Fluid Change
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Fluid Change
I've got a 2003 Coupe with 24,000 miles on it. The car is at the dealer for replacement of a headlight assembly (the car is out of warranty but they're going to replace it for free). My service guy has called me advising me I I should consider replacing the coolant, power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Is this guy looking out for me or just trying to generate some $$$ for the dealer?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,302
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
IMHO, it all depends on what they want to charge you. It would certainly be good maintenance to change the fluids, but if they were to charge more that $150-175 for the work, I would say they're trying to get you.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 1
From: Naples Fl
fluids of life
It is a good idea to do it. That way you know where you stand and you wont have any worries for awhile. You should also do the diff and if you have a stick, the clutch fluids as well. Depending on what brands of fluids you get and whether they be synthetics (engine oil as recommend by gm is) or dealer, the cost for those fluids could almost be $100. The big deal will be how much will they charge for the labor. Sometimes the cost of labor is worth it to get it all done quickly and no fuss. Depending on your experience and tool availability, its some thing you could do in a weekend but its messy (especially the clutch bleed) and some times a bit of a pain. But the upside is you get very familiar with the car. The other thing is even tho its routine maint to a dealer they do it quickly but sometimes they screw it up. (When I bought my 00 FRC I wanted at least the oil changed, They put a sticker on the window said 30w quaker state, there went the trust angle) I changed it myself right away to mobile 1)So it can be a matter of trust as well. I hate to have something simple done and then have to bring it back again. Good luck with the car and enjoy
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Ok
Originally Posted by Big Ron
I've got a 2003 Coupe with 24,000 miles on it. The car is at the dealer for replacement of a headlight assembly (the car is out of warranty but they're going to replace it for free). My service guy has called me advising me I I should consider replacing the coolant, power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Is this guy looking out for me or just trying to generate some $$$ for the dealer?
IMHO the dealer is after $$$. Those fluids should be good if the car has not been abused, etc. I think they are about 26,000 miles ahead of schedule, except for the coolant, I would look at changing in 5 years or 100,000 miles.
