Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

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ctuser1
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Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by ctuser1 »

I have a 2016 Sienna that I recently took in for 45k mile service to the dealership.

Besides the regular $44 bill, two other maintenance items were recommended:
1. CS12 Belt (Alternator) replacement
Apparently the belt is showing signs of crack. It should not break (per the technician), but may soon start making funny noises. It was not clear if waiting till the actual noise appears is going to do any harm to the long term health of the car.
Quoted price: $236

2. Coolant system maintenance.
Apparently they want to flush the coolant system, top up the fluid etc.
I thought toyota coolant system is sealed and is good for 120k miles. So this is a bit of a surprise to me.
Quoted price: $183

I purchased this car new, and plan to drive it to the ground. I hope to at least get 200k miles, and will be ecstatic if I can eke out 300k miles or more. I don't delay any necessary maintenance (e.g. did break pads + rotor resurfacing immediately, as soon as suggested for several hundred $$s, during the 40k service).

Are any of the above maintenance items suggested really necessary for the long term health of the car?
Jack FFR1846
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Jack FFR1846 »

The belt. It's about $9 generic. Here's how to replace it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27-JeQCGskc

What I would do: I'd let it start making noise or I'd replace it myself. Sounds to me like your mechanic has a boat payment due.

Coolant flush? Uh, no. That boat has winterization and insurance payments due. Maybe shrink wrap.

I would do neither. If I wanted to be real ambitious, I'd spend the $9 on the belt and replace it myself. You could buy every tool in the video and still be way ahead.
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Big Dog
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Big Dog »

Personally not a fan of letting belts linger. They will break/fail at the most inopportune time. And when they do, the car is looking for a tow.

It is a rather simple job and I'd ask your mechanic why the labor is so high for that replacement.
Bankroll
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Bankroll »

Unless the coolant has been tampered with, it will be fine for now. Check your owners manual for service recommendations. Belts these days go 120-150K miles. My dayco belt service guide shows allowable cracking. I would not change the belt yourself, as other items should be checked at the same time. Try and find a quality independent repair shop that knows Toyota, and make that your goto shop.
sport
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by sport »

Bankroll wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 1:11 pm Try and find a quality independent repair shop that knows Toyota, and make that your goto shop.
This is a very good suggestion. Your dealer is not only very high-priced, but they are not trustworthy. If you were in my area, I would be glad to recommend the independent Toyota specialist I use.
Swansea
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Swansea »

Big Dog wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 1:05 pm Personally not a fan of letting belts linger. They will break/fail at the most inopportune time. And when they do, the car is looking for a tow.

It is a rather simple job and I'd ask your mechanic why the labor is so high for that replacement.
Yes, the labor for replacement is quite high. I once had a larger labor change for a thermostat replacement (used to be a 10 minute job), but when I saw what was involved in getting to the part I understood. I agree any cracked belt needs to be replaced. Squeaking is usually a loose belt or a failing belt tensioner. Get another estimate.
Coolant, as with brake fluid and engine oil, deteriorates with age. I replace mine every 3 years.
You can always go on a Toyota forum to see what others have done.
sport
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by sport »

Swansea wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 1:37 pm Coolant, as with brake fluid and engine oil, deteriorates with age. I replace mine every 3 years.
You can always go on a Toyota forum to see what others have done.
You can also take a look at your owner's manual for maintenance recommendations/requirements.
core4portfolio
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by core4portfolio »

While coolant flush is not requried, just to make sure you have enough Coolant in the car.
if it less then make sure it is normal.

Coolant flush is not requrired !!!!!!
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fandango
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by fandango »

Always check your manual for the correct maintenance frequency.

Dealers are notorious for using shorter time/mileage intervals than required. If in doubt, call the national help line for your make of car. I have found them to be very honest and knowledgeable.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Bankroll »

Swansea wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 1:37 pm Squeaking is usually a loose belt or a failing belt tensioner. Get another estimate.
Coolant, as with brake fluid and engine oil, deteriorates with age. I replace mine every 3 years.
You can always go on a Toyota forum to see what others have done.
Three years on coolant life is out of date information, and only applies to standard green coolant, that hasn't been used by the OEM for at least 15 years. Honda coolant, for example is good you 10 years/120K miles, and has been that way for over 17 years. Noise is usually from a idler pulley, or belt contamination. There should be almost no belt wear at 45K miles, unless there is more to the story. :?: . Also, in all my years as a service tech/shop owner, I have not seen a serpentine belt fail, or break on it's own, "unless" a drive component/bearing, etc. failed.
jeff1949
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by jeff1949 »

For what it is worth: I own a 1998 Toyota RAV-4 with 98k miles on it and it still has the original serpentine belt which has no cracks or sign of wear whatsoever according to my mechanic. Go figure.
Swansea
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Swansea »

Bankroll wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 2:27 pm
Swansea wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 1:37 pm Squeaking is usually a loose belt or a failing belt tensioner. Get another estimate.
Coolant, as with brake fluid and engine oil, deteriorates with age. I replace mine every 3 years.
You can always go on a Toyota forum to see what others have done.
Three years on coolant life is out of date information, and only applies to standard green coolant, that hasn't been used by the OEM for at least 15 years. Honda coolant, for example is good you 10 years/120K miles, and has been that way for over 17 years. Noise is usually from a idler pulley, or belt contamination. There should be almost no belt wear at 45K miles, unless there is more to the story. :?: . Also, in all my years as a service tech/shop owner, I have not seen a serpentine belt fail, or break on it's own, "unless" a drive component/bearing, etc. failed.
No experience with the coolant used in Toyota cars. But in 2004 BMW changed recommendation from 2/3/4 years to lifetime fill, despite not change in the coolant used. This saves $$ on the free maintenance program. They use a phosphate coolant.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Jim180 »

I'd say yes to the belt and no to the coolant. I always like to have my belt changed when it begins to crack. I feel uneasy driving with cracks in the belt. I've never had a coolant flush on my car and I have 124K miles on it.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by andypanda »

"2016 Sienna that I recently took in for 45k mile "

I've never even heard of a Toyota belt going bad that fast. Maybe after 100k or so, but not to any of mine and I bought my first Toyota in 1987.
Heck, I kept my 2010 Highlander limited for a full 6 years and never replaced a belt.

Fwiw, I'm amazed that the original wiper blades are still working well on our 2016 4Runner and 2016 Avalon. I want to replace them, but they don't need it.
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ctuser1
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by ctuser1 »

andypanda wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 3:26 pm Fwiw, I'm amazed that the original wiper blades are still working well on our 2016 4Runner and 2016 Avalon. I want to replace them, but they don't need it.
Off topic - but FYI for Toyota owners: You don't need to replace the full wiper blades on Toyotas. You can replace just the rubber thingy's inside the actual wiper blade.

They are about $7 or so from the dealers (i.e. runs the same as cheapo wiper blades), but seem to work much better than aftermarket, replacement wiper blades.

I don't know if aftermarket versions are available cheaper than $7.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Broken Man 1999 »

I am pleasantly surprised how well belts and hoses hold up in today's vehicles.

I used to do the maintenance on our vehicles back in the day when you could maybe get 10,000 miles out of a tune-up, and there was no way your belts and hoses would last ten years or more like they do today.

Vehicles are so much better today thanks to the Japanese auto invasion. Without them we would still be driving junk from Detroit.

OP, I would be very surprised if your vehicle needed either of the services. I think your mechanic is hungry.

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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by hudson »

ctuser1,

I took a RAV4 to a Toyota dealer for a recall. I got called back to the shop to look at my car. It was up on a lift. The mechanic showed me radiator fluid on my water pump and he recommended that I replace it for about $400. I asked him if the pump was making any noises. I asked if he had listened to it with a stethoscope. He answered no. I told him that I would get back to him. When I got home, I lifted the hood. The radiator overflow hose was right above the spilled fluid. I speculate that that's where the fluid came from. I never looked at it again; I sold the RAV4 5 years later and it was still going strong.

I will likely only own Toyotas, but I will never let them do any non warranty work unless I'm really in a jam. If they were financial advisors they would be selling variable annuities.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by surfstar »

Broken Man 1999 wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 5:11 pm I am pleasantly surprised how well belts and hoses hold up in today's vehicles.
Agreed. Belts are constructed very well and have been for a while. I thought about changing the serpentine belt in my 2005 Saturn Vue, at around 90k, but inspected it and saw no issues. It was perfectly fine still when sold in 2016 with ~145k miles.

If your 2016 Sienna has a bad belt at 45k miles - that seems defective. Too bad you're out of warranty. I wouldn't touch it, though, until it shows issues.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by atikovi »

ctuser1 wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 12:36 pmI don't delay any necessary maintenance (e.g. did break pads + rotor resurfacing immediately, as soon as suggested for several hundred $$s, during the 40k service).

Are any of the above maintenance items suggested really necessary for the long term health of the car?
They saw you as an easy mark after the 40K service. First rule of automotive maintenance is don't take a car to the dealer for routine service.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by michaelingp »

I agree with others that you just learned not to take your car to that dealership. When I use a dealership, and they try to upsell me service beyond what the manual recommends, I ask, "Is this a safety issue?" For some reason they will not lie to this question, and if the answer is "no" (which it always is), I decline the extra service, saying something like, "Thanks for checking, but I think I'll wait on that one."
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by zeal »

I recently took my '06 Corolla in for an oil change and was given both of those recommendations. I politely said no thanks, then read up on it later in my manual, read various internet forums, and asked my friend who is an engineer and has been a hobby mechanic his entire life. Upon what I learned and his recommendations... I bought an $11 Dayco brand belt and a $5 antifreeze/coolant tester from Amazon. Belt replacement was easy enough (found a YouTube video) and took maybe 5 minutes (and another set of hands will make it easier). As for the coolant, I tested it and it still works as intended so all good to go. This was over a month ago and the car is working just fine.

I might also add that the belt and antifreeze had never been replaced... So the stock belt lasted 13 years and ~120k miles, and the antifreeze is still going. I'd definitely at least consider changing the cracked belt--if it breaks then you'll lose your power steering and you'll be stranded, so need a tow or to walk somewhere to buy a belt and a drive breaker bar!
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by neilpilot »

zeal wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:24 pm I recently took my '06 Corolla in for an oil change and was given both of those recommendations. I politely said no thanks, then read up on it later in my manual, read various internet forums, and asked my friend who is an engineer and has been a hobby mechanic his entire life. Upon what I learned and his recommendations... I bought an $11 Dayco brand belt and a $5 antifreeze/coolant tester from Amazon. Belt replacement was easy enough (found a YouTube video) and took maybe 5 minutes (and another set of hands will make it easier). As for the coolant, I tested it and it still works as intended so all good to go. This was over a month ago and the car is working just fine.

I might also add that the belt and antifreeze had never been replaced... So the stock belt lasted 13 years and ~120k miles, and the antifreeze is still going. I'd definitely at least consider changing the cracked belt--if it breaks then you'll lose your power steering and you'll be stranded, so need a tow or to walk somewhere to buy a belt and a drive breaker bar!
When antifreeze ages, the additives can become depleted causing the mixture to become corrosive. While the solution still provides good freeze protection continued use can damage the engine and water pump. That’s why a fluid change should be done.

If your coolant tester checks for additives, great. However a tester that simply tests the specific gravity of the solution, those with little floating balls, only looks at freeze protection. In addition, you need to determine pH.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by fandango »

I had a 2001 Toyota 4Runner with over 200,000 on it.

I never replaced a belt.

My mechanic, who only worked on Toyotas, said that he never replaced a belt on a Toyota unless it had been in an accident with front end damage.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by zeal »

neilpilot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 5:34 am
zeal wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:24 pm I recently took my '06 Corolla in for an oil change and was given both of those recommendations. I politely said no thanks, then read up on it later in my manual, read various internet forums, and asked my friend who is an engineer and has been a hobby mechanic his entire life. Upon what I learned and his recommendations... I bought an $11 Dayco brand belt and a $5 antifreeze/coolant tester from Amazon. Belt replacement was easy enough (found a YouTube video) and took maybe 5 minutes (and another set of hands will make it easier). As for the coolant, I tested it and it still works as intended so all good to go. This was over a month ago and the car is working just fine.

I might also add that the belt and antifreeze had never been replaced... So the stock belt lasted 13 years and ~120k miles, and the antifreeze is still going. I'd definitely at least consider changing the cracked belt--if it breaks then you'll lose your power steering and you'll be stranded, so need a tow or to walk somewhere to buy a belt and a drive breaker bar!
When antifreeze ages, the additives can become depleted causing the mixture to become corrosive. While the solution still provides good freeze protection continued use can damage the engine and water pump. That’s why a fluid change should be done.

If your coolant tester checks for additives, great. However a tester that simply tests the specific gravity of the solution, those with little floating balls, only looks at freeze protection. In addition, you need to determine pH.
Thanks for the info, I didn't know that. When it becomes corrosive though, wouldn't you see rust/metals in the liquid? The tester I bought allows you to suck up a lot of fluid at once and I made sure the liquid not only tested correctly for temperature, but was clean too--with nothing floating around in it.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Kagord »

neilpilot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 5:34 am When antifreeze ages, the additives can become depleted causing the mixture to become corrosive. While the solution still provides good freeze protection continued use can damage the engine and water pump. That’s why a fluid change should be done.
+1, This. I am a DIYer, maybe 15 years ago and before, I used to do 2 or 3 coolant drain and fills at 30K intervals. That was the green Prestone stuff. With Toyota's super long life coolant, I am banking on Toyota engineering on the anti corrosive additives they put in, and I am now comfortable at 60K intervals. Yes, the coolant will probably pass a density test way past this, it's the corrosion prevention you are solving by doing accelerated coolant changes. btw, I hate replacing water pumps.

Also, with Toyotas, I've heard too many times shops change the water pump with the timing belt service, and with a non OEM water pump. Then 20K later, the POS pump fails. "You do know the Toyota water pumps are very reliable and go 250K-300K with regular coolant service", said that many times.

Back to topic, I wouldn't do anything you listed until 60K, sounds like they are pumping some sales volume.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by neilpilot »

zeal wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 6:18 am
neilpilot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 5:34 am
zeal wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:24 pm I recently took my '06 Corolla in for an oil change and was given both of those recommendations. I politely said no thanks, then read up on it later in my manual, read various internet forums, and asked my friend who is an engineer and has been a hobby mechanic his entire life. Upon what I learned and his recommendations... I bought an $11 Dayco brand belt and a $5 antifreeze/coolant tester from Amazon. Belt replacement was easy enough (found a YouTube video) and took maybe 5 minutes (and another set of hands will make it easier). As for the coolant, I tested it and it still works as intended so all good to go. This was over a month ago and the car is working just fine.

I might also add that the belt and antifreeze had never been replaced... So the stock belt lasted 13 years and ~120k miles, and the antifreeze is still going. I'd definitely at least consider changing the cracked belt--if it breaks then you'll lose your power steering and you'll be stranded, so need a tow or to walk somewhere to buy a belt and a drive breaker bar!
When antifreeze ages, the additives can become depleted causing the mixture to become corrosive. While the solution still provides good freeze protection continued use can damage the engine and water pump. That’s why a fluid change should be done.

If your coolant tester checks for additives, great. However a tester that simply tests the specific gravity of the solution, those with little floating balls, only looks at freeze protection. In addition, you need to determine pH.
Thanks for the info, I didn't know that. When it becomes corrosive though, wouldn't you see rust/metals in the liquid? The tester I bought allows you to suck up a lot of fluid at once and I made sure the liquid not only tested correctly for temperature, but was clean too--with nothing floating around in it.
The antifreeze can look clean, especially with an aluminum block, but still be corrosive. While a pH test is easy to do, original fluids in a 2006 should be changed. Hopefully you aren’t running on your original brake fluid.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by zeal »

neilpilot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 7:03 am
zeal wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 6:18 am
neilpilot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 5:34 am
zeal wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:24 pm I recently took my '06 Corolla in for an oil change and was given both of those recommendations. I politely said no thanks, then read up on it later in my manual, read various internet forums, and asked my friend who is an engineer and has been a hobby mechanic his entire life. Upon what I learned and his recommendations... I bought an $11 Dayco brand belt and a $5 antifreeze/coolant tester from Amazon. Belt replacement was easy enough (found a YouTube video) and took maybe 5 minutes (and another set of hands will make it easier). As for the coolant, I tested it and it still works as intended so all good to go. This was over a month ago and the car is working just fine.

I might also add that the belt and antifreeze had never been replaced... So the stock belt lasted 13 years and ~120k miles, and the antifreeze is still going. I'd definitely at least consider changing the cracked belt--if it breaks then you'll lose your power steering and you'll be stranded, so need a tow or to walk somewhere to buy a belt and a drive breaker bar!
When antifreeze ages, the additives can become depleted causing the mixture to become corrosive. While the solution still provides good freeze protection continued use can damage the engine and water pump. That’s why a fluid change should be done.

If your coolant tester checks for additives, great. However a tester that simply tests the specific gravity of the solution, those with little floating balls, only looks at freeze protection. In addition, you need to determine pH.
Thanks for the info, I didn't know that. When it becomes corrosive though, wouldn't you see rust/metals in the liquid? The tester I bought allows you to suck up a lot of fluid at once and I made sure the liquid not only tested correctly for temperature, but was clean too--with nothing floating around in it.
The antifreeze can look clean, especially with an aluminum block, but still be corrosive. While a pH test is easy to do, original fluids in a 2006 should be changed. Hopefully you aren’t running on your original brake fluid.
Definitely still more for me to learn... Thanks, neilpilot. I'll be diving into my manual today :)

Edit: accidentally typed driving instead of diving. How ironic!
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by myleaf »

I would change the coolant at the manufacture's recommended interval 100K miles ??

The belt change seems early to me. But for peace of mind you could have it checked by an independent (as others suggested) or have it changed by the dealer.
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SimonJester
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by SimonJester »

On my 2004 Sienna I went 12 years on the original belt and coolant, both were changed out when I had the timing belt replaced at my independent mechanic. I recommend you find an independent mechanic and stop going to the stealership...
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Barefoot »

ctuser1 wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 3:56 pm Off topic - but FYI for Toyota owners: You don't need to replace the full wiper blades on Toyotas. You can replace just the rubber thingy's inside the actual wiper blade.
I recently went by my local dealer to get wiper blade inserts for my '07 4Runner. When the parts counter guy brought them to me he said they were the last ones they had, and the weren't gonna re-stock them anymore.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by atikovi »

Barefoot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 6:23 pm
ctuser1 wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 3:56 pm Off topic - but FYI for Toyota owners: You don't need to replace the full wiper blades on Toyotas. You can replace just the rubber thingy's inside the actual wiper blade.
I recently went by my local dealer to get wiper blade inserts for my '07 4Runner. When the parts counter guy brought them to me he said they were the last ones they had, and the weren't gonna re-stock them anymore.
Same with Honda, you can get just the rubber inserts for $4 - $5, but I get complete Denso blades for under $4 so haven't done that in a while.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by Trader Joe »

ctuser1 wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 12:36 pm I have a 2016 Sienna that I recently took in for 45k mile service to the dealership.

Besides the regular $44 bill, two other maintenance items were recommended:
1. CS12 Belt (Alternator) replacement
Apparently the belt is showing signs of crack. It should not break (per the technician), but may soon start making funny noises. It was not clear if waiting till the actual noise appears is going to do any harm to the long term health of the car.
Quoted price: $236

2. Coolant system maintenance.
Apparently they want to flush the coolant system, top up the fluid etc.
I thought toyota coolant system is sealed and is good for 120k miles. So this is a bit of a surprise to me.
Quoted price: $183

I purchased this car new, and plan to drive it to the ground. I hope to at least get 200k miles, and will be ecstatic if I can eke out 300k miles or more. I don't delay any necessary maintenance (e.g. did break pads + rotor resurfacing immediately, as soon as suggested for several hundred $$s, during the 40k service).

Are any of the above maintenance items suggested really necessary for the long term health of the car?
Long-time Toyota Sienna owner here. I always take my Sienna's to a dealer and no where else.

None of these issues are important or urgent.
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fandango
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by fandango »

Check Amazon and Rock Auto for wiper blade refills.

I used to get OEM refills for my 2001 4Runner from these sites.

Also check E Bay which offers a lot of after market parts.
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by brianH »

Barefoot wrote: Sun Nov 10, 2019 6:23 pm I recently went by my local dealer to get wiper blade inserts for my '07 4Runner. When the parts counter guy brought them to me he said they were the last ones they had, and the weren't gonna re-stock them anymore.
Depending on the blade, I can understand this. I tried to do the inserts on an older Honda with the stock blades, and it was a huge PITA. Like threading a floppy, wet noodle through a 2ft straw. There's no way a service shop would bother with a 10+ minute task when replacing the whole blade assembly takes 20 seconds.

Wipers seem to have gotten much better, and even decent ones like Bosch Icons are around $20/set. It's not worth dealing with an insert and a potentially worn out blade to save $10 or so.
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For your mileage neither

Post by Socrates »

check owners manual but belt replacement in the 40s is rare

both can be addressed at local garage for far less
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Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by j0nnyg1984 »

Funny thread. When I bought my 2005 Silverado (in 2005), the first thing I did was dump the “long life” GM coolant (I think it was orange?) and went to the standard green stuff. I had heard nothing but bad information about the long life stuff gumming up systems.

14 years and 200k miles later, I think I’ve done the coolant flush 3 times? It’s not a big deal.

I also changed the idler pulley and serp belt a few years ago. Maybe took 20 minutes?
CheCha54
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:21 am

Re: Question for Car experts - how urgent/important are these maintenance items

Post by CheCha54 »

I would go to a trusted independent shop. My experience with Dealer shops has not been good. I would be surprised if either needs to be replaced.
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