. I just top off as needed. My mechanic friends tell me that brake fluid does go bad over time though.
 
100k is not high mileage nowadays by any means..

what is the recommended service intervals in the owners manuals?

what make and model are you concerned with?
 
I've got 5 cars now (because I have 3 kids, all 16+). With those 5 cars, I have an insane insurance bill. :) Anyway, I was looking for general rules of thumb, to avoid detailed and different schedules for every car. I guess detailed and different is where it's at, though. For the record, I have 1998 Camry, a 2001 Malibu, a 2007 Titan, a 2008 Sienna, and a 2009 Civic. I feel like I'm changing oil in something about every other weekend! :-/
 
I'd be teaching some kids how to change oil if they wanted me to keep paying their insurance.

I've got 5 cars now (because I have 3 kids, all 16+). With those 5 cars, I have an insane insurance bill. :) Anyway, I was looking for general rules of thumb, to avoid detailed and different schedules for every car. I guess detailed and different is where it's at, though. For the record, I have 1998 Camry, a 2001 Malibu, a 2007 Titan, a 2008 Sienna, and a 2009 Civic. I feel like I'm changing oil in something about every other weekend! :-/
 
Remember, guys, I want the cars to keep working after the oil change. :)
 
Owners manual should lay it all out by mileage. If you've lost it they are available on line....

This right here. I'll also add that there is no such thing as a lifetime fluid. I don't care what the application is, fluid gets dirty and eventually fails due to shear or contamination. The two areas I see this in current vehicles is transmissions and differentials, both should be changed. It's much more critical in the transmission though. A lot depends on how the vehicle is used as well.

What kind of vehicle are you working on?
 
I'm a believer in transmission fluid and gear oil changes. I cheat and use an 8 liter mity-vac to vacuum out the fluid, then replace (still pretty nice to use if you're dropping the pan when changing trans filter.)

Don't forget things like air filters, fuel filters, PCV valves and ignition related components.
 
I'm a believer in transmission fluid and gear oil changes. I cheat and use an 8 liter mity-vac to vacuum out the fluid, then replace (still pretty nice to use if you're dropping the pan when changing trans filter.)

Don't forget things like air filters, fuel filters, PCV valves and ignition related components.

Do you just shove the mity vac hose down the transmission fill tube?

(I have a smaller mity vac, that I've never gotten to work successfully on brakes. Just won't seal on the bleeder. Would probably work for the job of pulling trans fluid out, though. If I mark the bottle, I imagine I could even refill with the proper amount, without needing to, e.g., look for the silly "when fluid comes out of this hole, it's full" hole in my Malibu.)
 
Good Lord, it would be a lot easier to respond if we were talking about one platform...or even one brand.

Indeed, but that was kind of my point. I have a bunch of different cars, and am looking for a reasonable way to maintain them all without worrying about very, very specific schedules, and instead focusing on general principles that have helped people to get 'er done over the years. If that's not possible, then it's not possible, and I'm good with that, too... Just figured I'd ask, since it's what I'm dealing with. :)
 
Do you just shove the mity vac hose down the transmission fill tube?

(I have a smaller mity vac, that I've never gotten to work successfully on brakes. Just won't seal on the bleeder. Would probably work for the job of pulling trans fluid out, though. If I mark the bottle, I imagine I could even refill with the proper amount, without needing to, e.g., look for the silly "when fluid comes out of this hole, it's full" hole in my Malibu.)

Yes sir, that'll work. Just be sure to double check fluid level at some point.
 
Find the mfr recommended maintenance schedule, most cover 100k. Just start over at each 100k interval with an exception for "break-in" items. If something isn't listed or "lifetime" then change it at 100k intervals.

If you don't have proof something has been done or can't remember the last time it was... just do it as you have time and money. Maintenance at some point in the near future is better than ignoring it.

Most people don't do it for cost but I see it this way... I have a 7.3l Powerstroke Diesel. If I change all the fluids on the truck in one shot, it's less than a single payment on a new equivalent truck.
 
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All fluids (oil, coolant, power steering) are changed belts and spark plugs as well. If transmission fluid smells burnt I'll leave it and start saving for a transmission.

Anything else that made need replacing.
 
Indeed, but that was kind of my point. I have a bunch of different cars, and am looking for a reasonable way to maintain them all without worrying about very, very specific schedules, and instead focusing on general principles that have helped people to get 'er done over the years. If that's not possible, then it's not possible, and I'm good with that, too... Just figured I'd ask, since it's what I'm dealing with. :)

General rules of thumb? Something like this?

Engine Oil w/ filter - 5k
Trans fluid - 50k
Differentials - 50k
Coolant - 50k
PS Fluid - I suck the reservoir dry and refill it at oil changes
Brake Fluid - I flush it whenever I do a brake job
Fuel filter - 50k - not all cars have these
Air Filter - as needed
 
General rules of thumb? Something like this?

Engine Oil w/ filter - 5k
Trans fluid - 50k
Differentials - 50k
Coolant - 50k
PS Fluid - I suck the reservoir dry and refill it at oil changes
Brake Fluid - I flush it whenever I do a brake job
Fuel filter - 50k - not all cars have these
Air Filter - as needed

Exactly like this. :) Thanks!
 
If you have a GM, you better flush the coolant every fooking month...that damn dexcool is bad stuff. Seriously, I wouldn't go more than 30k on Dexcool between flushes. I usually go about 50K otherwise.

Transmission, drain and fill every 30K.
 
Be wear that alot of newer cars have sealed transmissions. You can't change fluid. My optima is like that.

Imo ( I have one high mileage truck , my 95 Tahoe with 297k runs great) I change the oil every 3k in it, filters as needed ( aka dirty) have never changed the trans or diff fluid just topped off as needed. I change plugs when they look bad or cause issues ( I look at them when I change oil).

Also if you have a Gm with that dextron?? crap antifreeze change it out asap. That stuff will turn to dirt and clog your system up. My mom's 2003 s10 has had 3 radiators, 2 water pumps, and all the hoses replaced and it only has 160k!!! I hate that truck! Lol I have to flush the coolant system every 3 months or it clogs and the truck will over heat.
 
Be wear that alot of newer cars have sealed transmissions. You can't change fluid. My optima is like that.

This is exactly what I was referring to. The manual may say that they're sealed but they are not, you can flush them through the cooling lines if you want to do a complete flush. There is also a way to top them off if needed because eventually they will need it. There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid.

I think you're confusing dexcool with dexron. Dexron is a nearly obsolete transmission fluid that GM actually stopped producing a few years ago. Dexcool was a nightmare of a cooling fluid that caused GM all kinds of problems when it first came out.
 
My 2001 Malibu had Dexcool in it until I had my gaskets replaced a year or so ago (when my Malibu encountered the seemingly famous 3.1l V6 gasket leak), and my mechanic drained all of the Dexcool and replaced it with normal coolant. He, too, was of the opinion that it's evil stuff, and best gotten rid of when you can.
 
Remember, guys, I want the cars to keep working after the oil change. :)

You need to explain to the kids that it would be in their best interest to do it right, if they want a car that works.

Or tell 'em what my Dad used to tell me: "Walkin' ain't crowded."
 
Be wear that alot of newer cars have sealed transmissions. You can't change fluid. My optima is like that.

Imo ( I have one high mileage truck , my 95 Tahoe with 297k runs great) I change the oil every 3k in it, filters as needed ( aka dirty) have never changed the trans or diff fluid just topped off as needed. I change plugs when they look bad or cause issues ( I look at them when I change oil).

Also if you have a Gm with that dextron?? crap antifreeze change it out asap. That stuff will turn to dirt and clog your system up. My mom's 2003 s10 has had 3 radiators, 2 water pumps, and all the hoses replaced and it only has 160k!!! I hate that truck! Lol I have to flush the coolant system every 3 months or it clogs and the truck will over heat.
GM has a tsb avalible for cooling systems like yours that have repeat problems. I have never had a issue with dexacool when it is changed as recommemded. I will try and dig up that tsb for you and see if that will fix your ills. I too have a 2003 S10 with the 4.3 and a manual. I have changed the water pump at 130k but other wise no cooling system issues.
 
I looked up what was in the owner's manuals... Looks to be more or less the following:

malibu:

change oil every 7.5K miles
drain, flush, and refill coolant every 60 months or 150K miles
change transmission fluid every 50K miles
change spark plugs every 100K miles
change air filter every 30K miles
change belts every 60K miles

sienna:

change air filter every 30K miles
change oil every 5K miles
change coolant every 100K miles
change spark plugs every 120K miles
check transmission fluid every 30K miles
check brake fluid every 30K miles

[replace drive belts every 100K miles?]

titan:

change oil every 7.5K miles
change air filter every 15K miles
change transmission fluid every 30K miles
change differential oil every 30K miles
change coolant every 30K miles
replace drive belts every 30K miles
replace radiator cap every 30K miles
replace radiator hoses every 60K miles
change spark plugs every 105K miles​

That's for the mostly-highway-driving option. For around town, cut the oil changes in half, roughly.

The Civic has almost zero information in the owner's manual, about maintenance, other than that the drive computer will tell you when to change the oil. A quick google didn't turn anything up, either.

So, for example, the Sienna simply says to *check* the transmission fluid, but never recommends a change. I imagine they want you to take it to the dealer regularly, so the dealer can advise you as to whether or not it should be changed.
 
I've got 5 cars now (because I have 3 kids, all 16+). With those 5 cars, I have an insane insurance bill.

I'd be teaching some kids how to change oil if they wanted me to keep paying their insurance.

I don't understand why you'd be paying for their insurance or changing their oil for them.

My dad sold me his used car, and sent me down to the DMV and the insurance agent's office the very next day to get the title and insurance coverage all put in my name. And he was a good sport about showing me how to change the oil, change a flat tire, check the fluids, etc. But he did all of those things once, after which it was my responsibility.
 
I do fleet maintenance.
Oil changes 7500 for non-Police Pursuit Vehicles. 5000 for PPVs.
Trans after warranty, between between 30-50k no flush just filter and loss, or when fluid is dark or burnt smelling.
P/S if there's a problem.
Brake fluid if there's a problem. PPV when it gets dark.
Diffs if there's a problem.
Antifreeze when there's a problem.
Vehicles routinely get sold at 200/250k still driving. PPVs lower miles and less still driving.

Personal vehicles, 6k oil change. Trans (man), T-case, diffs: 100k full syn all around. Antifreeze when there's a problem. Brakes if there's a problem. P/S if there's a problem. If the vehicle goes swimming the interval is subject to change.

Sent from my SM-G360V using Tapatalk
 
1998 Camry, 2001 Malibu, 2007 Titan, 2008 Sienna, 2009 Civic

OK I can tell you what to do on those Toyotas - change the oil, filters, and buy tires. Maybe the occasional light bulb and wiper blades. Trans fluid every 60K.
Ditto on the Civic. Honestly nothing will probably every break on the Honda until 250K

The Malibu probably needs a entire cooling system flush every 2 years or 25K miles if you are using the orange long life fluid (Dex-cool). Honestly on the older GMs I owned, I just started using the green fluid and changing it every other spring. Don't forget to add some powdered sealant agent like GM recommends.
My GM minivans mysteriously blew brake light bulbs and burned the wiring harness occasionally. Never did figure out that gem of a feature.
 
OK I can tell you what to do on those Toyotas - change the oil, filters, and buy tires. Maybe the occasional light bulb and wiper blades. Trans fluid every 60K.
Ditto on the Civic. Honestly nothing will probably every break on the Honda until 250K

How do you change your trans fluid? Do you pull the host at the transmission cooler (or radiator, as appropriate) and change out that way? Just a drain and fill? Something else?

The Malibu probably needs a entire cooling system flush every 2 years or 25K miles if you are using the orange long life fluid (Dex-cool). Honestly on the older GMs I owned, I just started using the green fluid and changing it every other spring. Don't forget to add some powdered sealant agent like GM recommends.

I had the Dex-cool changed out entirely when I had the classic leaky gasket replaced... I'm now running normal antifreeze. Not sure why GM puts Dex-cool in there (other than that it drums up more business for them later, I guess).
 
How do you change your trans fluid? Do you pull the host at the transmission cooler (or radiator, as appropriate) and change out that way? Just a drain and fill? Something else?



I had the Dex-cool changed out entirely when I had the classic leaky gasket replaced... I'm now running normal antifreeze. Not sure why GM puts Dex-cool in there (other than that it drums up more business for them later, I guess).
As far as trans fluid, i just do a dump and fill with some driving in between 3x. On Hondas i do it every other oil change so every 45K miles or less the fluid has been mostly changed over. I dont believe in flushing a trans without a replaceable filter.

I know people swear by Honda fluid but I have found that using Castrol multi Import gives me a better shift and is about half the price of fluid from Honda. It pours the same viscosity and has the same red purplish tint. I add 6oz of lubegard red every 50K miles also.
 
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As far as trans fluid, i just do a dump and fill with some driving in between 3x.

How much driving? Like, maybe ~5-10 miles (enough to shift through the gears a half dozen times)?

On Hondas i do it every other oil change so every 45K miles or less the fluid has been mostly changed over. I dont believe in flushing a trans without a replaceable filter.

Your oil change interval is 22.5K miles? Or are you saying that a 3x drain-and-fill doesn't really change out all the fluid, but that over the course of however many oil changes you do in 45K miles (well, half that number), you do wind up just about changing it all out?

I know people swear by Honda fluid but I have found that using Castrol multi Import gives me a better shift and is about half the price of fluid from Honda.

Good to know!
 
How much driving? Like, maybe ~5-10 miles (enough to shift through the gears a half dozen times)?



Your oil change interval is 22.5K miles? Or are you saying that a 3x drain-and-fill doesn't really change out all the fluid, but that over the course of however many oil changes you do in 45K miles (well, half that number), you do wind up just about changing it all out?



Good to know!
Oil change interval on daughters 05 Honda Accord is 7500mi, every other oil change is 15K for trans dump and fill and I usually get 3.25 qts from the 5 speed auto out of 5.2qts total capacity. Changed 3x ensures the total fluid is changes out within 45K miles. Only way to make these transmissions last over 100K.

Honda recommends changing it the first 60K mi or 3 years THEN every 30K or 2 years. This has shown to be wishful thinking in the 2000s with many failures due to heat related trans failure. I split the difference at 45K but adding new fluid all along including lubegard really helps.
She currently has 199K on hers and it runs, looks, and drives like a new car [emoji41]
 
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Use to work at Honda and can confirm this. Just change the transfluid in my 05 Civic last weekend. Looked brand new..but then I'm not beating on a Civic either. There's no point slow is slow.
 
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