Scheduled maintenance

[451ctds]

The big question is, how long to you plan on keeping the car ? I would go
to an independent garage and see what they charge. $ 600 sounds like a * lot
* of money to
change out some fluids. Consider using a Turkey baster, or syringe, and
draw out some suspect fluid, and squirt it
on some clean white paper. No dirt = probably OK,
dirty = change it ! I'd also consider what type of fluids are used. GM
approved would be bare minimum for me.
Synthetic trans fluid will add years to transmission life.
Silicone brake fluid, not a simple change out, as old fluid has to be
removed, system flushed totally, as the two fluids are incompatible. Will
add years to life of brake components, and is a great way to go if you store
car.

Since it sells well, Synthetic oil is recommended by GM
I'd go a step further, and use racing grade fluids when
ever possible. I do my own work, and the cost is limited to product.

[Ivanovich]

"451ctds" <451ctds@concentric.net> wrote in message news:<bd3uct$q1n@dispatch.concentric.net>... The big question is, how long to you plan on keeping the car ? I would go to an independent garage and see what they charge. $ 600 sounds like a * lot * of money to change out some fluids. Consider using a Turkey baster, or syringe, and draw out some suspect fluid, and squirt it on some clean white paper. No dirt = probably OK, dirty = change it ! I'd also consider what type of fluids are used. GM approved would be bare minimum for me. Synthetic trans fluid will add years to transmission life. Silicone brake fluid, not a simple change out, as old fluid has to be removed, system flushed totally, as the two fluids are incompatible. Will add years to life of brake components, and is a great way to go if you store car. Since it sells well, Synthetic oil is recommended by GM I'd go a step further, and use racing grade fluids when ever possible. I do my own work, and the cost is limited to product.

Thanks for the feedback. It's unfortunate that these days, to avoid
getting ripped off by some dealer's service dept., you either have to
be an expert or do your own work. What I have learned from this
thread, and from talking to others is:
1.-Dealers in general will definitely try to sell you stuff you don't
need. Some say service dept. managers are on commission. In the case
of Cadillac owners they figure that anyone who can afford the car,
certainly can afford $1,000 worth of "preventive maintenance".
2.-Frequent changes in fluids will certainly not hurt, especially
engine oil and transmission fluid.
3.-In the case of low-mileage cars, one should also consider the time
factor. GM apparently uses 12,000 miles/year in formulating its
manual, and if one drives less than that then their intervals should
be adjusted accordingly. Thus, the 22,500 miles service should really
be 22,500 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first.

Does any of this make sense? Many thanks for all the help.

[shiden_kai]

"Ivanovich" wrote
1.-Dealers in general will definitely try to sell you stuff you don't need. Some say service dept. managers are on commission. In the case of Cadillac owners they figure that anyone who can afford the car, certainly can afford $1,000 worth of "preventive maintenance".

Well, I will say this....I work at a Cadillac dealership and the
Cadillac owners are (generally speaking) the absolute worst
when it comes to maintaining their vehicles. They seem to
believe, (and perhaps GM is partly to blame for this) that
they should never have to spend another cent on their
Cadillac for as long as they own it. Geez, GM even throws
in the first brake job for free on Cadillac's.

Ian

[Ivanovich]

"shiden_kai" <violet-lightening-modified@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<ER6Ka.3616$ZS3.738416@news2.telusplanet.net>... "Ivanovich" wrote 1.-Dealers in general will definitely try to sell you stuff you don't need. Some say service dept. managers are on commission. In the case of Cadillac owners they figure that anyone who can afford the car, certainly can afford $1,000 worth of "preventive maintenance". Well, I will say this....I work at a Cadillac dealership and the Cadillac owners are (generally speaking) the absolute worst when it comes to maintaining their vehicles. They seem to believe, (and perhaps GM is partly to blame for this) that they should never have to spend another cent on their Cadillac for as long as they own it. Geez, GM even throws in the first brake job for free on Cadillac's. Ian

Thanks. How do I go about claiming that free brake job? Cheers.

[Ivanovich]

"shiden_kai" <violet-lightening-modified@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<mACLa.17601$ZS3.1904816@news2.telusplanet.net>... "Ivanovich" wrote Thanks. How do I go about claiming that free brake job? Cheers. Check your warranty. If you are still under the 4 year/80k kilometer range, you get the first brake job free (one end only) if the brakes are worn out. Since the front brakes always go first, and they have wear sensors that light up a warning light on the dash, you will know when it's time to have them replaced. Ian


Thanks for your input. I will check the warranty.