30,000 mile maintenance? rip off?

[pokerraja]

I have a 2005 Mazda6 (v6) and I just hit the 30,000 mile mark. Mazda recommends a maintenance check-up at this time. It is very expensive and it almost seems useless. Is their anything that I 'must' do at this juncture? I already changed the air filter a few months back. I rotate tires every 6,000 miles at Discount Tire. I get oil changed regurlarly at cheapo shops. The only thing I can think of that I need to do is coolant flush? right? How important is changing the cabin filter?

anyways basically most dealerships are charging anywhere from $299-$399 for this:
Check Operation of Exterior Lights
Check Operation of Windshield Washer Spray, Wiper Operation & Blades

Inspect Clutch Operation (if equipped)

Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Perform Body Inspection

Free Tire Rotation with Service

Lubricate Drive Train, Shaft linkage, etc.

Inspect Wheel End for Play and Bearing Noise

Check Cooling System for Visible leaks or damage

Replace Fuel Filter (if applicable)

Check for Oil and/or Fluid leaks

Inspect Constant Velocity (CV) Drive Axle Boots

Inspect Accessory Drive Belts

Inspect Suspension, Shocks & Struts for Bounce, Leaks, or Damage

Inspect Brake System, Including lines, Hoses and Parking Brake

Inspect Disc and Drum Brakes

Replace Brake Fluid

Check A/C Hoses for Visible Leaks or Damage

Inspect Air Conditioning System

Check Operation of Interior Lights

Check Operation of Horn

Check Windshield for Cracks, Chips or Pitting

Refill Windshield Washer Fluid

Check Level and Condition of Windshield Washing Fluid, Automatic Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Steering Fluid, Coolant Recovery Reservoir, Transaxle Fluid, Transfer Case Fluid & Clutch Reservoir

Replace Air Cleaner Element

Inspect Battery Terminals

Lubricate Locks and Hinges

[bonuspokergod]

Mostly ripoff. I mean..check operation of horn??

Here are the things I would do at 30k miles. I make a list of things *I* want done..when I want them.

Replace fuel filter. Kind of important. Have dealer do this unless you have the special tool & want to get gas all over you.

Flush & replace coolant. Have them do it if you want, should be around $35-50.

Do you have a timing belt? If so, lookup the replacement interval. You do not want this belt to break. Get it replaced when the owners manual says to. Probably gonna be at least $100 but it's mandatory unless you want to replace the cylinder heads.

Top off the brake & power steering fluids yourself.

Replace your wiper blades. Mine were shot at 10k miles.

Inspect your CV boots for leaks yourself. If they're leaking, THEN get them fixed.

Tranny fluids should be checked and topped off.

Depending how you drive, your brake pads might be shot, but at 27k mine look almost brand new. Take your wheels off and inspect the pads yourself.

That's about it, unless you have some issues with the car that need to be fixed.

At 60k, do the same things but also have them replace the spark plugs.

So to recap the important things: Timing belt, fuel filter, coolant flush, brake pads & cv joints(inspect/replace as needed), transmission fluids.

[d10]

I would not get 90% of this done at 30k miles, and I'd be willing to bet that no more than half of it would in fact get done if you brought your car in for the service.

[pokerraja]

so basically. i can just go to uncle eds and get an oil change and coolant flush for $60 (sale), they check and top off fluids also. i always thought timing belt came later on.

also the dealership said they will clean the fuel injectors. is that the same as me just buying one of those F.I. cleaners at the gas station? thanks guys. Also if I don't so the 30,000 maint. at the dealership will this in any way void my warranty?

ps- i forgot to ask about lubing door hinges and joints. is this basically the same thing as just taking a can of WD40 and spraying it down?

[d10]

I would not replace the timing belt at 30k. Even 60k is pretty conservative.

[Kmon]

you guys are on the money, I worked at a couple of dealerships, and what were talking about is a menu service. every 30k miles or so. Stay on top of your oil changes and brakes. T-belt should be checkd at 60k if u must and replaced between 75-90k.

It's big money to make during a menu service. Yeah they check everything, but if you have an good idea about cars, check levels, and pads and u should be good.

Replacing the air filter and changin the oil are very important.

And yeah they spray white lithium grease on the door hinges. U can use dub40.

So if you know what to look for save yourself the 3-400 bux.

[CORed]

[ QUOTE ]
And yeah they spray white lithium grease on the door hinges. U can use dub40.

[/ QUOTE ]

White lithium grease is better for door hinges than WD40. You can get it in a spray can at any auto parts store. WD40 is a very light oil in a solvent base. It's great for freeing up stuff thats gotten stuck, but is little too light to be good for general-purpose lubrication. But for most purposes it's better than no lubrication.

[binions]

The reason car dealers can offer 0.0% financing and other crazy incentives on the front end is because they rape you on the back end with menu service.