60,000 Mile Service

Service From The Opening Bell On Day One
Hi, I’m Marty Fay, the owner of Motor Works. We began serving the DeKalb and Northern Illinois public in March, 1984. Since the first day our purpose was to be a one-stop-shop, offering every conceivable automotive amenity. A critical part of that commitment was and still is providing expert scheduled maintenance service. To that end we have three ASE Master Certified Specialists on staff.

Important Note: This Is The Second Article In A Three Part Series On Scheduled Maintenance
If you haven’t read the 30,000 Mile Service article, I would encourage you to take a couple of minutes and read it now. This second article, the 60,000 Mile Service will make more sense if you do.

The 60,000 Mile Service
At five years or 60,000 miles after purchase, the second major scheduled maintenance service is required. As you would expect, it is a little more intensive than the 30,000 mile service, but not much. Following is a listing of the 60,000 mile Severe Service Maintenance Schedule for a 2012 Honda Accord. It is typical of most cars.
Replace:
-Air filter
-Cabin filter
-Engine oil and filter
*Automatic or manual transmission fluid.
*This is the only difference between the 30K and 60K services.
Rotate tires
Inspect:
-Brakes and traction controls
-Constant velocity joint boots
-Drive belts
-Exhaust system
-Fluids
-Fuel supply line
-Parking brake system
-Steering and suspension

The Dissenting Opinion
I and nearly every other automotive professional I know believe the current inspection system is inadequate to maintain a vehicle to the desired 300,000 miles. I personally believe the system is set up to keep maintenance costs down for sales reasons, and to get your vehicle safely out of its Manufacturer obligated warranty period but nothing more.

Traditional scheduled maintenance from 20 years ago, had oil changes every 3,000 miles. More importantly, transmission, engine coolant, and brake fluid service were performed every two years or 30,000 miles. Many automotive pro’s still adhere to this 20 year old schedule today. I do, as does the entire Motor Works staff.

Then, Now, And What It Takes: My Opinion
Oil and filter changes used to be scheduled every 3,000 miles. I believe today’s improved oils will get your engine the longevity you desire even at the current 5,000 mile drain interval.

Coolant systems used to be serviced every two years or 30,000 miles. Today’s extended drain intervals run to 100,000 miles. THIS IS ENGINE SUICIDE! Coolant develops acids, rust and sediments. These quickly eat through engine gaskets causing catastrophic failure. One of Motor Works’ busiest work centers is engine repair caused by failed coolant. The staff religiously flush their vehicle’s cooling systems every two years. PERIOD!

Transmissions also used to be serviced every two years or 30,000 miles. Honda changes their fluid at 60,000 miles under the severe service schedule. Not too bad, but not great. Transmission fluid breaks down under the intense heat generated inside the transmission case. Under their normal service schedule, the fluid is changed at 120,000 miles. HOLLY CRAP! If you regularly have $2700 lying around for transmission repair, stick with the 120,000 interval. Otherwise perform your service at 60,000 miles maximum. The staff still use the 30,000 mile interval.

Brake fluid service. The candy bar people advertise “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.” Honda used to specify two year or 30,000 mile brake fluid service intervals. Today there is no change interval whatsoever! SHOOT ME NOW! Brake fluid absorbs moisture like mad. If you leave the top off a can overnight, the moisture from the atmosphere will ruin it by morning. Likewise, the moisture buildup in brake systems must be removed or you damage thousands of dollars’ worth of antilock brake hardware. Don’t be a nut! Our staff still use the two year 30,000 mile interval for their own vehicles. That 300,000 mile thing really appeals to us.

There is further discussion available on differential, transfer case and power steering fluid service. Just ask us.

Motor Works Is Careful, Efficient, And Keeps Costs Down
Come see us for all of your scheduled maintenance, whether it’s the first at 5,000 miles or the last at 300,000 miles. We excel at service work.

Schedule Today!
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. To all the folks in DeKalb and Northern Illinois, we hope you’ll let us prove it. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can do so online or call us at (815) 756-2882 to speak to our friendly staff.

Cool Stuff
For more detail, an animated illustration and a movie on Transmissions please click on the following colored NAPA Service Assistant Link, then click on Transmission under Preventive Maintenance.
NAPA Service Assistant