Recommended Maintenance
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 601
Likes: 79
From: Georgia
Recommended Maintenance
My 2004 (with 23K miles) is now 12 years old and I figure it's time for some major maintenance before it's time for a summer road trip. The coolant was changed last year and I put new tires on (just in case there was some invisible dry-rot). I have an appointment to get some things done. Right now, I plan on having the brake fluid changed and a new belt(s). The mechanic didn't recommend new hoses, saying that the hoses on it are better than those you can buy today. Does anyone think there's anything else that should be done? I don't want to miss anything that might be important. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,720
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From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
I bought my 02 two years ago. Even though it had very low mileage I felt much better about changing every drop of fluid I could.
Low miles or not 10 years is a long tome for that stuff to sit.
Low miles or not 10 years is a long tome for that stuff to sit.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 174
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From: Wilmington DE
Other things to consider
My 2004 (with 23K miles) is now 12 years old and I figure it's time for some major maintenance before it's time for a summer road trip. The coolant was changed last year and I put new tires on (just in case there was some invisible dry-rot). I have an appointment to get some things done. Right now, I plan on having the brake fluid changed and a new belt(s). The mechanic didn't recommend new hoses, saying that the hoses on it are better than those you can buy today. Does anyone think there's anything else that should be done? I don't want to miss anything that might be important. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Georgia
Oil and filter were in my plans (even though I forgot to mention them), but I wasn't sure about the transmission. It makes sense to change out anything that's old. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: marietta, GA
Bought my 2003 three years ago with 24K miles. I changed the brake pads & fluid, coolant, diff fluid(looked bad) transmission fluid, belts, oil & filter and hoses. Piece of mind knowing my Corvette is well maintained.
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Good advice above. All fluids should be changed IMO (with the exception of the coolant which you have already done). Hoses, belts, air filter, fuel filter - make sure those are in top shape.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 601
Likes: 79
From: Georgia
Yeah, at this point I think I'll do all but the hoses. My mechanic, who knows Corvettes very well, says the hoses on the car are still in great condition.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Westchester NY
Hoses deteriorate from the inside, so there's no way anybody could evaluate them. Given the low mileage you should be good for a while but keep an eye on them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
18 years old, 46000, own every mile. I have done,Coolant every 5 years. Battery every five years. Wires and plugs, hoses, belts. Braided brake lines and fluid. Trans and rear end fluids are next for me to do. And I'm sure there are some I can't remember over the years. To me age is just as bad as miles.
Last edited by Fcar 98; Feb 19, 2016 at 07:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 601
Likes: 79
From: Georgia
18 years old, 46000, own every mile. I have done,Coolant every 5 years. Battery every five years. Wires and plugs, hoses, belts. Braided brake lines and fluid. Trans and rear end fluids are next for me to do. And I'm sure there are some I can't remember over the years. To me age is just as bad as miles.
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From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Oak Point Texas formerly okc
St. Jude Donor '16
Bought a 97 6 years ago and changed all fluids,plugs and spark plug wires. Did wonders for the car and it is still doing well. Bought a 98 yesterday with 14k on it and will change all fluids. Later this summer I will change the spark wires. I have been told they can break down with time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Bought a 97 6 years ago and changed all fluids,plugs and spark plug wires. Did wonders for the car and it is still doing well. Bought a 98 yesterday with 14k on it and will change all fluids. Later this summer I will change the spark wires. I have been told they can break down with time.