Better safe then sorry 
Should I change fluids?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Ft. Lauderdale FL
Should I change fluids?
I've got a little over 24K on my 2003 Z06. I bought it used from a dealer and I'm pretty sure the oil was changed a few months back, likely when they took it in on trade.
Is there really a need to mess with any of the fluids right now? The oil life is fine and the car runs great.
My thought was with a round of fluids changed, I would know where I stood with the car in regards to routine maintenance. The car is not my DD and a garage queen by default (although I take every opportunity to correct that). Other than potentially wasting my money, would there be any benefit to flushing certain systems and perhaps replacing with all synthetics? For now, the car is bone stock with the exception of a Blackwing AI.
I'm open for suggestions, including those that direct my money well spent on other mods
Is there really a need to mess with any of the fluids right now? The oil life is fine and the car runs great.
My thought was with a round of fluids changed, I would know where I stood with the car in regards to routine maintenance. The car is not my DD and a garage queen by default (although I take every opportunity to correct that). Other than potentially wasting my money, would there be any benefit to flushing certain systems and perhaps replacing with all synthetics? For now, the car is bone stock with the exception of a Blackwing AI.
I'm open for suggestions, including those that direct my money well spent on other mods
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
If you are not 100% sure the oil was changed, then I'd suggest changing it NOW and the filter of course.....
You say you are "pretty sure", but that's not 100% sure...
You say you are "pretty sure", but that's not 100% sure...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,176
Likes: 1
From: Hafnafjörður Iceland
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: Ft. Lauderdale FL
"Pretty sure" b/c of the sticker on the window that suggested the next oil change at 26K or three months. That's trusting the dealership did in fact change it and not just slap a sticker on the windshield. The oil on the dipstick appears fine.
An oil change isn't going to break the bank per se but I was wondering more along the lines of what, if any, routine service might be required or appropriate at the mileage I'm at. The owner's manual and general consensus of the board seems to suggest nothing is needed at this interval.
An oil change isn't going to break the bank per se but I was wondering more along the lines of what, if any, routine service might be required or appropriate at the mileage I'm at. The owner's manual and general consensus of the board seems to suggest nothing is needed at this interval.
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I'd say you are OK, but if you want to be sure, might want to change the brake fluid at a minimum. Your coolant should still be good for another year or so.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
Fluids
I would not count on the dealer for anything when buying a used car, unless it has a factory certified warranty. Additionally, dealers will often use cheaper oil, instead of Mobile1 (what the car was born with). The small money for an oil / filter change with Mobile1 or a different synthetic of choice is well worth it. Other fluids should be good until 30K. Even then your coolant prob. doesnt need a change.
Congrats on the new vette.
Congrats on the new vette.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 2
From: Hollywood Maryland
Imho
IMHO if you buy a used C5 Corvette, and you don't know the previous owner or have susbstantiated documenation, you ought to establish a baseline for all your fluids. My FRC had 15,000 miles on it when purchased. I purchased a magnetic oil drain plug from NAPA, a MN6 magnetic drain plug and a magnetic differential drain plug from Mid America. I changed oil,(Mobil 1), transmission,(AMSoil) and differential fluids(Mobil 1), had both the power steering (BG Power Steering Fluid)and cooling system (DEX Cool) flushed. Bled and replaced (Synthetic ABS DOT 3 fluid) the brake system and the clutch system fluids. I now have a 'fluid' baseline. I've changed oil once and no metal parts or rocker needle bearings were attached to the oil drain plug, so I'm happy about that. I have no leaks or temperature/pressure issues. I feel better now that I have a baseline to monitor the car while I own it. Cost me about $350.00 for parts and labor. Cheap price for peace of mind.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Bowie Maryland
I bought my 2003 with 13k miles on it about 3 months ago. I had every vital fluid in the car flushed and filled. It cost me about $600 but I think it was worth it.
Brake fluid w/bleeders installed
Clutch fluid
Transmission fluid
Rear Differential fluid
Power Steering fluid
Radiator Coolant
Engine Oil
It's just piece of mind... even if you didn't really have to do it. Now you can start fresh and know when you need to change things
Brake fluid w/bleeders installed
Clutch fluid
Transmission fluid
Rear Differential fluid
Power Steering fluid
Radiator Coolant
Engine Oil
It's just piece of mind... even if you didn't really have to do it. Now you can start fresh and know when you need to change things
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Harwood Maryland
I just bought my 03 Z a few weeks back with 6400miles, and changed all the fluids front to back. Even though the car is like new, the fluids are 4 years old and I wanted to start with a good base line. It cost me around $500 for everything which included brakes, trans, rear, engine radiatorand even the washer fluid! I felt this was a very worthy expense for a near perfect car.....my 2cents
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 6
From: Henderson NV
Got a 98 C5 6-speed with 44k miles in mid Jan 07. The oil life showed 88%, but I felt better changing it. Went to the Dealer and got an oil & filter change, trans drain & fill and rear axle drain & fill. Also got a good deal on their fuel infection clean. Now I know when the fluids were changed. It's a feel good thing for my C5, it's not JUST a car! 
If you think maybe you should/could change it, do it. Cheap insurance and peace of mind.
Mick
If you think maybe you should/could change it, do it. Cheap insurance and peace of mind.
Mick
