Hi there, got a maintenance question. Mechanically, I'm an idiot (works done by local shop). I have searched thru the forum but still want to ask to confirm.

2006 TL. 36,xxx miles. Car is 11 years old. Average only a bit over 3,000 miles per year.

Oil change is done annually. Fully synthetic oil always. Brake fluid and coolant are replaced according to book. Transmission fluid drain/fill once ever two years with oil change.

Other than the above, I'm gong to get timing belt / water pump changed this month (yes, overdue). Do I need to change AC belt? Are there other belts on the TL needs to be changed? I don't know how to change any belt, but I heard all belts need to be taken off when replacing the water pump. So, I might as well change all belts?

How about spark plugs? I think spark plug replacement goes by mileage instead of age. But, my TL is 11 years old already. Should those be changed, or am I safe to save few bucks?

Thanks in advance

 

As all the normal maintenance items have been done, change the serpentine belt while it's off and leave the plugs in as time won't change their performance.

 

Swap the belts when doing TBelt. Mine was included when doing that service might want to check that in price quote. My TL has only few more miles than yours and I have not changed my plugs. On my second gen with 83k I did replace the plugs just because I was in there for other baselining figured was right thing to do.

Id let others weigh in on plugs

 

Plugs should be fine. Especially if you have such low miles because the car is seldom used...but it is driven considerable distances when it is used.

On the other hand, if you're at such low miles because you drive it everyday...but only an incredibly short distance, then your plugs are probably a bit sooted up. Unfortunately, changing them will mean that your new plugs will foul quickly. Instead, if this is your situation, take the car on a fairly hard joyride on an open road...or take a road trip.

 

Thanks guys. Here comes a dumb question. 3G TL has a "serpentine belt", meaning it has only 1 rubber belt connects (loop) to everything, correct? I always thought AC / alternator / power steering / .... each has it's own belt. Again, sorry, I know it's a dumb question.

 

Yes, it is a serpentine