Advice re Mechanic

[dakcp2001]

I am about to drive my car 1500 miles for a move. I brought it in to the mechanic for a check up to make sure it is ok for the road trip, and he is suggesting about 4k worth of stuff and is talking to me like I am a five year old " and need to be safe" . I dont trust this guy as far as I can throw a piano.

What preventative maintenance do you think needs to be done before a 1500 mile road trip? I want an oil change, I think I need 2 new tires the other two are fairly new. What other things need to be done? Transmission flush? Tune up? Any help would really be appreciated. My car is a 2002 and seems to be running just fine, it does get a little hot on long trips, but they couldnt find anything that would cause that.

 

[kaytieeldr]

When was the last time you had those things done; how often does your owner's manual recommend them; and are you in the Boston area? The reason I ask the latter is there's an auto advice show on, I think, WEEI late Friday nights. The mechanics that do the show are EXCELLENT.

 

[Kies99]

What is the make/model/year of your car?

 

[Leajess99]

I am about to drive my car 1500 miles for a move. I brought it in to the mechanic for a check up to make sure it is ok for the road trip, and he is suggesting about 4k worth of stuff and is talking to me like I am a five year old " and need to be safe" . I dont trust this guy as far as I can throw a piano.

What preventative maintenance do you think needs to be done before a 1500 mile road trip? I want an oil change, I think I need 2 new tires the other two are fairly new. What other things need to be done? Transmission flush? Tune up? Any help would really be appreciated. My car is a 2002 and seems to be running just fine, it does get a little hot on long trips, but they couldnt find anything that would cause that.

I would do the oil change, have the brakes checked, replaced the 2 tires you are concerned with and have the radiator checked. If it runs hot on long trips than maybe have the radiator fluid flushed and filled to see if that helps. Also have the belts checked to make sure there are no cracks in them.

As for the trip, take your time and takes breaks so the car can cool down. It is good for you to get out and walk around every couple of hours as well so your legs can get a break.

 

[kaytieeldr]

In addition to everything the above poster suggests, if the OP doesn't belong already - join AAA or another, similar organization in case of emergency.

 

[JB2K]

I am about to drive my car 1500 miles for a move. I brought it in to the mechanic for a check up to make sure it is ok for the road trip, and he is suggesting about 4k worth of stuff and is talking to me like I am a five year old " and need to be safe" . I dont trust this guy as far as I can throw a piano.

With that last sentence, why in the heck is he STILL your mechanic?

What preventative maintenance do you think needs to be done before a 1500 mile road trip? I want an oil change, I think I need 2 new tires the other two are fairly new. What other things need to be done? Transmission flush? Tune up? Any help would really be appreciated. My car is a 2002 and seems to be running just fine, it does get a little hot on long trips, but they couldnt find anything that would cause that.[/QUOTE]

PM depends largely upon how many miles you have already put on the car.

I would, as a minimum, do a complete oil/fluids change. "Complete" meaning radiator/anti-freeze, brake fluid, etc. Also change your air filter (This should all run you somewhere around $400).

If the tires have an adequate amount of tread, you should be fine.

Have your brakes checked-out by one of the brake shops you see on TV - don't wait until the old brakes are grinding on the rotors to discover you need new brakes (stick with one of the big chains, as they all have good nationwide warranties).

 

[mikehn]

I wouldn't do anything, unless it was due to be done anyways or unless there's a specific problem. Other than that, maybe ensure the tires are properly inflated and coolant is topped off.

 

[MTmomma]

I dont know where you are taking your car, but 400 bucks for that is a HUGE rip-off. IF there is nothing going wrong with your car, and nothing due to be taken care of in routine maintenence, then you will be able to get away with an oil change, fluid level check, (possibly a radiator flush, but that has never cost me over 100) and you can change your air filter your self for less than ten, heck even the "quick lube" places only charge you like ten or 15 depending on the air filter. If you go to a dealer, they do oil changes, and it is going to cost you more than the local guys, but in the grand scheme of things, 1500 miles is NOT that big of a trip. (keep in mind, I used to criss cross the country on a weekly basis) Have your brakes checked (some places offer this as part of a premium oil change package) and replace any questionable tires. Carry a gallon (minimum) of 50/50 pre mixed antifreeze, and one gallon of spring water in your trunk (this should ALWAYS be in there) and if you are concerned about any emergencies along the way, check with your cell phone carrier, and add their emergency roadside service plan (usually around five bucks a month) OR AAA or something similar. Plan out your routes, know roughly how far you will be going, Carry a REAL USA atlas, not just a googlemaps printout. You can get a Rand McNalley USA roadmap for 10-15 bucks. (I have the nice laminated motor carriers edition, at 85-100 each) I think that with reasonable preperation, your trip should be uneventful. I know that my daily driver vehichles are all kept in a condition that the most I need to do before a quick turn out of town is possibly an oil change...... Good luck!

 

[pixiewings71]

Find a new mechanic. Tell them you didn't like how you were being treated at your last mechanic and get a second opinion. Also keep in mind how long it's been since you did any of the regular maintenance you should be doing. I always use that as a guideline to when I need to get work done on my car.

 

[superme80]

It really depends on your the vehicle you own. How many miles are on it? Have you done the normal routine maintenance on it? If not there might be a few things that you may need catching up on. Also how good is your a/c and heater working. To repair these can actually cost your in the thousands at a decently priced mechanic. Good luck and have a safe trip!

 

[Purseval]

Do an Internet search for your vehicle. It is guaranteed you will find an owner's club that will give recommendations based not only on your vehicle but people who also drive it. This forum can't do better than general recommendations.

 

[dakcp2001]

I ended up taking it to a second place, they are keeping it all day tomorrow so I should know by then! Its a 2002 Monte Carlo SS and I have kept up with the recommended maintenance in the manual. Wish me luck that this estimate is better!

 

[scrapquitler]

I wouldn't do anything, unless it was due to be done anyways or unless there's a specific problem. Other than that, maybe ensure the tires are properly inflated and coolant is topped off.

This.

If you are up to date on everything that is recommended for the mileage on your car, then there is nothing 'extra' to be done to ensure that it is 'safe' for a 1500 mile trip. I would most likely check the tire pressure and have an oil change, top up the wiper fluid and maybe buy new wiper blades. Beyond that, regular maintenance is your friend.


Now if it's an older car and you haven't done regular upkeep as recommended by the manufacturer, then that is a different story.

 

[nanadeb]

Both AAA members and non-members can use AAA Auto Service Centers. AAA members just get a 5% discount on the bill. The mechanics are certified and will give you an honest deal. Not only that, but the prices are lower than many other mechanics.
Take some advice from a "Secret Shopper." This is the place the shopper companies send you to check the work you have had done on the vehicle serviced for a "shop."
HTH

 

[hambirg]

This.

If you are up to date on everything that is recommended for the mileage on your car, then there is nothing 'extra' to be done to ensure that it is 'safe' for a 1500 mile trip. I would most likely check the tire pressure and have an oil change, top up the wiper fluid and maybe buy new wiper blades. Beyond that, regular maintenance is your friend.


Now if it's an older car and you haven't done regular upkeep as recommended by the manufacturer, then that is a different story.

This.

I drive for a living. . .typically over 200 miles a day...sometimes as much as 600 and then an overnight stay and another 600 back the next day. Ugh! BUT if you have kept up with regular maintenance then there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Make sure your tires and brakes are good. .but again, if you have been keeping up, then they should be. If it's time for an oil change, or close to it, then get that before your trip. Make sure your fluids are checked and topped off. These are things that you can easily do yourself. Top off all your fluids and carry some extra water. Also, sign up for AAA or some kind of roadside assistance if you are concerned. Seriously, cars are like babies. . .you know if something is wrong. If you are feeling uncomfortable there might be a problem. . .the overheating can be the radiator, BUT it can also just be the fan. . or a blown gasket, etc. My suggestion to you is to find a knowledgeable mechanic that you trust!!!! You wouldn't keep going to the same dentist that insists you don't have a cavity when you know and feel you do, or one that insists that you have 20 when you don't feel any! You do KNOW how your car is doing. . .I assume you drive it everyday. And I'm sorry. . .don't want to offend anybody. . .BUT car mechanics isn't brain surgery. It's all pretty simple chemistry and physics. I'm sure you will be fine.

 

[cm8]

This.

If you are up to date on everything that is recommended for the mileage on your car, then there is nothing 'extra' to be done to ensure that it is 'safe' for a 1500 mile trip. I would most likely check the tire pressure and have an oil change, top up the wiper fluid and maybe buy new wiper blades. Beyond that, regular maintenance is your friend.


Now if it's an older car and you haven't done regular upkeep as recommended by the manufacturer, then that is a different story.

 

[Shmily1]

I take mine to the dealer. The oil changes there are $26.99 rather than the $34.99 at the quick lube place and I don't have to deal with all the bull they tell... like I needed a transmission flush because the fluid was bad when I had a complete transmission check/fluid replace not 6 months earlier--right!

If your car has been running hot, be sure to ask for a new thermostat. Those will lock up and then open back up and can cause your car to ruin a good motor. They run about $18 and cost very little to replace because they are easy to get to and it only takes a few minutes (I've even done my own).

As far as tires, if you can see Abe's hair on a penny inserted in the tire treads, you need new tires. When you are comparing prices, be sure it is installed prices or you will be getting a big surprise with the bill.

Good luck!

 

[amcnj]

If you don't feel what you are being told is correct, definitely get a second opinion. Some years back I took a car which was relatively new (2 years old at most) to a major muffler/repair chain location for an oil change. They did the oil change and informed me I needed shocks, struts, and maybe one or two other things. I just said I couldn't leave the car at present and left. I had a friend check it out and he said none of that was needed. I kept the car for another 130,000 miles and never had to replace the shocks or struts!