Question: The dealer said that I should schedule a “complete engine flush” which includes changing all hoses and belts, flushing the cooling system, etc. The cost is $900 and the vehicle is out of warranty at 40,000 miles. Is this necessary maintenance and is $900 a reasonable charge?

Answer:

This is a good question and a classic example of “too much of a good thing.” I’ll be the first to tell any car owner that maintenance is good. AAA’s annual vehicle inspections show that, overall, people don’t perform enough timely maintenance on their cars. Nevertheless, this package being offered at 40,000 miles is serious overkill. As a matter of routine maintenance, you don’t need to replace all your belts and hoses at 40,000 miles. In addition, I would be willing to bet that the manufacturer of your car doesn’t list an “engine flush” as required maintenance at any time or mileage interval. Fluid flush services are beneficial when performed based on need rather than some arbitrary and all-too-frequent mileage interval.

On most cars, the belts and hoses are good for a minimum of 60,000 miles. After 60,000 miles, they should be inspected for signs of wear such as cracking, swelling, and hardening, and they should then be replaced as needed. Automatic transmission fluid should be flushed from time to time on many cars based on its condition but usually no more than once every 30,000 miles. The engine coolant (or antifreeze) system should be flushed periodically, as well, based on its condition – the green kind usually every other year and the red long-life at a less frequent interval.

I suggest following a schedule based on the severe-service maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, along with the advice of a trusted mechanic. It’s a good idea to question a $900 maintenance visit on a car with only 40,000 miles on it. If the service advisor can’t explain why you need this service other than by saying, “it can’t hurt,” then a second opinion is in order.