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Car maintenance question on 2015 Acura MDX
#1
Out of warranty, about 50,000 miles

Due for A1 service which is basically oil change and tire rotation

Dealer is also "recommending" a brake flush ($169) and fuel service ($189)

Brake flush = clean brake system and replace fluids
Fuel service = manually clean the throttle body or something like that

Also suggesting a once a year alignment, but we recently got new tires and alignment after that, so I don't think that's needed

Anyway, just wondering what you all think about the "recommended" items above?

Thanks
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#2
most shops charge half that for a brake flush. ignore the alignment. If you are using quality fuel, not an issue.
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#3
Racer X wrote:
most shops charge half that for a brake flush. ignore the alignment. If you are using quality fuel, not an issue.

Thanks, I know we would overpay at the dealer, but sometimes it's more convenient and/or we get a free loaner, etc.

However, is the brake flush even necessary?
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#4
Find a reputable mechanic who derives his business from satisfied clients rather than a dealer who schedules 'recommends' fluid changes to make a profit.
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#5
pinkoos wrote:
However, is the brake flush even necessary?

Im a solid Hell no. Its a closed system. When you get brakes done, they should bleed and add some new fluid. GTG.
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#6
[not an automotive repair expert]

What does the manual say about brake flushes in the scheduled service section? Nothing, right?
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#7
If it's on the Honda /Acura recommended service list, do it. If it's not, don't.

Brake flush and fuel system cleanout ain't in there. Neither is lubrication of the frammistan with unicorn oil.
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#8
I'd take my car elsewhere.

Looks like your kids might be ready to learn how to do an oil change ;-)
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#9
cbelt3 wrote:
If it's on the Honda /Acura recommended service list, do it. If it's not, don't.

Brake flush and fuel system cleanout ain't in there. Neither is lubrication of the frammistan with unicorn oil.

Make sure they don't overlook the left phalange, though.
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#10
well, brake fluid is hygroscopic, and goes out of its way to absorb moisture. In older vehicles that have a lot of iron/steel in the brake components, you get rust in the lowest spots, like in the low parts of the caliper cylinders and the wheel cylinders in drum brakes. They pit and chew up the seals and it leaks. In newer vehicles using more aluminum, and aluminized steel brake lines, you get chloride corrosion. Same result, but no visible rust in the fluid.

That brake fluid is 3.5 to 4 years old. Mileage isn't a real factor. Not a bad idea IF you plan on keeping the vehicle for a long period of time. Up to you as to where. It is a quick job that is mostly hands off. They have power or vacuum flushers that do the work. Try and bargain then down if you can. Or have it done elsewhere.

The fuel system, get the really good Techron additive that is like $10 or $15 a bottle. It MUST contain PEA. The Techron Concentrate Plus (might now be labeled Complete Fuel System Cleaner) is the good stuff. 1 bottle every oil change should take care of any shortcoming of the fuel's own additive package. https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...b=showflat&Number=2504457 It is essentially 10x more concentrated than what comes out of the Chevron/Texaco pump as the additive package.

bigass 32 oz bottle is $12.48 Amazon Prime. 1 qt bottle just like gear lube. Multiple vehicles I would guess. Best price for big bottles. The 12 and 20 oz bottles have the same liquid, just less of it. I need to order one to do the GF's truck and my Prius.

Just trying to educate the readers here on what works best. I managed an auto parts store for 4 years, and a JiffyLube for 2+. The ONLY fuel system cleaners that work, aside for some gnarly solvents that you can't use in modern vehicles, contain PEA. Techron is Standard Oil's trademarked name for PEA. There are a few other companies that use PEA, Redline is one, Lucas might be another. But best value is that big 32oz bottle. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07576...em_1p_0_lm
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