Observation on Dealer “Service Packages”
The wife has a 2 year old Chevy Traverse that she really likes and we always have the oil changed at the purchasing dealer, who we really like too. I’ve always changed my own oil but at $38.95 for 5...
Forum Discussion
JALLEN4 wrote:brulaz wrote:JALLEN4 wrote:
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The modern vehicle is better built and does require less maintenance.
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Many dealers do suggest more frequent maintenance intervals than the factory manual. This is simply because they see first hand the problems encountered when the service intervals are lengthened by the manufacturer in attempting to convince the consumer the vehicle is cheaper to operate
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So what are you saying? Modern vehicles require less maintenance, BUT not as little as the manufacturer's recommend? Increased service intervals are bogus, despite all recent improvements in oil, cooling fluid, and so on?
Frankly, I would trust the manufacturer's recommendation over the recommendations of most dealers that I've dealt with.
You can certainly choose to use any recommendations and for most people they are going to believe the manufacurer before the dealer. A little research though will find several cases where following the manufacturers schedule resulted in "sludged" engines and other problems in as little as 30,000-50,000 miles. Lexus, Toyota, BMW, and MINI are a few that have had severe problems often contributed to extended oil change intervals.
JohnAllen is correct.
Mercedes-Benz tried that FSS (Flexible Service Schedule) on their line of Mercedes-Benz in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
BIG / FAIL! Engine oil-pans were sludging-up to tar-like @ just 15K miles, on conventional motor oil. The manufacturer was at fault, and lost a Class Action lawsuit. So, here comes a 10-year or 150,000 mile warranty on ALL engines that had not blown-up due to sludging, IF the owner would switch to 100% full-synthetic motor oil.
Sometimes the dealer knows best - I would listen to John - he was brought-up in the car business for over 40+ years.
