Anonymous
06/26/2024 08:22
Subject: Car Service for Dummies - car barely used
Your owner’s manual “should” have a discussion of low-mileage maintenance. Essentially, even cars that are not used very much need periodic oil changes; belt, hose and tire inspections; fluid checks; coolant change; and perhaps some fuel treatment(s) to prevent gumming, water condensation, etc. Things oxidize, rust, dry out, etc., even on a seldom-used car.
Your “works” package looks like it would cover most of this.
As for where to get the work done, that’s a perennial problem. Even good shops have turnover so you can get varying results. I’ve always liked dealer maintenance because (1) if you sole-source procure they can’t blame anybody else; and (2) their people are supposed to be better trained and experienced on that brand. But dealerships tend to be more aggressive in recommending additional work that might be deferred, at least in my experience, and not everybody they employ is great.
If you have any warranty left the dealer is an obvious choice. Otherwise you can ask in your circle of acquaintances and/or on DCUM for specific references. I have two secondary shops I use. One of them is a guy I’ve known forever. He is honest and competent, but because he is solo he can have longer turnaround times, and he sometimes doesn’t dig too deeply (which can be an advantage and a disadvantage). The other I got referred to by a friend responsible for a small fleet of work vehicles. That one got to the bottom of a recurring issue the first one didn’t dig far enough into.
Good luck.
Your “works” package looks like it would cover most of this.
As for where to get the work done, that’s a perennial problem. Even good shops have turnover so you can get varying results. I’ve always liked dealer maintenance because (1) if you sole-source procure they can’t blame anybody else; and (2) their people are supposed to be better trained and experienced on that brand. But dealerships tend to be more aggressive in recommending additional work that might be deferred, at least in my experience, and not everybody they employ is great.
If you have any warranty left the dealer is an obvious choice. Otherwise you can ask in your circle of acquaintances and/or on DCUM for specific references. I have two secondary shops I use. One of them is a guy I’ve known forever. He is honest and competent, but because he is solo he can have longer turnaround times, and he sometimes doesn’t dig too deeply (which can be an advantage and a disadvantage). The other I got referred to by a friend responsible for a small fleet of work vehicles. That one got to the bottom of a recurring issue the first one didn’t dig far enough into.
Good luck.
Anonymous
06/26/2024 08:11
Subject: Car Service for Dummies - car barely used
You don’t know much about cars so do NOT go to a dealership for service. They will rip you off.
Go to an independent mechanic that someone who knows about cars recommends. Even if you have to Uber to and from.
And drive your car more often. Once a month for an hour, at least. You need moisture to evaporate, seals to be lubed, and hopefully you don’t have flat spots on your tires.
Go to an independent mechanic that someone who knows about cars recommends. Even if you have to Uber to and from.
And drive your car more often. Once a month for an hour, at least. You need moisture to evaporate, seals to be lubed, and hopefully you don’t have flat spots on your tires.
Anonymous
06/26/2024 07:58
Subject: Car Service for Dummies - car barely used
I bought a new car in 2019. Between the COVID shutdown and personal health issues, it’s barely been driven. I think it has a total of about 1800 miles on it. I can’t remember if it was serviced once or twice at the dealership, but I know it’s last service was about May/June 2021.
What service do I need? The dealership has a service package called “The Works”. Is that what I need? Do I need to ask for something beyond that? Are there things they may try to tell me I need just because I’m ignorant?
https://www.lindsayford.com/print/PrintNewSpecials/3677566/print-service/2
Where should I go? Is it better to go to the dealership, a chain like Jiffy Lube or Mr. Tire, or a private mechanic (and how would I find a good one)?
I greatly appreciate any advice DCUM can provide.
What service do I need? The dealership has a service package called “The Works”. Is that what I need? Do I need to ask for something beyond that? Are there things they may try to tell me I need just because I’m ignorant?
https://www.lindsayford.com/print/PrintNewSpecials/3677566/print-service/2
Where should I go? Is it better to go to the dealership, a chain like Jiffy Lube or Mr. Tire, or a private mechanic (and how would I find a good one)?
I greatly appreciate any advice DCUM can provide.