When to replace factory items?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

uncle k - 06 Jun 2004 19:52 GMT

Pardon my time warp... I have lots of experience with older cars, but very
little with newer ones. There used to be "rules of thumb" for tune-ups, oil
changes, brakes, etc., as well as when you could expect to wear out tires,
batteries. Those rules have changed dramatically.

We have a '98 3.2 TL in beautiful condition, @ 60K. The factory tires went
58K. Rear brakes went 52K (fronts were too good to replace). Factory
battery is still strong at 6+ years. Oil/filter changes have been done
every 5K +/-.

I've always passed on fixing what isn't broken, but I don't want to hurt
this lovely car by failing to do what I should, either. For instance, the
factory plugs are still in it. It runs perfect and still gets great
mileage. What is the expected life of factory plugs/wires? I changed the
air filter once, at 30K. Frankly, the old one looked as good as the new
one. With another 30K on it, maybe it's time again? Fuel filters? Trans
oil?

It will get a timing belt at 90K. Are there other things I'm missing which
actually make a difference? Thanks in advance for your help.

Unc

Reply to this Message

Stuart Gordon - 07 Jun 2004 19:22 GMT

your owners manual will give you this info. Better to read it yourself than
take someone elses interpretation ... less chance for error that way.

Also, remember that the automaker likes paying customers, so use your common
sense too.

> Pardon my time warp... I have lots of experience with older cars, but very
> little with newer ones. There used to be "rules of thumb" for tune-ups, oil
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> Unc

Reply to this Message

uncle k - 07 Jun 2004 19:51 GMT

> your owners manual will give you this info. Better to read it yourself than
> take someone elses interpretation ... less chance for error that way.
>
> Also, remember that the automaker likes paying customers, so use your common
> sense too.

Thank you. Good point, and exactly why I asked for other opinions. I have
always done my own maintenance (mostly '60's cars), never letting the
dealers get the hook set in me. It's just new, and a little odd for me,
having brakes go 60K +, not to mention spark plugs. I'd rather know about
real-world, owner-experience than the conservative, $elf-$erving crap the
dealers will hand you. In short, I want to do what's right, not what the
dealer tells me.

Unc

Reply to this Message

ESmith - 09 Jun 2004 01:16 GMT

I would have the spark plugs replaced. I know the manual says 100k but will
they come out at that point. I have a 98 RL and the dealer replaced my
plugs at 68k without my telling them. I have my car serviced about every 3
or 4 months. My dealer gives free oil changes so every other service is
free. Bill Vince's Acura of Bridgewater, NJ.

Signature

Ed Smith

> your owners manual will give you this info. Better to read it yourself than
> take someone elses interpretation ... less chance for error that way.
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> >
> > Unc

Reply to this Message

Sandy - 08 Jun 2004 19:22 GMT

>>It will get a timing belt at 90K.

That would be in about 3 more years based on your current mileage.
I also have a '98 (a CL) with relatively low mileage. I am however concerned
about belts & hoses as they degrade over time regardless of mileage.
Specifically my timing belt replacement interval is 90K or 84 months - which
is rapidly approaching for '98 models.
This is about a $1000 job on a CL. Most Acura engines are interference
engines, meaning if the belt fails the valves will trash the engine.
Something to think about.....

Reply to this Message

uncle k - 09 Jun 2004 02:38 GMT

> >>It will get a timing belt at 90K.
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> engines, meaning if the belt fails the valves will trash the engine.
> Something to think about.....

Yes, I have this inner fear of the belt giving up from age, before the
mileage gets it. Being garaged helps prolong it's life some, but I agree,
it isn't a good bet to wait too long. I got bit once, right on the number,
in a Honda. The belt broke while cranking (to start it). $1500 later, she
was back on the road. On a humorous note, I had a note on my table that
morning, reminding me to do the belt.

Point well taken, thanks.

Reply to this Message