Here's another example of ridiculous dealership recommendations

[The Critic]

Dealership recommended 30,000 miles or 24 months service. Change Engine Oil & Oil Filter (up to 4 quarts) Check Tire Pressure Check & Replenish All Fluid Levels Inspect Belts & Hoses Rotate Tires - Inspect for Wear Clean & Service Battery Inspect Front & Rear Brakes Adjust Clutch (If Applicable) Install KREX Graphite Super Lubricant Inspect Lights & Wipers Inspect Air Filter Install KREX Fuel System & Injector Cleaner Lube Door Hinges Lube Weatherstrips Inspect CV Boot Replace Transmission Fluid Replace Valve Cover Gasket Adjust Valves Rotate & Computer Balance Tires 49 Point Safety Check Replace Distributor Cap Replace Brake Fluid Replace Distributor Rotor Replace Spark Plugs Replace Air Filter Inspect Suspension Bolts, Struts & Shocks http://www.thompsonhonda.com/maint.htm This is the first dealer I've seen, that has recommended scheduled replacement of a valve cover gasket.

 

[pzev]

While I agree the valve cover gasket is overkill, I don't see whats wrong with this list. Sure, it is excessive, but for the anal car types this dealer is great. If they actually did all the work listed, the car would be in great shape. To bad I don't drive a Honda, or live close to tht dealer. I would consider taking my car there.

 

[Pablo]

If they adjust the valves, they'll need a gasket - but at 30k?? Yeah I agree with Palut - what's with the Krex? [ June 10, 2006, 12:46 AM: Message edited by: Pablo ]

 

[Palut]

I'd object to the KREX super graphite lubricant.

 

[The Critic]

To me, a valve adjustment @ 30K seems ridiculous, unless the engine has a history of burning valves. Otherwise, I'd do it at the time of the timing belt change. For a comparison, here's what my local Toyota dealer does for their 30K service: Drain/fill transmission and differential fluids Rotate 4 tires Replace Engine Air Cleaner Element Oil/Filter Change Top-Off Fluids Drain/Fill Engine Coolant Replace Spark Plugs (non-platinum) Re-torque Body Bolts And they charge $299.95 for this service. Plus, if you have a newer Toyota sedan with the extended-life Iridium plugs and integrated final drive unit with the transmission, the "meat" of the 30K service is only as follows: Drain/Fill ATF ($40) Replace Air Filter ($20) Drain/Fill Coolant ($40) Oil/Filter Change ($30)

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

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Originally posted by The Critic: Replace Valve Cover Gasket Adjust Valves

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Maybe they're trying to tell you something about their cars?!

 

[pzev]

Wow, go look at the site. They actually recommend the valve adjustment (and valve cover gasket) at 15k!

 

[ryncdak]

quote:

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Wow, go look at the site. They actually recommend the valve adjustment (and valve cover gasket) at 15k!

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Yeah, it looks like it's every 15k miles!!! That's exactly why I don't take my cars into the dealer to be serviced and say, "do the 30,000 mile service". A replaced valve cover gasket, transmission overhaul, and $1000 later, you are on your merry way!!

 

[BearZDefect]

Adjust Clutch? How many Hondas manufactured in the past two decades have an adjustable clutch?

 

[G-MAN]

You forgot to add something to the list: -Install a genuine FRAM oil filter. *snicker*

 

[Eddie]

WOW: This is a HIGH mantenence vehicle so I'll stay away from this one.

 

[mechtech]

I'd omit the Krex. There is a redundancy in rotating the tires, and the balancing job - they'll probably charge for both. If they replace the air filter, why charge to inspect it? A hydraulic clutch can have the pedal height adjusted [which determines the clutch travel], and the actuating pushod freeplay adjusted. Many of the 'checks' are very quick visual tests. How much for all of this, is the bottom line.

 

[BearZDefect]

mechtech, thanks for the clutch clarification. +1 about the 10-second visual inspections. Without a lift, add a minute or two for DIY.

 

[vad]

quote:

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Originally posted by The Critic: Lube Weatherstrips

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[The Critic]

Out of curiosity, I sent the local Honda dealership an e-mail in request for a copy of their 60K service list. Here's what they came back with: $359.95: Oil and Filter Change Replace Engine Air Cleaner Element Replace In-Cabin Microfilter Replace Brake Fluid Drain and Refill Transmission Fluid Complete Brake Inspection Battery Load Test and Battery Cable Cleaning Inspect Suspension Adjust Drive Belts Not the least expensive nor most comprehensive list , but much more reasonable.

quote:

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Originally posted by G-Man II: You forgot to add something to the list: -Install a genuine FRAM oil filter. *snicker*

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Well, the Honda OEM filter is usually of a "modified" FRAM Tough Guard design. ;p

 

[Papa Bear]

It's a HIGH maintenance DEALER !! Stay away from that one. P.B.

 

[Alcibiades]

What model? Year? My Honda dealer has a similar 30k service "package," but without the valve adjustment, transmission fluid, dist. rotor & cap, and spark plugs. In fact, they don't expect to replace the transmission fluid until 100k at my dealer. (I told them to do it at 50k.) Sounds to me like your dealer is a fleecing artist.

 

[bar1]

Most european cars have 2 years, 30000 km (18750 miles) normal service interval (and OCI). Some VAG products have 2 years, 50000 km (31250 miles) normal service intervall but I think they went back to 30000 km.

 

[jsharp]

Someone needs to get some of this Krex snake oil stuff and do an anaylsis of it. The advanced automotive engine runs hot and tight. Tough demands are made on lubricants. Conventional automotive oils cannot withstand the intense heat and pressure generated, breaking down at temperatures as low as 350°F. Yet, automotive engines reach temperatures as high as 1,250°F. Only graph- ite can continue lubrication at these temperatures and beyond (up to 5,000°F). Link at the bottom of this page - http://www.krexinc.com/index.cfm/go/main.showFAQ Personally, if they put that stuff in my new vehicle I'd be calling the manufacturer and asking for an extended powertrain warranty...

 

[JohnBrowning]

Well, I know GM is going to a system that uses two different maintence lists. They have maintence list "A" and "B" when the OLM goes off you take it to the dealership and they will change the oil and try to sell you all of the services listed on list "A" or "B". It has long been rather common for imports to have preprogramed large maintnece lists at fixed intervals like 30,000 , 75,000 , 120,000 etc....This is in addition to the normal maintnece. It is usualy full of inspect or replace itiems like belts, hose's, cap, rotor etc.......