Old Suburban Mechanical Questions

[Clever Username]

I'm completely in the dark on most issue of car repair and maintenance and wanted to get some advice on a few things from some of the expert posters. I have a 1995 Chevy Suburban 4x4.

1. The A/C is pretty cool most of the time, but seems to get much colder when I'm in motion (on the highway, etc.) than when I'm idling at red lights, etc. Does that indicate a problem or is that pretty normal? Are there ways to make your A/C overall colder?

2. When I last had the oil changed, the coolant reservoir was pretty much empty (I had been driving for 12 minutes prior); my engine temp has always been perfectly normal, no overheating ever. They recommended a flush/refill of the cooling system ($60.00) - is that necessary or advisable? It hasn't had one in at least 20k.

3. Also at oil change, they showed my transmission fluid to me - it seemed to be pretty pink but a shade browner than clear. Again - surprise - they recommended their flush/refill ($90). I haven't had this done in at least 40k - should I do it now?

4. Fuel filter. They recommend changing it. I haven't done this in at least 20k. Should I, shouldn't I?

Finally, on 3-4 above, is Jiffy Lube or one of those types of places a good place to go, or should I find a local mechanic?

Thanks for any help!

 

[7Titles]

I would go to a local mechanic. How many miles does your car have?

I wouldnt say any of them are critical. I would probably do the coolant flush. If you dont remember EVER doing the fuel filter, then go ahead. Fuel filter would be like a 100,000 mile thing. Coolant is supposed to be changed every 2 years, I have had both of my older cars for 4 years and havent gotten around to it yet. Transmission fluid is trickier and knowing the mileage would help. If your over 100,000 miles and have never changed it then I wouldnt touch it. Either go with regular maintenance/changing fluid or no maintenance. I have had some experience with people changing the fluid on older cars that they bought then having significant problems.

 

[accuratehorn]

A lot of those shops really try to sell service. The routine maintenance items should be done, but some of the places will tell you you need everything every time you roll in.
The owner's book, if you have one, will give the factory recommended schedule for doing most of these items.
However, there may be some room to differ with the schedules in there, because the factory also wants to advertise vehicles that require little service.
Some GM cars don't have changing the auto trans fluid until 100k. This is not good. ATF is a very "high detergent" oil, and cleans all the tiny passages, check balls, and other parts in the auto trans, which can cost $2000 to rebuild. But what should a reasonable interval be on changing it?
The auto trans shop I use recommends once a year, or 12,000 miles. Maybe they know their business better than I know that business, but I think every two or three years-30k or 45k may be enough.
Fuel filters-if you always get clean gas-takes a really long time to get clogged up. Honda used to have it on the schedule every 30k, then every 60k, and now it is not on the schedule. They say to only change it if the fuel pressure gets below the specification. Well, who knows when that is? We still do it at 60k or 30k on major maintenance services.
A/C-can be a little low on refrigerant, or can be a fan problem. If it is really cold going down the road, but not at idle, you could have an electric fan (if so equipped) problem, or a fan clutch problem.
You should get a coolant change about every 2 years, but it probably won't help the reservoir problem. It should stay between the two lines on the tank unless you have a leak. Your radiator, waterpump, or hoses may have a slow leak.
Jiffy Lube can do all those things, but it is better to go by a sensible mileage schedule based on your previous records of when those things were done, if you have records. They might tend to aggressively sell air filters, trans fluid changes and other services whether you need them or not.
Since I own a small shop myself, I am biased towards the independent shop which will keep all your service records in the computer, and check the maintenance schedule when you come in, rather than tell you you need an air filter every time your oil is changed.
But in reality, every place depends on the management for their policies, and Jiffy Lube should be able to do those jobs as correctly as other shops.