Alignment Recommended at 30,000?

I am 45 years old and have had many cars over the years and worked with many dealers. This is standard practice. Dealers are there to make money. It is not Good Will. They will lie for higher profits.

Auto sales people are the second worse hated profession next to lawyers for a reason. The people that write service contracts are sales people!!!

 

Ask service tech today about this 30k service cost after getting my last free maint. He quoted me two prices $499 and 139. The alignment was with the high $$$ service. Also something to do with cleaning injectors and servicing a/c. Think I will go with the $139.

 

He omitted the primary difference in the two levels of service. The $499 service involves a much more thorough job of cleaning out your wallet.

 

My dealership tried to pull the "4 wheel alignment" on me when I took my 2010 in for its 15,000 mile service. The also wanted to change the engine air filter. I told them no on both counts. You can change your own filter for $18.00 in about 3 minutes (they wanted $65!). This filter is recommended to be changed at 30,000. RULE OF THUMB: IF IT AIN'T REQUIRED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL, AND YOU AIN'T HAVING ANY PROBLEMS, DON'T LET 'EM DO IT."

 

I almost forgot beside checking tire pressure also balance.

 

One has to ask what is included in the 30k and any of the other major/ minor service's.

Many dealers "make up" a service schedule that they use for every model -- and it has nothing to do with what the manufacture recommends. I have to laugh -- because some hark back to service items that have been obsolete for over 25 years .... they will say "when appropriate" -- most of the items will say "check"


I strongly believe in the "if it is not broken" theory of car maintenance.


But I do closely watch my cars -- I check the oil often and inspect the filters -- especially check the tires for both the tread and the inflation pressure. I also change the air filters a little early and normally change the brake fluid every two to three years (depending on the fluid type)