The only maintenance I've done on my 1999 Alero is change the oil basically.
I've never taken it into the dealer for those expensive servicings that
include checking tire pressure for $800+ lol.
I was going to take it into Midas for new breaks, maybe struts, but what
else can I ask them to do? Radiator flush is at 5 years / 100 miles I think.
What are some things I can ask them to do that really need done to keep this
car running for another 5 years?
The car only has 42k miles and runs great.
-Max
> The only maintenance I've done on my 1999 Alero is change the oil basically.
> I've never taken it into the dealer for those expensive servicings that
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> The car only has 42k miles and runs great.
Stay away from Midas for anything. I repeat, stay away from Midas for
anything. Midas, Firestone, Goodyear, et. al. are typically rip-off
joints. When I was young and dumb, I got screwed by Midas for brakes
('91 Grand Prix, ate brakes due to caliper issues) so I stay away. Lots
of expose'-type local TV shows where they've taken good cars into
Midas/Goodyear/Firestone, only to ring up huge $$$ repair bills.
Find a local reputable brake shop. ASK AROUND - co-workers, friends,
acquaintances, your insurance agent, et. al. Don't get brakes unless you
notice stopping distances getting longer/the pedal squeal from the wear
indicators on the pads. Likewise for struts/shocks - don't get them
unless you notice ride quality going to heck/the car bounces more than
once if you push down hard on each corner.
Now, regarding your car - are you the original owner? How long has the
car been in service? If you got your '99 in '99 that would mean it's
been six years. 4-cylinder or 6? Things I would consider:
a) fuel filter - should be every 2 years or 30k miles.
b) coolant - yea, DexCool should be able to last 5/100k. I change mine
every couple of years, frankly.
c) transmission fluid and filter - by 50k miles, maybe sooner based on
your low miles. Do you do a lot of city driving, or highway?
d) if/when you do get brakes done, consider having the brake fluid
flushed. It is hygroscopic, meaning it will take on moisture over time
and eventually become
e) at 42k miles and 5+ years, how are your tires? Still OEM? Been
getting them rotated every 6-8k miles? Not wearing unevenly? Does the
car track straight and true if you're going down a smooth road and take
your hands off the wheel? No vibrations at highway speeds?
f) Just because you have platinum-tipped spark plugs and they're
supposed to go 100k miles, doesn't mean they will. Time to check
plugs/wires (if you have them - some cars are coil-on-plug). I knew it
was time to put new plugs/wires on my Aurora when I could see where the
wires were arcing onto the valve covers. Otherwise, you can fill a spray
bottle with water and, with the car running, lightly mist water over the
wires - if you get a fireworks show, that means it's time to change 'em.
g) ever changed the air filter? PCV valve? battery?
h) use a flashlight to look at the underside of the serpentine belt. If
you see cracks, time to change it.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something obvious. But, these are the areas that
I would consider if I were in your shoes...
Max - 07 Apr 2005 12:37 GMT
Hey great info thanks!
It's the V6, original owner, been in constant use. I've obviously taken care
of most of what you listed. I was worried about stuff I can't exactly do
myself that involve taking apart the engine or the transmission which is now
out of warranty.
Power steering is making a very faint motor sounding noise when turning.
Fluid level ok.
Breaks aren't making noise, but stopping power is low. Shocks are just nice
when their new and if they aren't too much it may be worth it. I did tow a
uhaul from California to Florida, and the rear shocks are still OK and the
transmission is still good if that's any testimate to the car. I thought for
sure I'd be replacing something expensive after that move.
The reason I said Midas was that GM has totally screwed me over. I know
those places overcharge though, I actually just got my tires from WalMart
and saved $200 cause how can you screw up tires right? Not sure if I trust
them to do a rotation and alignment though... I think I got lucky on that
one that they didn't scratch my rims.
I'll definitely try to find a good local place...
-Max
"Zaphod Beeblebrox" <idontlikespam@nospamplease.com> wrote in message
> Stay away from Midas for anything. I repeat, stay away from Midas for
> anything. Midas, Firestone, Goodyear, et. al. are typically rip-off
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Midas/Goodyear/Firestone, only to ring up huge $$$ repair bills.
> ....