Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

stickguy

Brake fluid every 2 years. Trans and diff either 30 or 60k, depending on how anal you are. I think the RDX calls for the diffs every 30k? Probably easier to just do them all together to keep it simple.

stickguy

Coolant is considered lifetime I think. If they even have it in the schedule, probably not until 100k+

stever

Help request:

Want to go bigger from my Rogue

roadburner

nyccarguy- It's up to you; being OCD, I'd probably have everything done in one shot before the trip. More expensive, but easier to keep track of. I'd especially want to have the coolant changed if it is considered "Lifetime" since the "life" referred to is probably the duration of the OEM warranty.

nyccarguy

bwia said:

Depends on where and how far away is your trip but it seems like you are good to go; still, I would give the tires (at 64k miles) some close scrutiny especially driving on wet hydroplane prone roads.

Garbage OEM Goodyear Fortera HT were shot after 1 1/2 years & 31K miles. I replaced them with the Michelins that came standard on the Pilot Touring. I rotate at every oil change. Tires still have well over 50% tread left.

nyccarguy

@roadburner @stickguy - I think I'll do brake fluid & coolant. Might as well do the transmission fluid too. I'll hold off on the transfer case fluid. I've got it all written down plus all my receipts (except the one for the very 1st oil change (GRRRRR).

qbrozen

driver100 said:

If considering a CX-3 it might be worth trying out a Jeep Renegade......under $20k, can get a manual, reviews seem pretty good.....and it is really cute!

C&D just reviewed the 500x and said they prefer it to the Renegade twin.

suydam

What's the manual recommend as far as these things? That's what I'd go with. I don't do anything that isn't necessary.

andres3

sda said:

andres3 said:

Congrats! That is quite the comment the the Fender system is that good vs. the Bang and O in your S-4. I had the Dynaudio in my 06 Passat 2.0t, and it sounded awesome, the best I've ever had in any car that I've owned. The system in my Honda is ok but hardly great.

Dynaudio has a great reputation, so I figured that premium sound system VW formerly used would be excellent. Don't know why VW left Dynaudio, but I suppose someone at VW said we need a system specified that is at least equally as good since Fender isn't known for speakers as far as I know. To make the decision somewhat tough, the base system doesn't suck in the SportWagen. I've read some reviews of the base sound system being quite bad in the new Honda's and Subaru's (particularly the Forester). The VW base system is livable even to my ears which have heard some really excellent speakers; so you could say I have high standards when it comes to audio.

That's not a great way to up-sell the higher trim-lines because you want the premium sound system to sell despite the base system being adequate and acceptable. However, I think with the Accord there really isn't a "premium" option to upsell. Although salesmen may temporarily like the fact that the base system is so bad many people will be "forced" to choose the upgraded model, I think long-term as a business you are better off going with good and excellent options vs. bad and pretty good.

andres3

stever said:

@graphicguy, thanks for the link. I've done "radio" so long most of it is Greek to me. On eyes, I'd probably do single focus instead, what with the detachment complication I had. Nice not needing glasses much though and otherwise it's been fine. High pressure runs in my family and we're all on drops.

@andres3, congrats on the Sportwagen. My wife was asking me about them last night. "But you don't like Volkswagens". "I love Volkswagens". You hated my "Super Beetle."

Guess we'll look at them now too. So much for knowing someone after 31 years (this week).

Funny thing is my original list of vehicle's to look at and consider didn't include the Sportwagen as I wasn't even aware of its existence! I had a GTI on the list as I felt the 2015 is now improved upon enough in every way that it is the equivalent of my old beloved '06 Audi A3 (costs about the same if not more now than I paid in 2006 though)! I knew the GTI was on the small side of the size range we were looking for (something bigger than a Civic, but not TOO big), but I thought we'd give it a look to show her what kind of driving experience and interior you can get for less than $30K. She said if we had zero chance of having a second child the GTI might have been sufficient as it is definitely bigger inside than it looks on the outside (must check it out to see how well carved out it is for passenger room). So although she enjoyed the test drive, we crossed the GTI off the list since a 2nd kid is a real possibility in the near future, but we noticed the Sportwagen as the replacement for the old Jetta Wagon while we were visiting VW. No more Passat wagons (saw one on the road the other day), no more Jetta wagons (which never really interested me), just the new improved 2015 Golf in wagon spaciousness shape and form and released despite Americans aversion to wagons. Essentially a GTI/Golf with a big caboose. I saw somewhere someone claimed it is roomier than a Mazda CX-5 with the seats down! It certainly has good cargo space for the size, whereas the GTI heavily favors passenger space over cargo room.

I think the 2.0 diesel TDI motor is definitely the engine to pick despite its higher cost. The 1.8T is available for people simply looking at a lower cost point. The TDI has the advantage of the real deal DSG auto transmission, but you enthusiasts should know that you can get the TDI Sportwagen with a 6-speed manual and the EPA claims you can beat the already very efficient DSG by up to a mile per gallon. The German-tuned Wagon as it says on the sticker For people that don't "NEED" 17" rims, a great audio system, fog lights, or a panoramic sunroof the base S model is a bargain! If you need one or all 4 of those things, the SE is your model. If you need Navigation, then it's the SEL for you.

houdini1

Got a nice surprise this morning at our Lexus dealership. Took the wife's 2013 LX 570 in for oil change. The schedule shows every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. The advisor tells me that the schedule has changed to every 15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Come back in October, as we were 2 months late (we thought) based on 6 months. The revised schedule is much more realistic.

stickguy

There were a couple of wagons at the dealer I got the Jetta at on Friday. I liked them. Definitely roomy. The white TDI was very snazzy. I could live with one.

andres3

driver100 said:

andres3 said:

I can only report one negative; I noticed the back of the muffler on these VW TDI Golf Wagon models is really rough. Whoever welded on the end tail pipes was drinking too much Tequila. Lots of burning, slag, dark discolored material on a visible finished edge/side of the muffler that you can see from down low in the back. It's not unique to our car, it was on at least 3 other cars of the same model, so there is nothing we can do about it.

Maybe some type of galvanized paint would help.

Just spring for one of these......$22!

LOL. It's not the tips themselves that's the problem, but the backside of the muffler that the tips attach too. I suppose your proposal is BIG enough to block the view though.

oldfarmer50

mako1a said:

Here ya go oldfarmer

I like it. Most I've seen in white have a black stripe there. The yellow is nice.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

Here ya go oldfarmer

I like it. Most I've seen in white have a black stripe there. The yellow is nice.

I usually like the light blue stripe - but the yellow is nice, too.  So when does it get into your garage?  You've been coveting a new Mustang for a year or more now.

abacomike

Boy, oil dropped over $4.00 a barrel today. It's down to below $53.00 a barrel.  I do not expect gas prices to drop very quickly, I always am amazed to see jumps in the price of gas (when oil is going up in price) at 3-4 cents a day, but when prices on oil drop as much as it is dropping now, you see gas prices drop 1-2 cents a week.

An amazing phenomena.

abacomike

I got a call from my dealership's service manager who said my car is ready.  He said the rattling was coming from underneath my cup holders in my center console.  I told him the deep rattling vibration was coming from the right front door.  He told me he personally drove the car 6 miles and there are no longer any vibrating rattles.  I will pick up the cat tomorrow morning.

I have a funny feeling about this.  Something deep within my gut is telling me there is no way that loud rattling was from my console.  So, I will drive it up in Delray Beach over some rough roads and await the resulting "silence" or "rattling"!  I hope it's the former and not the latter.

I have my fingers crossed!!!

robr2

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

Congrats are in order:

Women's World Cup 2015 final: USA beat Japan 5-2

I don't watch a lot of soccer, but the U.S. Women's team were the underdogs and they played an amazing game. They scored 4 incredible goals in the first 16 minutes of play. Karli Lloyd had 3 goals, and the game was played in Vancouver Canada.

They were FIFA ranked number 2 playing FIFA rank No. 4. Even against No. 1 Germany in the semifinal their disadvantage would be marginal, if any, considering they played in Canada. If anything, they were favourite to win the final, especially with their defense and delivered on that. Underdog? Just as much as New England Patriots were against Seattle Seahawks.

It's unfortunate that FIFA doesn't think enough of the women's game to pay to put down real grass for the tournament. Then again, Sepp Blatter said the women should wear tighter shorts to generate greater interest in the game. It's costs about $300K to plant sod over turf. FIFA could have found that in a few paper bribe bags they left behind in the headquarters because they couldn't carry anymore.

I went to a men's Brazil vs Portugal friendly at Gillette Stadium before the World Cup last year. Bob Kraft had sod installed over the artificial turf for one game. The elite men's teams won't play on turf.

sda

nyccarguy said:

Question for the experts (that's all of you): We are going on a road trip in a few weeks, taking the Pilot of course. Oil & Filter change is due (MM says it is at 20% right now), so obviously I'm going to do that along with a tire rotation. I last had the brake fluid, transmission fluid, transfer case fluid done 2 years ago at 37,289 miles, should I have any of that done again before my trip? Right now we have about 64K miles. I'm thinking I should have the coolant changed as well, since I've never had that done (4 years).

From what I understand that on the 4wd Pilots changing the transfer case fluid is important. It might be at a 30-40k interval, so I'd do it. Same with the brake fluid. I plan to have the brake fluid flushed on our Pilot at next service. Also debating about a coolant flush. Had the trans service done recently. We have the front drive Pilot. As you may recall we bought ours as a certified Honda with 50000 mi, now 74000. I'm sure it was a mistake, but the original service records from the first owner were in the glove box. I found that it had been regularly maintained and at 30000 the original Good Year Forterras were replaced at the dealer for just under $1000! So the new set had 20000 mi on the when we purchased it which meant to me the were good for another 10000 or so. When the tire dealer that I use offered me a $250 credit towards a new set of tires and it didn't matter what kind, plus their prices were competitive, I had Michelin LTXs installed. After around 23000 mi, they ride and look great, No regrets.

sda

abacomike said:

I got a call from my dealership's service manager who said my car is ready.  He said the rattling was coming from underneath my cup holders in my center console.  I told him the deep rattling vibration was coming from the right front door.  He told me he personally drove the car 6 miles and there are no longer any vibrating rattles.  I will pick up the cat tomorrow morning.

I have a funny feeling about this.  Something deep within my gut is telling me there is no way that loud rattling was from my console.  So, I will drive it up in Delray Beach over some rough roads and await the resulting "silence" or "rattling"!  I hope it's the former and not the latter.

I have my fingers crossed!!!

The only issue that I've had with the Accord was a intermittent squeak that came from the headliner next to the rear glass. My daughter could touch the headliner and it would go away. I was like a scratching sound, only when it was 40-60 degrees out. I had the dealer look at it more than once, and it was silent. Next day it would start again. Knock on wood, all has been quiet this last winter and currently. Fingers crossed they found your rattle and fixed it. Hope you're doing ok.

explorerx4

In the 12 plus years I had my Explorer, I never changed the brake fluid. Actually, I've never knowing changed it on any vehicle I've ever owned.
The best thing to do is see what the owners manual maintenance schedule recommends.

stickguy

rattles sometimes can be deceiving, in that they aren't where you perceive them to be. I had one that drove me nuts, and I thought it was either in the door or glove compartment (something like that). Turned out to be the sunglasses in the holder in the ceiling.

fezo

Finally have the Miata all titled, registered and on the road. Fun. Fun. Certainly makes you feel like you're moving faster than you are though it's not really louder (top down) at 80 than it is at 60. Took my mechanic two minutes to fix the trunk latch so you can use it. No charge. Just waiting for the insurance card so I can get it inspected at which point it's good for two years which may be how long I keep it. We'll see. Have a few things to definitely do and then see what other things cost.

Worst thing is reading that the timing belt interval is 90K. That's only 7 K away. Going to check with the mechanic who has been maintaining it. Would be nice if that was already done. If not this may be a case for my buddy's in Wappingers Falls. Low cost labor, wholesale parts and really good work.

nyccarguy

@sda - I changed the transfer case fluid & transmission fluid 2 years ago at 37K miles. We have about 64K right now. I spoke to the mechanic and he said to leave those 2, but definitely do a coolant flush and brake fluid flush. We switched to the Michelin LTXs at 31K miles and are very happy.

[Deleted User]

Fluid change intervals can be challenging to determine in modern cars. Some of the extended flushes were little more than marketing hype to make a vehicle more appealing at purchase, but then if followed, would result in major damage down the road. My Grand Caravan was a classic example. Dodge advertised lifetime transmission fluid and many transmissions were replaced as a result, but folks like me that changed the fluid every 30,000 miles had no such troubles.

Other extended flushes are truly legitimate thanks to newer lubricants with better shear characteristics and viscosity stability. Almost all newer coolants can go far longer than the old standards.

Me, I generally play it safe and sleep soundly. The CVT is a tough one to figure out, though. Subaru dealers act like Earth will stop spinning and the sun will go red giant if they're forced to change out the fluid, and Subaru makes obtaining their specialized fluid a bit challenging. I'm not sure what I'll do there.

nyccarguy

tyguy said:

Fluid change intervals can be challenging to determine in modern cars. Some of the extended flushes were little more than marketing hype to make a vehicle more appealing at purchase, but then if followed, would result in major damage down the road. My Grand Caravan was a classic example. Dodge advertised lifetime transmission fluid and many transmissions were replaced as a result, but folks like me that changed the fluid every 30,000 miles had no such troubles.

Other extended flushes are truly legitimate thanks to newer lubricants with better shear characteristics and viscosity stability. Almost all newer coolants can go far longer than the old standards.

Me, I generally play it safe and sleep soundly. The CVT is a tough one to figure out, though. Subaru dealers act like Earth will stop spinning and the sun will go red giant if they're forced to change out the fluid, and Subaru makes obtaining their specialized fluid a bit challenging. I'm not sure what I'll do there.

I did have the differential fluid drained & filled with 75W90 Fully Synthetic Gear oil in the Legacy per YOUR instructions;)

driver100

stickguy said:

rattles sometimes can be deceiving, in that they aren't where you perceive them to be. I had one that drove me nuts, and I thought it was either in the door or glove compartment (something like that). Turned out to be the sunglasses in the holder in the ceiling.

That's what I was going to say.....rattles sound like they are coming from one place but can be from somewhere else. I have heard a rattle and it was sunglasses in the door pocket on the passenger side. I leave my sunglasses on the console and it is fine 95% of the time....but, once in awhile they vibrate, and you can't tell it is the sunglasses until you move them a bit.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Here ya go oldfarmer

I like it. Most I've seen in white have a black stripe there. The yellow is nice.

I usually like the light blue stripe - but the yellow is nice, too.  So when does it get into your garage?  You've been coveting a new Mustang for a year or more now.

OK here's the deal:

On the positive side, my BIL just bought a new 2015 Altima (despite my urging to get a 370Z.) He and I have a friendly one upsmanship competition regarding cars so the need is there to respond. Also the dealership where I test drove has on it's web site a Stang in the color combo I liked with auto trans. Hard to say no. The salesman I talked with in November hasn't called which surprised me. (Maybe he got canned already). Nevertheless, very tempting.

On the negative side, I just cancelled my social security because I earned too much last year and would have to give back about 90% anyway. I was hoping to keep enough to pay most of the monthly payment on a new car. Instead I had to write SSA a check for $15k. Kinda destabilized my cash flow.

Toss in the hit my investments are taking due to international nonsense and I'm a little uncertain.

Stay tuned.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

rattles sometimes can be deceiving, in that they aren't where you perceive them to be. I had one that drove me nuts, and I thought it was either in the door or glove compartment (something like that). Turned out to be the sunglasses in the holder in the ceiling.

Right after I had my Lincoln converted to springs from air ride it developed a rattle near the front wheel. I worried that the garage had screwed something up. When I had them check it was just a loose stabilizer bar connection. Fixed no charge.

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

rattles sometimes can be deceiving, in that they aren't where you perceive them to be. I had one that drove me nuts, and I thought it was either in the door or glove compartment (something like that). Turned out to be the sunglasses in the holder in the ceiling.

Right after I had my Lincoln converted to springs from air ride it developed a rattle near the front wheel. I worried that the garage had screwed something up. When I had them check it was just a loose stabilizer bar connection. Fixed no charge.

Well, I picked up my car this morning and no more rattle - at least for now.  Their top mechanic worked on isolating the source of the rattle for 2 hours.  He found that it emanated from the front of the center console under the ashtray/cigarette lighter.  He tightened the screws and bolts and placed a sound deadening caulking around the area and "voila", no more rattling.

And remember, it didn't throw a "code" from the computer!!!  

fezo

No code?   I'm shocked. 

dino001

abacomike said:

oldfarmer50 said:

stickguy said:

rattles sometimes can be deceiving, in that they aren't where you perceive them to be. I had one that drove me nuts, and I thought it was either in the door or glove compartment (something like that). Turned out to be the sunglasses in the holder in the ceiling.

Right after I had my Lincoln converted to springs from air ride it developed a rattle near the front wheel. I worried that the garage had screwed something up. When I had them check it was just a loose stabilizer bar connection. Fixed no charge.

Well, I picked up my car this morning and no more rattle - at least for now.  Their top mechanic worked on isolating the source of the rattle for 2 hours.  He found that it emanated from the front of the center console under the ashtray/cigarette lighter.  He tightened the screws and bolts and placed a sound deadening caulking around the area and "voila", no more rattling.

And remember, it didn't throw a "code" from the computer!!!  

But, but, but...

And you wanted to ditch them, Mike. One thing I wonder, is if MB paid them for this in full, partial, or not at all. It would be a great insight to the relationship. If it is the former, I must say, MB is great, period. If it is the latter, then it seems that the dealer is outstanding, above and beyond, but it also means that MB created enough room in the relationship, independent contractors mind you, that they still feel compelled to satisfy the customer and do things even if not paid directly.

I suspect that's where the crux of case of GG vs. Cadillac+dealer lie: Cadillac's relationship with dealers is not strong enough for them to stick their heads out and go above and beyond. No code, no payment, no service - period. No attempts allowed by GM, no attempts taken by the dealer. It simply means regardless of all the puffery, the improvement, while may be real in some aspects, is simply not deep enough and the daemons of "good old GM" are still residing, not fully been exercised.

dino001

I had the funniest rattle - it was a piece of wire stuck into the undercarriage that made a noise. Took the technician two minutes (including getting in and out of the car) and twenty feet of a ride in the back seat. Best fix there is.

andres3

robr2 said:

Mike - sorry for your loss.

As for moving on, all you have to do is move to The Villages. Google "sex at the villages"....with an MB, the ladies will be all over you.

Yesterday I was out on sales calls and was coming up to a red light in the right lane. A Prius in the next lane decided to pull out. I hit the brakes and dove for the curb. I wound up blowing the tire and damaging the rim on the Explorer. She pulled over and thanked me for going for the curb and not slamming into the passenger side of her car where her 3 YO son was sitting. She offered to pay for the tire and rim repair. We exchanged papers and I now have to run around to get it all fixed.

When she was thanking me she said luckily it's only about $60 for a tire. I replied that the tire is probably closer to $200 and the rim would be close to $500 if it was bent. She was a bit taken aback but we'll see what happens.

$200 per tire makes sense since you are not obligated to get a cheap under performing chinese made tire for her. Also, I imagine your Explorer has much bigger tires than her Prius. However, I find the $500 figure for the wheel/rim very high. Ford is either over charging you, or you got some bling bling wheels.

fezo

Got a call from the local Toyota guy. The 07 Camry is ready to roll. Ring job mostly. A few other parts but I'm not worried about that. Wife's picking up the car since she was up there with the kids anyway. I'll go hit Costco and replace the tires and my wife will swap out cars with my daughter tomorrow.

Have a call out to the son of my buddy the mechanic. The son is a mechanic and unlike dad has full range of motion. Also unlike dad I actually have to pay him. Planning to take the Miata up and make sure all is up to date. At least if I snapped a timing belt it's a non-interference engine. Great toy.

robr2

andres3 said:

robr2 said:

Mike - sorry for your loss.

As for moving on, all you have to do is move to The Villages. Google "sex at the villages"....with an MB, the ladies will be all over you.

Yesterday I was out on sales calls and was coming up to a red light in the right lane. A Prius in the next lane decided to pull out. I hit the brakes and dove for the curb. I wound up blowing the tire and damaging the rim on the Explorer. She pulled over and thanked me for going for the curb and not slamming into the passenger side of her car where her 3 YO son was sitting. She offered to pay for the tire and rim repair. We exchanged papers and I now have to run around to get it all fixed.

When she was thanking me she said luckily it's only about $60 for a tire. I replied that the tire is probably closer to $200 and the rim would be close to $500 if it was bent. She was a bit taken aback but we'll see what happens.

$200 per tire makes sense since you are not obligated to get a cheap under performing chinese made tire for her. Also, I imagine your Explorer has much bigger tires than her Prius. However, I find the $500 figure for the wheel/rim very high. Ford is either over charging you, or you got some bling bling wheels.

I was ball parking the rim as it's an 18" and it is an OEM piece. I have the original Michelins on the Explorer (31K miles and 7-8/32 depth) and will replace it with the same tire. The tire came in at $225 and the rim is only $210. Even the parts guy at the Ford dealer was surprised at how inexpensive the rim was.

oldfarmer50

robr2 said:

andres3 said:

robr2 said:

Mike - sorry for your loss.

As for moving on, all you have to do is move to The Villages. Google "sex at the villages"....with an MB, the ladies will be all over you.

Yesterday I was out on sales calls and was coming up to a red light in the right lane. A Prius in the next lane decided to pull out. I hit the brakes and dove for the curb. I wound up blowing the tire and damaging the rim on the Explorer. She pulled over and thanked me for going for the curb and not slamming into the passenger side of her car where her 3 YO son was sitting. She offered to pay for the tire and rim repair. We exchanged papers and I now have to run around to get it all fixed.

When she was thanking me she said luckily it's only about $60 for a tire. I replied that the tire is probably closer to $200 and the rim would be close to $500 if it was bent. She was a bit taken aback but we'll see what happens.

$200 per tire makes sense since you are not obligated to get a cheap under performing chinese made tire for her. Also, I imagine your Explorer has much bigger tires than her Prius. However, I find the $500 figure for the wheel/rim very high. Ford is either over charging you, or you got some bling bling wheels.

I was ball parking the rim as it's an 18" and it is an OEM piece. I have the original Michelins on the Explorer (31K miles and 7-8/32 depth) and will replace it with the same tire. The tire came in at $225 and the rim is only $210. Even the parts guy at the Ford dealer was surprised at how inexpensive the rim was.

The alloys on my Eclipse list for $400 apiece at the dealer. Pretty outrageous but look at some of the rims on tire rack. Bling for cars is a big profit center these days.

explorerx4

@robr2,
My 2011 Explorer had the same tire/rim combo. The tires were going to last a long time. One of my kids got Mom's hand me down 2009 Escape Limited. I always had the tires rotated every 5k and she continued that regimen. She got 80k out of them and they were still legal, but winter was coming up so she changed them out.

cdnpinhead

robr2 said:

I have the original Michelins on the Explorer (31K miles and 7-8/32 depth) and will replace it with the same tire.

The tire stores around here generally tend to browbeat everyone into the notion that all four tires need to be identical and that if you replace one, then another one, or preferably 3, need to be acquired. Then they won't repair any tire except in the middle 4-6" of tread. It's a joy. Hope you have better luck.

driver100

How about a set of these for protecting rims:




Choice of colors too:


(not sure why the rim protector makes your wheels go from chrome to black...lol)

My friend who had the Maserati who now has the S8 is going to get them. Me, I have had scuffed rims and I think I get it from the car wash places........it doesn't bother me that much.

abacomike

driver100 said:

How about a set of these for protecting rims: Choice of colors too: (not sure why the rim protector makes your wheels go from chrome to black...lol) My friend who had the Maserati who now has the S8 is going to get them. Me, I have had scuffed rims and I think I get it from the car wash places........it doesn't bother me that much.

That is the greatest disadvantage of owning wide wheels, sporty wheels and tires.  I can't take the car into an automatic car wash - ever!  My wheels are only a few millimeters narrower than the bead of the tire.  Every time the dealership has put my car through their car wash machine, they have either scuffed my rims or chewed the rims up.  They've replaced two 19" rims on my car.  At least they have made amends for their error in judgement in putting it through the wash rack.  Now, they all know to have my car hand washed.

Before they put the cars through the wash, the valets carefully inspect every car noting scratches, dings, defects, etc.  It takes them a few minutes, but it alleviates determining responsibility for any damage a car might have when brought to the customer after washing.

But I wish I could put it through a deluxe car wash where wax is added to the paint surface and then rubbed in.

robr2

explorerx4 said:

@robr2,
My 2011 Explorer had the same tire/rim combo. The tires were going to last a long time. One of my kids got Mom's hand me down 2009 Escape Limited. I always had the tires rotated every 5k and she continued that regimen. She got 80k out of them and they were still legal, but winter was coming up so she changed them out.

I've never been a fan of Michelins. IMHO, they are well marketed and have the impression of great value.

I swap between these and winter tires and wheels so I basically "rotate" every 8-9K miles.

The OCD in me is getting antsy about having one new tire - they won't all have the same wear. I'll get over it in time.

robr2

cdnpinhead said:

robr2 said:

I have the original Michelins on the Explorer (31K miles and 7-8/32 depth) and will replace it with the same tire.

The tire stores around here generally tend to browbeat everyone into the notion that all four tires need to be identical and that if you replace one, then another one, or preferably 3, need to be acquired. Then they won't repair any tire except in the middle 4-6" of tread. It's a joy. Hope you have better luck.

I thought I would have to replace at least two or have the new one shaved. The tire shop was happy to sell me just the one tire. I'm at 7-8/32" on the current and new is 10/32" so there should not be an issue with the AWD.

robr2

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

How about a set of these for protecting rims:




Choice of colors too:


(not sure why the rim protector makes your wheels go from chrome to black...lol)

My friend who had the Maserati who now has the S8 is going to get them. Me, I have had scuffed rims and I think I get it from the car wash places........it doesn't bother me that much.

That is the greatest disadvantage of owning wide wheels, sporty wheels and tires.  I can't take the car into an automatic car wash - ever!  My wheels are only a few millimeters narrower than the bead of the tire.  Every time the dealership has put my car through their car wash machine, they have either scuffed my rims or chewed the rims up.  They've replaced two 19" rims on my car.  At least they have made amends for their error in judgement in putting it through the wash rack.  Now, they all know to have my car hand washed.

Before they put the cars through the wash, the valets carefully inspect every car noting scratches, dings, defects, etc.  It takes them a few minutes, but it alleviates determining responsibility for any damage a car might have when brought to the customer after washing.

But I wish I could put it through a deluxe car wash where wax is added to the paint surface and then rubbed in.

Mike - if you are so annoyed by the damage done by the auto wash, why do you use it other than the fact that's it's free. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Why not have it hand washed once a month by a detailing place? I'm sure around you there are dozens.

abacomike

robr2 said:

driver100 said:

How about a set of these for protecting rims: Choice of colors too: (not sure why the rim protector makes your wheels go from chrome to black...lol) My friend who had the Maserati who now has the S8 is going to get them. Me, I have had scuffed rims and I think I get it from the car wash places........it doesn't bother me that much.

That is the greatest disadvantage of owning wide wheels, sporty wheels and tires.  I can't take the car into an automatic car wash - ever!  My wheels are only a few millimeters narrower than the bead of the tire.  Every time the dealership has put my car through their car wash machine, they have either scuffed my rims or chewed the rims up.  They've replaced two 19" rims on my car.  At least they have made amends for their error in judgement in putting it through the wash rack.  Now, they all know to have my car hand washed.

Before they put the cars through the wash, the valets carefully inspect every car noting scratches, dings, defects, etc.  It takes them a few minutes, but it alleviates determining responsibility for any damage a car might have when brought to the customer after washing.

But I wish I could put it through a deluxe car wash where wax is added to the paint surface and then rubbed in.

Mike - if you are so annoyed by the damage done by the auto wash, why do you use it other than the fact that's it's free. Remember, you get what you pay for. Why not have it hand washed once a month by a detailing place? I'm sure around you there are dozens.

I think you misread or misunderstood my post.  My dealership hand washes my car every week.  They do the same to other customer's cars that have the same kinds of wheels.

I just wish I could take the car into a professional car wash.  I just can't.  

But at times, when my car gets back to the detailers, they mix my car up with others and put it through the wash rack.

There is one detailer assigned to hand wash my car and he knows when my car gets back to him with instructions.  But my car has been damaged on the right side wheels (where the wash track bar is located) when he gets busy and another detailer puts it through the wash rack.

It's happened twice in 7 months which is not that bad and they have replaced the wheels.

Your suggestion is a good one - but if I want, the detailer I use at the dealership will wax and detail the car, inside and out, for $100, which is dirt cheap for the professional job they do.

stickguy

I think I took a car through the "pull it through" bay at my local car wash a couple of times. The Volvo, and maybe the RDX. but neither has low profile tires/wheels.

I only did it when the touchless was closed because it was too cold, and I was desperate to get salt off. They do have a touchless where you just park, and the arms move around the car. nothing touches it, which I prefer. Of course, I do the "real" wash in the driveway. that is only to get the nasty stuff off in the winter!

fezo

"Your suggestion is a good one - but if I want, the detailer I use at the dealership will wax and detail the car, inside and out, for $100, which is dirt cheap for the professional job they do."

Heck, I'll bring him my car for that price!

I have one car wash here that does a predictably good job and I've never had a wheel issue. Not likely the Miata will ever see it though it is a vinyl top. Cloth would worry me more. It's only a little thing. Doing everything myself will be no big deal and it will never see snow. I got some Meguiars interior cleaner and leather cleaner/protector to do a start up work on the interior. Might well take roadburner's suggestion but I think I'm going to get the leather in as good shape as I can and then cover it.

Am learning the previous owner didn't know several things about the car that I'm discovering but he took good care of it. He wanted a CPO BMW and his wife made selling the Miata a condition. A win win the way I look at it.

Daughter's Camry is back and tires replaced. All is well except for my wallet on the tires.

[Deleted User]

nyccarguy said:

I did have the differential fluid drained & filled with 75W90 Fully Synthetic Gear oil in the Legacy per YOUR instructions;)

Glad to learn it worked out. Your diff thanks you :-)

stickguy

so Fezo, just curious. what are these unknown things you discovered?

nyccarguy

tyguy said:

nyccarguy said:

I did have the differential fluid drained & filled with 75W90 Fully Synthetic Gear oil in the Legacy per YOUR instructions;)

Glad to learn it worked out. Your diff thanks you :-)

I'll do it again at 30K like you said