Maintenance: Dealership vs DIY: TSBs and Recalls

[SwedishRider]

I have had my vehicles maintained by their respective dealerships for quite a few years now. Typically, I bring my brand preferences for fluids and filters to the dealer, and they charge me the labor (local Ford and Chrysler dealers are good about this). Prior to that time, I used to do all typical maintenance work myself. I'm thinking about using a Mityvac oil extractor and doing the routine stuff myself again, probably about twice a year, once in the spring, and once in the fall using full synthetic oil and my desired filter brands.

One of the things I do like about the dealerships is that they run the car through their computer systems to check for any TSBs or recalls that needed to be performed. It's very convenient, and it keeps my cars up to date with any needed work.

If I shift that routine maintenance work back to me, obviously the dealer won't be running the VIN through their system. So that being the case, how do you all keep abreast of TSBs and recalls? I found Safercar.gov but I've never used it and don't know how up to date it is. Doing routine work myself, it could be a few years before a car saw a dealership again… if ever again really.

How do you folks handle this?

 

[benjamming]

I don't care about TSBs unless I notice an issue. Then, I'll search the interwebs for the solution (if not obvious). If a TSB applies, it will usually show up in my searches especially on good forums which I keep bookmarked. BTW, unlike with recalls, a TSB doesn't mean a free fix although goodwill repairs are possible. Some recalls also have expiration dates.

I read automotive news articles so usually pick up on recalls that way if the vehicle wasn't purchased new by me. Some mfg have an owner's area where you can register the vehicle & they'll send you a notice for recalls.

 

[bigjl]

I found that doing all the oil and filter changes myself then take it to the dealer once a year for a service and check over has worked well.

Also means you have the dealer stamp in the book that so many crave and you get to save money on maintenance.

Works better if you do more miles than the yearly service interval.

Say 20k. Two or three oci by myself and a third or fourth by the dealer.

I also like to get cambelts done by the main dealer if the car is fairly new.

 

[Kruse]

I don't have any work done by a dealership, but I write down the VIN and have the service advisor run it through their system about once a year. On my last visit to the Chrysler dealership, he wanted to reprogram my '96 Jeep, but it gets such great gas mileage that I told him I was going to pass on that upgrade. He fully agreed.

 

[Eddie]

Dealer don't usually address TSBs unless the customer has a complaint. TSBs are not necessarily free as are done as a courtesy on vehicle with over a year on them unless it is a safety issue.

 

[crazyoildude]

While your car is under warranty its cool to use the dealer for regular maintenance after the warranty is up stay away unless you know them personally and really trust them!
You can look up everything yourself... another thing if your car is under warranty and you choose the dealer pay with a credit card so you have proof, its funny i looked at a receipt from a dealer from 2009 and the ink was almost gone...lol
I deal with lots of car dealer service people in my engine shop and out of around 12 new car dealers i trust only one the others are really not honest or clueless. There are some good shops but most are really bad. There is someone here that works for a hyundai dealer that seems to be an honest caring dealer according to him. I am an honest person we have so much work we dont have to lie to anyone.

 

[The Critic]

Dealership maintenance can give you a better shot at goodwill repairs, but you have to do all of their recommended maint services, not just a-la-care oil changes or brake flushes.

TSBs are solutions to problems and are not performed unless there's an actual issue.

There are service campaigns which are performed at n/c, but those are different than TSBs.

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
While your car is under warranty its cool to use the dealer for regular maintenance after the warranty is up stay away unless you know them personally and really trust them!
You can look up everything yourself... another thing if your car is under warranty and you choose the dealer pay with a credit card so you have proof, its funny i looked at a receipt from a dealer from 2009 and the ink was almost gone...lol
I deal with lots of car dealer service people in my engine shop and out of around 12 new car dealers i trust only one the others are really not honest or clueless. There are some good shops but most are really bad. There is someone here that works for a hyundai dealer that seems to be an honest caring dealer according to him. I am an honest person we have so much work we dont have to lie to anyone.


Get a grip. Independent shops are not the answer to everything. You seem to be convinced that dealerships are the devil -- when you have absolutely no proof that this is the case.

 

[SwedishRider]

What do you think about using the dealership to do fluid and filter changes with my preferred brands? I have a Ford and a Chrysler dealership that both do it for about the same price: about $14 for the oil change if I bring my own fluid & filter, and $20 to rotate the tires. Altogether, it ends up being $36 (tax) for oil change, tire rotation, and multipoint inspection. I usually do two of those per year, per car.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: SwedishRider
So that being the case, how do you all keep abreast of TSBs and recalls?


A service information provider like Alldata. You can get a 1 year DIY subscription for $26.95

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Dealer don't usually address TSBs unless the customer has a complaint. TSBs are not necessarily free as are done as a courtesy on vehicle with over a year on them unless it is a safety issue.


This, TSBs are not covered by the manufacturer if the vehicle is out of the NVLW or an extended warranty coverage like a Recall is. Sometimes they will cover it as a courtesy if you are a good customer of the brand or the dealer. TSBs are only performed if the problem exists. We are actually required to perform an open recall on a vehicle anytime it comes into service.

 

[SevenBizzos]

I join internet "clubs" for my specific vehicles. These are great resources for TSB's, DIY's, and other care for your car.

I don't like dealerships too much and only take the car back for some weird problem (like a brake light switch messing with dashboard lights) or if it's free. Most of the dealerships around here refuse to believe people can actually perform their own maintenance.