Truck Maintenance

[QuarterMillionMan]

Updating you all that it appears that I got lucky and the after market catalytic converter w/labor for $1200 total with taxes fixed the "check engine light" and I didn't need to pay the dealer $5000 to fix it. Never know because it could return but for now it seems to be fixed.

[ua_guy]

The last time I drove a GM-branded vehicle, the seats were uncomfortable. It’s no wonder they've had problems - the quality of the cars they produce is lacking.

Right through my heart, James!! Haha

I’ve had good luck with GM trucks, but that’s their bread and butter.

[james.hendrickson]

FWIW, at least in the Rust Belt, it makes sense to undercoat your vehicle. I do this every year and my mechanic says his guys are always amazed when my truck is on the lift. If you're considering this, avoid the "hard" undercoatings you get from Ziebart and instead opt for one that is lanolin based.

I joke that GM doesn't skimp on the quality of their check engine light. Those things can stay on for YEARS without burning out. Now if they can only apply that quality to the rest of the vehicle!

The last time I drove a GM-branded vehicle, the seats were uncomfortable. Its no wonder they've had problems - the quality of the cars they produce is lacking.

[JoeP]

FWIW, at least in the Rust Belt, it makes sense to undercoat your vehicle. I do this every year and my mechanic says his guys are always amazed when my truck is on the lift. If you're considering this, avoid the "hard" undercoatings you get from Ziebart and instead opt for one that is lanolin based.

I joke that GM doesn't skimp on the quality of their check engine light. Those things can stay on for YEARS without burning out. Now if they can only apply that quality to the rest of the vehicle!

[QuarterMillionMan]

The EV folks are laughing at all us ICE folks having to deal with all this extra maintenance.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Ua-guy is right that all sorts of services are offered such as radiator flush, transmission oil changes, differential oil changes, other fluids, etc. They displayed the prices but I should have taken pics of it as well, shucks.

[QuarterMillionMan]

With taxes my total was $36.59, no other services. A synthetic oil change was triple the price at over $100 which blew my mind. I had no idea it costs that much. 28 quarts for your motorhome, gosh.

[james.hendrickson]

I would like to remind everyone here on the board to use a coupon when you are buying motor oil.

[ua_guy]

Does anyone ever get out of there for just an oil/filter change?

Watch out for that "up to 5 quarts". They typically mean non-synthetic oil. And they'll charge you a ridiculous price for an additional quart or two. Some smaller engines can still get away with 5 quarts. But like a 4-cylinder Mercedes? 6 or 7 quarts. Chevy Ecotec V8 is like 8 quarts. Audi 4.2 V8 was almost 9 quarts. Chrysler 3.6 V6, 6 quarts.

28 quarts in our motorhome...lol!

[QuarterMillionMan]

Basic conventional oil change $32.95 today .

[QuarterMillionMan]

Ordered these parts from Rock Auto;
1) cabin filter $8
2) engine air filter $9
3) wiper blades 19", 24" & 12" (rear) about $7 - $10 each
4) will be taking car for oil change $29 at Jiffy Lube (regular oil, synthetic oil is double the price or more)

[QuarterMillionMan]

Ha-ha, it is tempting to try for a refund for the road hazard warranty refund since the guy failed to do his job, but not so much for the nitrogen fill which is water under the bridge already.

[james.hendrickson]

Yup you're right James junk fees, like the powertrain warranty. As for asking for my money back no thanks and I'll just chalk it up as a lesson learned although I like your thinking about possibly going after a refund.

It never hurts to ask for your money back. Plus if the tire company is smart, they'll want to know why. So, by complaining, you're actually helping them. They may not see it that way, but thats the reality.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Yup you're right James junk fees, like the powertrain warranty. As for asking for my money back no thanks and I'll just chalk it up as a lesson learned although I like your thinking about possibly going after a refund.

[james.hendrickson]

QMM - so basically that's just a bunch of junk fees. Like the power train warranty. Can you ask for your money back? Maybe complaining to their customer service might get you a rebate check.