car maintenance

[ladan]

I drive pretty frequently, got my new car in November 07 and have 22k on it. Besides regular oil changes and getting my tires rotated and balanced ((I've only done this twice) what other inspections/maintenance should I regularly be keeping up with to maintain my vehicle in good condition?

 

[HornBud]

That should be about it, unless you have to get the plugs replaced in the 30k mileage range, but most cars don't these days, just check your maintenance guide. If it's a Toyota or Honda, I can tell yea or nay, but don't know for anything else.

Don't spend any dough on injection system flushes and the lot, they are bunk. Most antifreeze is of the 100k mi variety. Depending on the year/make/model, you may also need to get a trans fluid change at the 30 or the 60 or never mark.

 

[accuratehorn]

If you plan to crush the car at about 100k, follow the above advice.

 

[ladan]

It's an 07 GMC Yukon

 

[HornBud]

Care to elaborate?

 

[HornBud]

In reply to:

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[Steel Shank]

It's about to be on.

 

[HornBud]

Not really, I just know that new Toyotas really don't need anything other than oil changes. Rarely do you see burnt power/brake fluid, the coolant is 100k, and depending on the model it either has trans fluid that is "change as needed" or never, and they are gradually moving to the never side of things. The plugs are now all platinum, and all but 2 of the engines has a timing chain.

With the new Honda's, you simply do what the computer on the dash tells you to do, according to the last Honda tech I worked with.

 

[HornBud]

Air filter. I forgot the air filer. Anywhere from 15-25k mi is the standard interval on those.

 

[Blain]

Yeah accurate, care to elaborate from a shop owners perspective? HB does say check your maintenance guide. (covering the things he missed, rear end, etc.)

 

[The Bandit]

With proper maintenance, the Tahoe will last a long time w/o any significant repairs.

1. change the oil about every 5K miles. Although GM states, 5-30 oil, I use 10-30 due to the Texas heat. If you change your own oil, use Wix filters. NO FRAM!!

2. the transmission in 07 GM cars/trucks uses, Dexron VI. This is excellent transmission fluid, although I don't buy into the lifetime claims. I'd suggest changing the fluid every 50K miles. Maybe more often if you tow with the truck. Places like jiffy lube do can do a flush of the transmission for less than $100. Make sure they dont put Dexron III in it.

3. Brakes. I flush the brakes when I change pads. Brake fluid attracts water, which in turn ruins your calipers. Avoid the brake-specific shops.... they'll screw you

4. Coolant. I change this every 2 years. Coolant is cheap and easy to change. there's no reason to not change it on occasion.