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[CountAllVotes]

This message was self-deleted by its author (CountAllVotes) on Fri Mar 29, 2024, 08:45 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. i would trust the second

And never go back to the dealership. Sounds like they are overpriced at the very least.

[CountAllVotes]

5. I've owned Hondas since 1985

I've had four of them and I've never heard of having the brakes flushed out. What the hell?

I think the dealer is corrupt personally but that is just MY opinion. They've got a nice monopoly going as there is one other Honda mechanic in the area and I have no idea what his prices are like but he has an excellent reputation, something said dealer (who I bought the car from) cannot claim best I know.



Thank you for your opinion and I'm curious, how can a small oil leak ruin the transmission on a car? Is it even possible?

[Basic LA]

9. Transmission fluid is red.

If it leaks out, that's not good. But sounds to me like you should just get the regular oil change & leave it at that. Then, check your transmission fluid from time to time, until you're confident there's no leak. And don't go back to that Honda dealer.

[CountAllVotes]

11. The car is leaking nothing

Being it is in the garage I'd notice by looking at the floor of the garage.

I don't know how to check the transmission fluid but I do know how to check the oil. I've checked it several times since they told me this (late December 2015 it was) and nope, the dip stick is at the same level as it was when I got home with it that day. Have seen nothing RED. Nope.

Scammers it seems ...

Will go to the other Honda mechanic the next time I go in to have the oil changed I think.

[mercuryblues]

20. To check

the transmission fluid is almost like checking the oil. Locate the TF dipstick, it should be labeled. If not google the make and model of your car to find out where it is. Start your car then check the fluid as you would for oil.

[Travis_0004]

17. Flushing out brake fluid is very common

I would say every 5 years it should be done on avarage. (You can go longer than 5 years since you drive so little)

Over time brake fluid absorbs water, which lowers its boiling point, and makes it less effective.

Its a bit more work than changing oil, you have to get air out of the lines, but overall its fairly simple.

[djean111]

2. Dealers need to make money. I knew someone who worked for a dealer who said it is a

REQUIREMENT that they find things wrong, that need to be "fixed" right now!!!! at exorbitant prices.
IMO, and from past experience, you are lucky you don't have a brand new oil leak.

A dealer wants to either make money off your old car, or convince you to buy a new one. You may try taking your car to an Advanced Auto, to check some stuff. They will plug in that engine computer thing for free. The one I go to here in Florida is awesome - they will diagnose what they can, and even lend or rent you the tools to fix it, if you want.

Good luck!

[CountAllVotes]

7. Yes that was it! Fixed RIGHT NOW!

It scared me I'll admit! That is why I took it to Sears knowing the battery is basically new. I was told by the dealer it was my fault as I don't drive enough. I told them I can't drive much anymore as I have MS and it is not a great idea (frankly I believe my days driving still are numbered but I'll get on that subject at another time ...).

The whole thing would have cost me probably $1,000.00+ had I done what they wanted me to do.

I was shocked to find a survey monkey thing in my email box re: my visit for the $31.95 oil change, etc. I wrote what I have stated here. When done with the survey, I noted there was another page to click to at the end and ... a load of coupons for ... a new battery, a discount on parts/labor, etc.

Sickening isn't it? I'm guessing they saw the back seat filled with canes and my handicap parking placard and decided to try to get me to believe them.

Anyway, no, I won't be going back.

As for Yelp, they rate Sears here quite good, the dealership is a hell.

Enough said I suppose.

Thanks again friends!

[CountAllVotes]

8. There is no Advanced Auto here

This place truly sucks for resources such as this. Oh well ... Thanks for the tip in any event!

[CrispyQ]

3. I'd trust Sears over the first shop.

Finding a good mechanic you trust is hard. We had one for years & we were so sad when he closed his business 8 years ago. Last year, I finally found another shop I like & trust.

I read Google & Yelp reviews of businesses. I know it's not a foolproof, but it's a start.

[tk2kewl]

4. you need to find a mechanic that someone you know trusts

those coupons are designed for exactly the thing you encountered.

if you can't find a trusted mechanic through friends or relatives, you might try the employee owned company STS. maybe if you can build a rapport with them by discussing the democratic nature of employee owned businesses?

as for your breaks if you want them flushed for $39 go for it, but i doubt it's needed.

oil leak depends on how much oil is leaking. check the level periodically. if you get 3000 miles w/o dropping below the fill line it's nothing at all to worry about, imo

[w0nderer]

40. This very much

the coupons give a 'discount' so that they can sell you on more service
Usually at a higher price than 'market'

so for instance 10% off oil change+50 point inspection (often a fake in itself...4 tire pressures can be 4 points)
but it sounds good to the customer

anyway
then seeing car being (again example) older than 5 years automatically recommend brake flush
more than for instance 50 k miles automatically recommend doing something else

-----
(oil)
it could be leaking internally or externally
check the different fluids for oil
also pull the plugs and see if you run 'rich' the plug heads will be black

correct plug heads are 'beige to light brown' and light ones are 'white' (also bad)

if it's garage kept and you look at the top of the motor and see no oil/heavy sticky grime
and look under and same..then it's a very tiny leak

again could be that the model has a 'reputation' or 'service bulletin' for potentially maybe perhaps developing a leak in x K miles
so they say it


i'd say ask your friends for a good mechanic that's trust worthy and build a relation with them
also get a service manual for your car (or run through youtube)

oh..and hey welcome to the group

[HassleCat]

6. Ah, the flushing scam

Yes, they're all for flushing things now. They will do your cooling system, transmission, and brake lines. Most cars do not need anything flushed, even the cooling system. Flushing the brake lines would be needed if the fluid were contaminated, or had been overheated, both highly unlikely. At least they're only charging you $40. The Honda dealer is obviously a nest of crooks. I would avoid that place like the plague.

[CountAllVotes]

10. Flushing the brakes

I had the brake fluid replaced about 2 years ago as a maintenance procedure only being the car is getting old. They claim they needed to be flushed out now being I had the brake fluid changed and that caused debris that was in the brake lines to loosen and that the debris is in the brake lines, hence the need for a "flushing".

Still baffled as all hell.

Good thing I didn't go for a return visit and went to Sears being the battery is under warranty!

[NV Whino]

12. Scam

The old bait and switch. They get you in for a cheap oil change and then upsell on services you don't need.

It's a Honda. They last forever.

[HappyinLA]

13. As for the brake fluid

on a 15 year old Honda, you don't need a flush. It's a scheduled maintenance item, but it's all over the place. Meaning a Merc wants it done every 2 years/20k miles, but GMC says 150k miles. For a Honda, once a decade is ok if you do it during a brake job out of boredom, but even then you're only around 50k miles. Top it off as needed and you shouldn't have any issues. Brake fluid breaks down over time and becomes less compressible, but it takes a lot of time/work to get to that point. Frankly the only time you probably ever change it is the day you put some new brake lines on the car, and at 15 years/50k miles, that would be maybe 2061?

For the "maybe possibly" oil leak. Don't worry about it. Unless you see puddles under the car, you're fine. Not really sure what anyone would even do to fix a "maybe possibly" oil leak. Meaning that the process of replacing gaskets and seals is a bit overkill for a small leak that doesn't even leave puddles.

I wouldn't worry about the car. Not enough miles on it to matter, hell it's a Honda, it won't be broken in until you hit 100k.

And an oil leak isn't going to ruin any transmission. That's just them making stuff up to scare you.

[2pooped2pop]

14. Most older cars leak a little oil.

If its just a little, I'd let it leak and just keep check on your oil level. Don't overfill it either. Put some flat cardboard or papers under your car overnight to see if, where, and how much it's leaking.

[rjsquirrel]

15. You are fine

Dealer service departments are notorious for upselling on work that isn't necessary. Sears is fine, they wouldn't be averse to upselling either if there was any reason to do so.

Flushing brake lines is legitimate. I would not say that's bullshit.

However the BIG STEP you should take on an accord of that vintage is to have the timing belt replaced every 90k miles whether it needs it or not. Doing so avoids a common cause of major engine damage that would cost more than the car is worth to fix.

It's not super expensive, maybe $250. But if you're past 90k and haven't done it, do it right now. Really. It's an investment decision.

Also probably worth doing a full transmission service if you never have, as in replace the fluid and inspect (assuming it's an automatic).

In my experience alternators tend to go on Hondas at around the ten year mark. You can wait but a failure will leave you stranded with towing costs (add towing to your insurance, way cheaper than AAA and valuable in an older car especially).

Your battery reading could be variable due to an alternator problem in fact, as simple as a failing belt. If you can budget for it you should be changing out belts and hoses and struts and cv boot covers at your car's age to improve overall longevity and mileage and safety.

Brakes just wear out and they must be regularly maintained. Your life depends on it, others' lives too. Same for steering (have your alignment and steering rack and pump inspected, at some point it all needs maintenance).

Your car's age does also put you in range for needing a catalytic converter (and other exhaust components), which I am sorry to say is expensive but necessary to pass emissions in most states. Driving conditions affect a lot of these issues. And rust.

Tires: quality tires are the best single investment you can make in safety and performance. Don't go bottom level. Seriously. You get the safety you pay for. Rotate every 5-10K.

For $75 you can get a good portable battery charger smaller than a paperback to keep in the car. You will never again be stranded by battery failure. It is a vital thing to have on board (remember to take it in and recharge it every month).

Never use gasoline additives. Ever. Seriously.

Oil change with quality oil and filter (avoid quick lube shops if possible) every 3000 miles like clockwork. Period. Doesn't matter what the official schedule says. It's a cheap investment.

Source: my family has a 2002 Civic with 270k miles and it drives like a new car.

[CountAllVotes]

19. I've done all of the above

I have had the belt checked and it is ok. I had all of the fluids in the car replaced, had the radiator flushed out and fluids replaced (all very recently -- just prior to replacing the battery).

I've had one problem with it. The engine light came on and I needed a part related to the smog system replaced (an oxidizer) which cost me a lot to have fixed by said dealer. The total repair, along with the fluids all being replaced was over $700.00 and that was after I bitched about the price (they knocked $100 off the price).

I've kept the car up completely and have the tires rotated every 5K; oil changed every 3K. As I said, car has less than 50K on it and has never been abused in any way.

As for the brakes, the place that rotated the tires a few weeks ago said they were at 70% still, so nothing to worry about!

The garage is so clean you can vacuum it out, that is how clean it is. I've never seen a drop of anything come out of it. I have never used additives of any sort.

Thanks for all of your other tips. Will print them out so I'll have them!

[rjsquirrel]

21. You are

a smart car owner.

That's why your car is fine at 15 years old.

That repair was probably the oxygen sensor. Very common failure. Unsurprising although at 50k maybe a little bit.

Cars are expensive. But you're not making a monthly payment, smart again.

One thing to consider if you haven't is dropping comprehensive coverage (and beefing up your liability well over legal minimums, which is relatively cheap). If you have a small wreck the age of the car means it's totaled for insurance purposes. You're better off saving the money for that eventuality or a new car.

[CountAllVotes]

23. I had an accident awhile ago

I hit a stray dog on the freeway and it did a bit of damage to the front end. I have collision on it and the cost was $3,000.00 for the repairs. The collision covered it as the car was still work about $7K given its condition at that time. I'm glad I had it!

I've considered dropping the collision on it now, but not sure if this is a great idea given you perspective (which is a common one and a realistic one as well!).

I have the limits at 1/2 million on it for liability and I have two forms of roadside assistance should I need it.

I have to do all of the above being I live in a rural area and the last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere.

[safeinOhio]

16. Make a report to the BBB.

Go on line to any local social media and pitch a bitch.
I just love to cost greedy bastards lots of $$$

Next write a letter to dealers owner. Make sure you tell him or her about the battery as that pretty much proves his employ is a crook. Bet you get a free oil change out of it.

[rjsquirrel]

18. You're better off reviewing them on Yelp

People actually hear your story. Dealers hate Yelp.

[w0nderer]

41. rjsquirrel great idea

they also hate google maps reviews :-p

just make sure you hit the right location (sucks to work at a location elsewhere when a customer messes up and reviews you instead of the one they meant to)

in fact..this should run to a separate thread
'review sites'

thanks and

[CountAllVotes]

26. Good idea!

I have the receipt from Sears showing they checked the battery out and flushed the brakes and also a statement saying checked the seal for oil and found none.

Thanks for the advice. I'd almost forgotten about the BBB!

[HooptieWagon]

22. Flushing the brake lines not a bad idea, but $125 is WAY too much.

Generally, flush the brake lines whenever you have the pads replaced, or every 5 or 6 years.

It sounds like the dealer is luring people to the shop with a 'deal' and then upwelling unecessary work at inflated prices.

If Sears says the battery is fine, and you haven't had any trouble, then it's fine. If you drive the car infrequently, its a good idea to at least start it and let it run for 15-20 minutes once a week or thereabouts. Run the A/C at the same time.

Leaks...if there's no drops on your garage floor, you don't have a leak. And even if you have a leak, it's not that critical if its a slow one and you keep an eye on it. My old Toyota truck has leaked and burned oil ever since I bought it at 200,000 miles. Now 300,000 miles...still leaks and burns the same amount. I just check it regularly and top it up as needed. It's cheaper than fixing the leak.

[R. P. McMurphy]

24. If you know how to check the oil level . . .

then you are competent to check the transmission fluid level as well.

There is a dipstick for the transmission as well as one for the engine. Make sure the car is at operating temperature (when you get home and are parked in the garage is a good time) and the engine is running. With your foot on the brake and the rngine idling, shift into each of the gears until you feel the gear engage. I like to put the shifter into neutral in between gears just to make sure I can feel each gear engage. Shift into reverse also. The purpose of doing this is to make sure that transmission fluid has been distributed throughout all the passages in the transmission and the fluid level will be at its true lowest level. Shift back into park and, with the engine still running, pull out the transmission dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, pull it out again and check the level. The dipstick will be marked similarly to the oil dipstick and you will be able to tell if the fluid level is okay or not.

As stated upthread, transmission fluid should be red. If it isn't or if it smells burned you need to have the transmission checked. Otherwise you should be okay.

If you aren't sure of the location of the transmission dipstick you should be able to google "transmission dipstick location" for your make/model/year car. Trust yourself. You are perfectly capable of doing this and then you don't have to be at the mercy of a potentially unscrupulous mechanic.

I also agree with the upthread post that the brake fluid flush was probably unnecessary. Unless the brake fluid line has rusted (and it shouldn't because brake fluid is a type of oil and should protect against rust), has been contaminated with some other fluid or unless someone has allowed dirt or debris to get into the system when adding brake fluid or changing brake lines (or overheated as mentioned earlier) then you shouldn't have a problem.

Good luck and best wishes.

[CountAllVotes]

29. Thanks for the ideas

I'll look for the way to check the transmission fluid.

As for the rest of it, I'll try not to worry (telling someone w/MS worrisome things is a very bad idea IMO -- just makes it worse!).

As I said, have noted nothing wrong other than the problem that required replacing a $300 oxidizer.

I'll review them on YELP and also let the BBB know about it too.

This place sucks in every way possible and I hate it when they do this to people like myself, an aging woman that doesn't know a whole lot about cars but, I do know enough to know how important maintenance is and a few other things too ... i.e. not totally ignorant!

[rurallib]

34. put a piece of cardboard under your car and see if there are any drips the next morning

A lot of times we don't see leaks because where we park is already stained with oil leaks.
So take a fresh pice of cardboard and put it under the car one night (not a windy or rainy night) to see if any drips show up. If so, try to look up on the engine to see if you can find the leak.

Good luck. I am very suspicious of dealerships in particular and repair shops in general.

I have often thought a semester of auto troubleshooting ought to be taught in high school. I was fortunate to have worked in some small repair shops during college where I was able to learn some basics.

Keep an eye on the engine oil and tranny oil levels as discussed before.

[CountAllVotes]

35. I have 3 cats

and they are indoor cats and their litter boxes are in the garage not far from where the car is parked.

They also check the car out every time I come home. They are under it, on top of it, etc. and they'd have oil on their paws, etc. if there was anything leaking out of it.

As I mentioned, I have actually vacuumed out the garage and there is nothing to be found except what I was vacuuming up -- dirt and debris from outside and a few cat hairs/cat litter to go with it.

So nope, nothing to be found at all. Crooks is the likely DX I'm thinking now.

Never again _ City Motor World, never again!!

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

25. IMHO your car is fine

http://www.meineke.com/services/oil-change/

Oil changes - range from $25 - $50 depending on the location and degree of included services.

Batteries - they often have a mark/punchable date code on them. If the code says the battery is more than a couple years old or just hasn't been marked/punched some shops will try to sell you a new one.

Brake flush/fluid - If you aren't noticing anything about the pedal being very stiff or very mushy and the car stops normally, they're just making stuff up.

Oil leaks - As you said if the oil level is remaining normal to needing a quart every 6-12 weeks I wouldn't worry about it. Anyone who calls trans fluid "oil" is not to be trusted.

A dealer price on many services is likely inflated.

Find a mechanic you can trust. Sears reviews that say good things are probably indicating an okay place to deal with for regular maintenance. Chains like Sears and Meineke may have more turnover than a local independent. Get to know the owner/manager, become a regular and talk to other customers. Ask your neighbors where they go.

[CountAllVotes]

33. When the old battery died

A light came on on the panel inside the car telling me that I had a battery problem. This ironically happened when I was at Sears, hence the reason I had the battery replaced at Sears!

The battery in the car now checked out FINE --

As for the "seal" that I need to have replaced, I am still miffed by this $200 seal that I needed right away because the oil leak could damage the transmission I was told. again.

Glad I didn't fall for this crock!

*sigh*

[RKP5637]

27. Dealerships are absolute ripsoffs. NEVER trust a dealership. Find a good independent mechanic(s)

shop where they are ASE approved. Here is the link. https://www.ase.com/Home.aspx

Just look under Car Owners. Just FYI, I know about this stuff for a number of reasons.

[CountAllVotes]

38. Thanks for telling me about ASE

There is one of these places in the county seat! I have to go there on Friday, again on Saturday and yet again on Monday (and who says I don't drive enough?).

I'll give them a call in the a.m. and see if they can fit me in.

I see they offer services for the disabled as well that are said to be confidential. I'll check into this as well being I'm not sure how much longer I'll be driving.

I'll see if they can help me in some way. Thanks again for telling me about ASE!

[RKP5637]

39. You're very welcome!

[dragonfly301]

28. I've had similar experience with my Toyota dealership

about 6 months ago they found something wrong during a routine oil change - which is covered for free because I bought the car there. Anyway - can't remember what is was but they declared a sense of urgency. I told them I needed to speak to my husband about it when he came home from a trip and would take my chances that the car would still work. We took the car in to our trusted mechanic - he fixed the problem for $68 instead of over $300. Recently went in for another oil change and again they tell me that I have the same problem and it needs to be fixed immediately! They were red faced when I explained quite loudly in front of a crowded waiting room that we had the problem fixed months ago with our trusted mechanic and that the dealership was full of crap.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

31. As someone has mentioned upthread...

...add a review on yelp. People need to know about bad service.

[CountAllVotes]

32. Well good for you!

for telling these crooks off!!!

Sadly, I don't really have anyone except myself to go to bat for me but I'm not one to just walk away and figure I'm screwed either!

Glad to hear you made your comments quite audible!!

[jg10003]

30. Don't know where you live, but I have never paid more the $25 for an oil change. Also...

never get your car serviced at a dealer, they ALWAYS over charge.

[CountAllVotes]

36. they get away with it is why

I took it to a place close by to where I live and this guy, good ol' Sam he is, charge me $70 for an oil change and a "lube" to go with it.

Nice try there ol' Sam. You do not LUBE a Honda Accord SE!!!!! Not that much of a yet and no, have never gone back back to pricey ol' Sam!

in the meantime!!

[rusty quoin]

37. It's all good advice above. The important things are, stay away from that Honda dealer,

you see no leaks in your garage and there are no leaks (I know how bad an oil leak can be, and believe me, you will know), and there are no hard starts, so your battery is good. A battery will go bad if not used, but only for weeks on end of non use. I am delighted you went back to Sears to get the second opinion.

I know exactly how you feel how each unknown car expense can set you back greatly. But there is nothing like doing the whole "phew" after finding out you don't need it. You and I are not mechanics, so we don't know if we are being screwed or not. I've found an honest shop. I hope you find the same. That said, car repairs can be expensive, and it's always better to find cheaper ways of doing them. Good luck.

[left-of-center2012]

42. Check YELP and BBB for a mechanic near you

YELP recommended a Ford dealer near me when I thought I needed some work on a car I had.
They checked out my car and said it was fine, and I saved a bundle other garages would probably have charged me
for unnecessary work.

[CountAllVotes]

43. Thanks!

I'm still driving said car and have had no problems with it. However, my neighbor who it seems anybody that is anyone in this county told my husband of a mechanic he has known for years not far from where I live. He said he was 100% trustworthy.

I'm going to call this mechanic up soon. I have a sick animal to deal with at the moment and god be willing the car will continue to get me around so I can help her.

Thanks for your concern and no, have not forgotten about this. I just checked the oil the other day and it is not losing any oil at all and the battery is ok it seems to me.