Archive for 'wheel alignment'

I need guidance on costs for servicing my 2004 Toyota Camry (at a NON-dealership location). I have "coupons"?

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that discount services/labor for 3 services (one will be oil change) so I can have 2 more services done. I am ignorant of costs & necessity of service so don’t want to make bad choice or be taken advantage of (perhaps I’d do better going somewhere that doesn’t have "coupons"???

Car has 115k miles. Owned since 30k (fleet car previously). I’ve only changed oil/battery & had transmission serviced, belt tension-er replaced, and of course tires. No other service.

So, what I THINK I need would be brake job, because they’re making a little noise (for 2nd time in 6 months…made a little noise for few days then stopped, and started again week or so ago…not grinding sounds, just little squeak). Coupon is off complete brake job. Don’t know what average cost is for complete brake job though. With and without rotators would be different..would I probably need rotators all the way around???

Also have coupon for off Cooling System Flush,so thought that may be good 3rd choice? But again, don’t know for sure or what average cost would be for this?

The Free Check Engine Light Scan appeals because my Check Engine light comes on sometimes but it appears to be related to fuel cap. If I blow out the fumes in cap and where gas nozzle goes, it goes off after a few hours or so…so maybe it would be a waste compared to Cooling System Flush?

The other coupon choices are: Free Fuel Injection Service (Chemicals additional), A/C Performance Service (Freon & Dye Additional), Radiator Drain & Re-Fill (Coolant additional), Last but not least coupon is for Half Off of Wheel Alignment (up to ).

I welcome guidance from a knowledgeable person as to how best to use my limited $ and still do what my car needs!
Blessings,
Becky :-)
Mark F., I explained in great detail WHY I’m asking and why simply going by their rates isn’t ideal. Either you didn’t bother to read and understand my questions or you’re just being a jerk. I am genuinely seeking help to make this decision! Coupons aren’t always a good deal!!

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Are the “seasonal tune-ups” or “fuel saver packages” worth it, or should I just get an oil & air filter change?

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I drive a 1994 Chevy Corsica. Should I get the "Fuel Saver Package" at the mechanic’s, or a "Tune Up" at Good Year or Jiffy Lube, or is that just a gimmick? What do they do in a "fuel and emissions system cleaning" anyway?

I do those gas treatments every couple of months (for all I know those could be a gimmick too), I recently changed my air filter, I got new tires and wheel alignment about eight months ago…

Can I just get an oil change or is it worth all that extra money for whatever it is they do in a "tune up"?

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How often should you maintain your car?

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1. oil, lube, filter: oil change – 3000 miles or 3 months. How often should I change lube? Filter?

2. At this time, I can also ask the mechanic to fill up my tires. Should I fill up my tires more often than 3 months?

3. power steering fluid – How long does it last or how often should I change?

4. coolant/anti-freeze – How long does it last or how often should I change?

5. break fluid – How long does it last or how often should I change?

6. Transmission fluid – How long does it last or how often should I change?

7. Differences in regular, mid-grade, and premium gasoline. Is premium necessarily the best? How often should I fill up premium gasoline?

8. windshield wiper blades – How long do they last or how often should I change?

9. freons – How long does it last? How can I maintain my car so the freons lasts the maximum?

10. How often should I wash my car? Wax?

11. How often should I clean the interior?

12. Am I leaving out anything else?

The reason I ask these questions is because I want to maintain my vehicle myself as much as possible. The only exception is oil, lube, and filter change and freons. Thank you. I would greatly appreciate your help.
wheel alignment/wheel rotation – How often?


Oil Change Info

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    On a tight budget, need help deciding what my car needs!?

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    My car is a little over 25,000 miles. I get regular oil changes done to it. I haven’t rotated the tires once (oops.)

    Some coupons came in from the dealership offering deals on maintenance to my car. The problem is that the costs involved are only "checking," not actually replacing the part.

    I have a coupon for tire rotation .35

    Four wheel alignment .95…..check steering, suspension and shocks. Set toe-in, camber and caster (where applicable.) Check tie-rods and ball joints. Check tire pressure and inspect tires for cuts, damage, and uneven wear. Plus tax.

    Mainenance Special .95…..Change engine oil, filter. Rotate tires. Inspect air filter & Brake system.

    I also notice that my car, when I hit bumps/potholes, makes a large rattling, especially in the front right. My friends and family say my car sounds like crap when I hit any kind of bump.

    Also, sometimes when I brake, I hear a light knocking coming from the front, my brake pedal is fine, it’s just coming from where the tires are I think.

    So, please give me advice. Which coupon(s) should I /need I use, and do you think they can check the rattling since my car is still under warranty?

    Thanks!


    Oil Change Info

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    Idk what to do!? On a tight budget and don't know what my car needs?

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    My car is a little over 25,000 miles. I get regular oil changes done to it. I haven’t rotated the tires once (oops.)

    Some coupons came in from the dealership offering deals on maintenance to my car. The problem is that the costs involved are only "checking," not actually replacing the part.

    I have a coupon for tire rotation .35
    A four wheel alignment .95…..check steering, suspension and shocks. Set toe-in, camber and caster (where applicable.) Check tie-rods and ball joints. Check tire pressure and inspect tires for cuts, damage, and uneven wear. Plus tax.
    Mainenance Special…..Change engine oil, filter. Rotate tires. Inspect air filter & Brake system.

    I also notice that my car, when I hit bumps/potholes, makes a large rattling in the front right. My friends and family say my car sounds like crap when I hit any kind of bump.

    Also, sometimes when I brake, I hear a light knocking coming from the front right, my brake pedal is fine, it’s just coming from where the tire is I think.

    So, please give me advice. Which coupon should I /need I use, and do you think they can check the rattling since my car is still under warranty?

    Thanks!
    Oops the maintenance special is .95 I forgot to write that.


    Oil Change Info

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