Cars And Fluids: Why You Don’t Need To Flush

Fluids and flushes (in your vehicle)… this is an area of the automotive industry that continues to give dealership service centers and auto repair garages a bad name. And they’re earning it. In the old days, cars were built a lot simpler. There weren’t as many electronic parts and components, and your father could probably fix most of the problems under the hood. Back then, flushing the radiator or transmission was a great idea.

However, things have changed. Today, your vehicle is likely loaded with technology that precludes that kind of flushing. But, that hasn’t dissuaded mechanics and auto technicians from recommending it. In this article, I’ll explain why they’re so aggressive in suggesting that you flush your vehicle’s parts. I’ll also describe why it’s no longer necessary.

The Repair Garage’s Perspective

Think about some of the work that mechanics perform. Brake jobs, timing belt replacements, fuel line and water pump repairs, fixing cooling systems, and more. Those things take a lot of time and carry a lot of potential liability. Now, consider fluid flushes. They’re extremely profitable and take very little time, by comparison. What’s more, they’re easy to perform, so there isn’t much opportunity for making a mistake. If you were a mechanic and you had to choose between performing conventional repairs and flushing all day, you’d probably choose the latter.

And that’s exactly why repair garages push flushing services. It’s easy, it’s profitable, and drivers buy into the pitch all the time. Now, let’s take an objective look at the parts that your technician wants to flush.

Transmissions, Radiators, And More

Your car’s transmission, radiator, power steering, and differential are all targets. The problem is, it’s nearly impossible for a person to tell, just by looking at the transmission fluid, when it was changed. So, the mechanic who looks at the fluid and stares at you with that “you’re car is about to die” look is probably just trying to sell a service you don’t need. Auto technicians are also fond of recommending annual radiator flushes. They’re not necessary. As long as you keep the coolant level high, you’ll be fine.

How about flushing the brake fluid? Again, it’s usually unnecessary, unless your owner’s manual specifically recommends the service. Same with your differential. The guy at the repair garage might say your entire family is 1 step away from meeting with disaster if you don’t have your differential serviced. But, don’t believe him.

In the end, always follow your owner’s manual. Trust me, if the car manufacturer thought that flushing certain fluids was important, they’d list the service in the manual. If you don’t see it there, take a pass on it.

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How To Buy Discount Auto Tires

Very few people (car enthusiasts aside) enjoy shopping for tires. The fact is, they cost money and unless you’re passionate about them, it’s just another expense that crushes your monthly budget. That said, when your treads are wearing smooth, driving on them becomes a safety issue. The important thing to realize is that you don’t need to pay premium prices for your tires; there are ways to get them at a discount. In this article, I’ll explain what you should look for when you’re buying new tires. I’ll also describe the factors you’ll need to consider when purchasing them online.

What To Look For

First, buy new. There are some discount shops that are happy to sell used models, but they won’t last long. In fact, you’d be lucky to get 20,000 miles out of them before having to replace them. Second, you don’t need to buy a premium brand. If the salesperson at the retail shop thinks you have the money (even if you’re using your credit card), he’ll try to convince you that your car will hate you if you use anything less than the best. Don’t fall for it. High prices don’t necessarily reflect quality.

Before going shopping, check your owner’s manual. It’ll list the size your car needs. Then, ask the salesperson about any specials and warranties. You want to make sure that you’ll have recourse if you experience a blowout next week. Finally, ask about tread wear and traction. You want to buy your tires at a discount, but not if that means having to replace them much sooner than you would otherwise need to.

Factors To Consider When Buying Online

You’re probably going to find the best discounts online. The reason is because online retailers aren’t shackled to the high costs of running an installation facility and retail storefront. Many online retailers have ongoing service agreements with mechanics and repair shops. You can purchase your discount tires online and they’ll ship them directly to an installation facility near you. Then, simply drop your car off at the shop and the mechanics will install them for you.

Be aware that you’ll need to pay a delivery fee to have them shipped. Plus, the mechanics who receive your new tires may charge you for the labor involved with installing them and getting rid of your old ones. You can avoid costly surprises by calling the mechanic ahead of time and asking about their fees. Often, the package you buy from the online shop will include installation; the mechanic will be compensated by the retailer.

The bottom line is that you should buy new treads that will last (shoot for 60,000 miles) and don’t be fooled by high-priced brand names. Check online for bargains and call ahead to the repair shop that will be installing them to ask about their fees.

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