I have a couple of noob questions regarding my 06 TSX with 76k+ miles.

After taking my car in for an oil change. I got a couple of recommends for service:

- Emissions service
- Alignment
- Recommended replaced of upper and lower radiator hoses
- Drive belt
- Rotation and balance of tires

I already have the lifetime alignment set up with Firestone so I can cross that out.

I buy my tires from Sears and they offer lifetime rotation and balance, another item off the list.

I looked all the top hoses connected to the engine coolant tank and I do not see any visible cracking. I think I saw during one of the searches to start the car and wait for it to go to operating temp before checking to see if there are any leaks. Is there anything else to check off?

I couldn't find anything on emissions service so is that a bunch of baloney?

As for the drive belt, isn't it around the 75k mark I should replace it? I think I've seen posts stating 100k is ok too.

One thing that was not on the list was fuel injector cleaning? In the actual process how do mechanics clean the fuel injectors? Drop a bottle of additives in the gas tank? Or do they do something more?

Thanks for all your help.

 

You're correct on all accounts. You may need a new serpentine belt, and a tire rotation, but the rest is BS. You should look at those two and decide for yourself if you need them. You'll be able to see any damage.

 

Emission service...BS dealer packing

Alignment and tires...you got covered,.BS dealer packing

Hoses...possibly, but unless you see obvious issues I'd change them each time with the coolant change at three to four years since last

Drive belt...would certainly change at 4 years as cheap insurance, but it's way over priced at the dealer and not that tough to do

 

I follow the maintenance minder on my 06 tsx-
Not on the MM was brake fluid change (3 YRS)

 

I would not perform any of those recommended services unless there were signs that they are bad.

Drive belts should last well over a 100k. Alignment problems will show up as uneven wear on your tires, assuming they are inflated and balanced properly. No idea how you service the emissions service other than replacing things like your PCV valve and O2 sensors. Your car will tell you if there is a problem with the emissions; no reason to do preventative maintenance on something as non-critical as emissions. Hoses - check for cracking or thin spots.

My useless anecdotal experience is that my Subaru Legacy went 220,000 with just oil changes, spark plugs, and 1 clutch replacement. It would have kept except that it was rear ended and totaled.

 

I'd be inclined to pass on the included list too (good to do an alignment occasionally and tire rotations, but none of those items are recommended maintenance items by the manufacturer), but I would add a few things if they haven't already been done.

Brake fluid change (overdue if it hasn't been performed. 3 year interval on that)
Transmission fluid (MM should call for this and I'm surprised it hasn't already)
Coolant (I know it's early, but I'd suggest doing it anyway)

These are items that owners tend to ignore or are not aware of the need to service them, but if done can certainly add to the longevity of the car.

 

Gotta say the mileage on the belt is not as clear as you might think. Here in Texas it's really hard on the belt with the heat, so I'll be replacing it soon. Mine is original (63k) but I'm not liking the looks of it for it's mileage.