MustBeTL

So my maintenance minder A came on, which is the oil with less than 15% left, and the maintenance message on.

I called my dealer to ask what is performed during this maintenance and they said an oil change, and tire rotation.

Do I need to rotate the tires? I have free oil changes, but I swear the guy said it costs $55 for this first service and that is the cost of the tire rotation. For $55 i'll probably rotate them myself and just get the free oil change.

When do you guys rotate your tires?
How much were you charged for your Maintenance A reminder service?

msala524

iTrader: (3)

No man don't get them rotated. You can do that at home for free. Just get a socket and breaker bar and rotate the wheels yourself. Its very easy and should take no more than 30 mins. Depending on your miles you might need to balance them which is a whole different animal. That should be done around 6 to 8k in miles on your car or if you feel your car shake at high speeds. Just have them change your oil and check your brakes etc...Rotating tires for them will take no more than 5 mins cause of the lift. Just another way the stealership rips you off!!

They should be torqued to 80 ft/lbs when you reinstall the wheels.

MustBeTL

Thanks for the tips.
Yeah, that is what I am thinking, rotate them myself. The car seems to still drive pretty straight and the rims haven't been hit or nicked so I think a balance could wait. I get free oil changes for life, but it seems like they probably just double charge me on other stuff to make up for it. If they were balancing and rotating for $50 that would be ideal, but $50 for a balance alone when I am getting free oil changes sounds a bit excessive. Not to mention you always hear stories of mechanic's beating up rims and stuff.

Might have to spend that extra money on a Torque wrench instead and do it myself

Is it recommended to rotate every 5000 miles, or 7500 miles?

msala524

iTrader: (3)

^^^, it all depends on how you drive normally I believe its every 8k miles. But every so often you should rub your finger on your tires to check for uneven wear. If it has some it normally means its time for a rotation and balance. Sometime it could mean an alignment but since the car is fairly new I think your safe.

MustBeTL

I will plan to look at the tires and if they all look even, I'll probably consider rotating myself. I see the rotating time as a great time to take each rim individually and clean on the inside where it is hard to reach during a normal wash. I'm sure they don't clean them up like that!

msala524

iTrader: (3)

Definitly not, its always good to give the insides a good clean and get rid of any tar stuck on the wheels.

MustBeTL

How much should I expect to spend on a torque wrench? I've seen some at walmart for like $30 or something, and obviously craftsman, and then snap-ons even more. Guessing the wally world one is fine.

80 ft/lbs you say?

msala524

iTrader: (3)

Yea any torque wrench should do but remember if you go cheap and it breaks you'll have to buy a new one. I have a craftsman, I think it costs liike 60 bucks or so and had a lifetime warranty. If it ever breaks, you bring it back and they replace it for a new one.

Yea the tires are torqued to 80 ft/lbs so its important that your torque wrench goes up at least that high.

chill_dog

I got a $30 torque wrench from one of auto stores years ago...still works great. I also recommend rotating your own tires. It's easy and it gives you a chance to clean the insides of the wheels.

TeknoKing

Of course it's easy, when you have the tools to raise your car including the jacks..if you don't... pay 10-15 bux and any shop will do in 5 minutes.

stillhere153

iTrader: (1)

it cost me $65, 5 quarts royal purple hamp synergy filter, and 30mins to rotate

LoveMyTL-S

I do the oil change and tire rotations myself. Jack stands are your friend.