S~Factor

http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a...505115609990001

cdelena

The writer does bring all flushes under suspicion and that does not benefit the public. Some flushes are of great benefit.

I have had two cars where over time the automatic transmission was overheated and shift quality deteriorated noticeably. A full flush and filter change restored operation so well my wife thought I replaced the transmission. I now do all autos every 30K miles, but only because we force downshifts often and operate in a high temp environment.

Many makes have recommended brake fluid changes... as I recall my '88 Mazda truck specified every 24 months. I do change fluid every 2 -3 years, but more often for my S2000 when tracked.

A cooling system flush every 4 or 5 years is still appropriate on many cars.

Just because some mechanics sell stuff not required, it does not mean all maintenance procedures are a waste.

Slows2k

Moving to Car talk.

Penforhire

The writer does not put enough emphasis on the owners manuals. Those are the "horse's mouth" when it comes to any regular preventive maintenance. When I'm in for a quick oil change they are always trying to oversell me (any chain store I've tried). I quote the owner's manual on intervals to back those sharks off.

When I had the Z06 I'd ask them "what friction modifier is in your differential oil, because you KNOW the clutch-pack in C5 LSD's require a special modified lube, right? (and there is no change interval recommended)" Shuts 'em right up.

jacqueshammer

author actually went as far as saying he changes fluids at intervals "regardless" of what the owners manual says

there is some truth to what he says, but it's poorly researched and written as far as i'm concerned

no_really

i thought that was funny also. But the main point was that he changes his fluids with eyes open, whereas pressuring people to pay for unneccessary service is not a sustainable practice, and unethical to boot. It's nice to know there are people within the industry willing to speak up against practices they find unacceptable, and capable of arguing in practical terms. I don't think his voice is more than spit in a hurricane, but that doesn't negate its value.

jacqueshammer

his main point is good about agreeing blindly to service, it was some of his supporting arguements that hurt him overall

Iceman1

QUIKAG

I've heard horror stories of people losing their auto trannies after a flush which apparently wasn't done right. The additives in new tranny fluid sometimes cause deposits to break lose in the case and screw stuff up.

I swap my brake fluid and motor oil on regular basis, but other than that, I take my chances for the most part.

SB2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCAJ8ULnaI

AWESOME video!