When i go to get my oil changed, what other things do I really need to have changed?

Question

Oil sure, what else should I have changed regularly to keep her runnin smooth? How often?
(plz no comments about changing your own oil, thats not realy what i'm asking)

Answer 1

Your socks....and try brushing your teeth from time to time as well.

Answer 2

If you have the manufactures owner handbook it will have a schedule to follow therein. 3K mile oil changes were necessary before we got unleaded gas, electronic ignition and fuel injection. Lubrication manually of chassis components was necessary because the components were not sealed as they are today, though a few components still also have grease zerts but again usually can make it fine as well. These improvements and improvements in lubricants have allowed extending service intervals safely as well as the overall life of the vehicle.

Some vehicle makers do not require transmission service intervals, and therein I disagree. A good policy here is to replace the tranny fluids (auto or manual) every 50K miles as they too have benefited from improved materials, manufacturing processes and better lubes but are subject to heat and wear without the benefit of regular changes.

So, here is my suggestion failing locating the owners handbook:

Every 5,000 miles oil, lube, oil filter, rotate tires and air them up to SIDEWALL specs, not auto maker's door sticker spec (remember Firestone & Explorer?). Check transmission, rear axle/transaxle fluids, check all belts and coolant filled (even the heater) hoses, top off all fluid levels as needed, including a quality windshield washer fluid appropriate to the season. Air filters at 15,000 mile intervals.

Check exhaust system for leaks and for Pete's sake don't take a short cut with your or your family's lives by "patching" a leaking exhaust system with some kind of heat resistant exhaust patch tape. Replace windshield wiper blades annually unless you are having difficulty seeing then do it immediately.

Antifreeze: always use appropriate to your make and model, 50/50 mix water to anti-freeze. Anti-freeze does not loose its ability to prevent freeze up (unless diluted w/water) but after 2 years does need a boost in lubricating & anti-rust chemicals which can be purchased at your favorite local parts store. Time, not so much miles is what counts on anti-freeze.

Transmission and differiential fluids: every 50,000 miles regardless of color of the fluids with the manufacturer required fluids. These components were made to operate on the specific types of fluids. Changing to something else because Jim Bob says to can be risky; he did not design the product; non-recommended product could cause premature failure. Change teh fuel filter every 25,000 miles adn addd fule treatment teh tank before you change it to get out whatever water or trash may be sitting in the bottom of the fuel tank.

Each time tires are rotated the brake pads are then accessable and should be checked as well.
Rotors, unless they are warped do not require being turned just because of some minor grooving,they just need to be true or pulsing in the steering wheel or brake pedal will be felt. The new pads will quickly comform to the rotors and wear just fine. Replace tires when they are down to the wear bars or no longer give secure traction on wet roadways.

Timing belts: follow the manufactures recommended schedule, and if you intend to keep the vehicle go to the upgrade replacement belt, they last longer and are therefore cost effective. Replace any windshield that has a crack or worse in the drivers field of vision. Chips usually can be "repaired".

This should keep you going for a couple hundred thosuand miles. If you want to get really techie, you may also have an oil sample analysis run and verify the change interval is good or possibly can be extended further or shortened if need be. In any case, I get a few hundred thousand miles trouble free with all my vehicles and have never replaced a tranny, engine nor differiential.

Most gas engines today also do not require spark plugs for 100K intervals. If it is running a little rough, have a diagnostic run so you pay for what you need no more no less. If under warranty have the vehicle checked for computer updates, recalls, and service notices from the maker.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

The oil filter should be changed every time too. Rotate the tires every other oil change, top off washer fluid, check transmission fluid. Oil and filter is really the main thing. Radiator fluid around every 45k miles or so give or take. Change air filter whenever it's dirty.

Answer 4

You should have other things looked at. To see if the fluids are running low, anita freeze, w-shield washer fluid, transmission oil etc. Air filter., check belts. ties. But oil most important. Depends on how much you drive you vehicle. I get mine changed cked every year , whether I drive more or not. I am deaf and don't want to get stranded some where. Pem

Answer 5

I just got my first car and i told the mechanic that I didn't know anything about cars. He said he would change the oil, check the air filter, check the power steering fluid and the wiper fluid. It didn't really cost any more because everything was fine but it's good to just check.

Answer 6

Only change the oil and the oil filter. You can check coolant level and transmission fluid yourself. Check your owner's manual to see when the air filter needs to be changed, and you can have the shop do that, esp if it is hard to get to. Only go to a shop to change plugs if car is running rough. Typical oil change shops will want to change everything!

Answer 7

Also check your tires, rotate them, check air-filter, radiator fluid, brake fluid, if you drive 4x4 grease all zircs, transfer case, check transmission fluid, wiper fluid, spark plugs, fuel filter, If I were you check into getting a K&N air filter, you never have to replace them only clean them every oil change, they also add a little horse power. They cost about $65

Answer 8

With oil and filter change, have them check all other fluids and change or add as needed. Have tires checked and rotated. I get this done about every 3,000 miles.

Answer 9

Oil, Lube, Filter. MAKE sure this all gets done!!!

Have them check all your fluid levels - Brake & Transmission.

Wal*Mart does a good job!

Answer 10

Sometimes your Air Filter

Answer 11

oil changed every 3k miles
Fuel filter every 30k miles
Transmission fluid every 30k
tires rotated every other oil change
Air filter when needed
Belts and hoses changed when needed