- #2289 of 2486
-
Re: What maintenance is really necessary at 15,000 miles? [mwiesen1]
by busiris
-
Jul 31, 2008 (11:53 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: mwiesen1 (Jul 31, 2008 10:08 am)
The answer in 5 words or less...They're attempting to "hose" you.
Compare what they wish to do with the suggested services in the owner's manual.
|
- #2290 of 2486
-
Re: What maintenance is really necessary at 15,000 miles? [mwiesen1]
by rugmankc
-
Jul 31, 2008 (5:40 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: mwiesen1 (Jul 31, 2008 10:08 am)
At 15K you don't need much of anything. I made a maintenance list based on the Owner's Manual and a lifetime of common sense. I also use a reputable private mechanic (get one), I use synthetic oil and change it every 3 to 4k, rotate tires every 7k, and replace tranny fluid every 25k. Other fluids, filters, and tune-ups per manual, unless the intervals seem too long. I have my mechanic do a complete safety check every oil change. Belts, hose, brakes, suspension, etc. These intervals can vary with different people, but they have worked great for me on all three vehicles, including my 94 Altima with 143,000 miles, and all are running great with only routine maintenance to date. Routine maintenance to me at 143k includes things like a starter, timing chain, etc. Vehicles need no oil added between changes and start every time. My daughter-in-law is now looking for a local private mechanic. She finally got tired of paying 2 to 3 times a private mechanics rate for the same work at her dealer.
Good Luck,
Ken
|
- #2291 of 2486
-
Re: What maintenance is really necessary at 15,000 miles? [rugmankc]
by busiris
-
Aug 01, 2008 (11:31 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: rugmankc (Jul 31, 2008 5:40 pm)
Actually, unless you drive in really harsh environments or do a LOT os stop and go short trips, true synthetic oil is good for a minimum of 5000 miles between changes, and 7500 if your driving is primarily in trips of 25+ miles.
|
- #2292 of 2486
-
by rugmankc
-
Aug 01, 2008 (6:41 pm)
-
|
Good point,
I just like the shorter intervals. Gives me a sense of more security on engine life. I have a 2002 Lexus RX300 that I started on synthetic when first bought. At 109K the oil is still a very light yellow after 4k. I feel this car will go 300K, with continued good maintenance.
Ken
|
- #2293 of 2486
-
Re: What maintenance is really necessary at 15,000 miles? [rugmankc]
by skinsfan3
-
Aug 02, 2008 (5:02 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: rugmankc (Jul 31, 2008 5:40 pm)
It is mys understanding that the timing chain does not require replacement. On most of my other cars, 60k was the magic number. I have a 2003 with 65,000 miles onit. Looks better than the day I picked it up. I always change oil every 3,000 miles. Even though the manual says more. I also change the air filter around 10,000. Doing that is an easy job. Loosen a clamp and a couple of clips. I also have to check the water in my battery. Ye gods, I thought that would never be the case. Why Nissan decided to go that way. Then, like the other advice you received, find a good mechanic. Although I wam ot the smartest person on the planet, I bought bumper-to-bumper when I got the car. From Geico. For next to nothing. That paid off when I needed a new alternator. Dealer's price was around $800. In the old days, I would make the change myself, but, as an old codger, these new engines tied to computers make me hesitant to go much further. I won't even dare the plugs. If you think your dealer wants too much $ for your maintenance check, wait until you get further down the line with mileage.
|
- #2294 of 2486
-
Re: What maintenance is really necessary at 15,000 miles? [skinsfan3]
by rugmankc
-
Aug 02, 2008 (4:55 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: skinsfan3 (Aug 02, 2008 5:02 am)
My son has been driving the Altima for the last 7/8 years at low mileage, so I don't remember amount the timing chain. But, chain is the key word. Without looking it up, I don't believe my Altima has a belt. So, it may go forever. Don't know if newer models are the same.
Ken
|
- #2295 of 2486
-
Re: [rugmankc]
by tarnmaster
-
Aug 03, 2008 (12:04 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: rugmankc (Aug 01, 2008 6:41 pm)
All Nissan models have timing chains ... the Altima has always had chains, never a belt ... belts on most cars DO need changing at 60k, 90, or 105k, depending on the year and manufacturer ... chains need no maintenance but should be checked periodically because they can looen over the years and usually make a clicking sound when that happens ... I also change my 5W30 synthetic oil once a month ... the 1993 Nissan 240SX SE Convertible I gave my daughter had 288k miles when I gave it to her and had all original equpment except for radio, radio antennae motor, and radiator - even the AC still blew cold ... my '04 350Z Touring Roadster has 85k now and my goal is to get 500k on that engine ... Nissan makes incredibly reliable engines but they will go the extra mile if you do and take care of them ...
|
- #2296 of 2486
-
timing chains
by skinsfan3
-
Aug 03, 2008 (7:25 pm)
-
|
|
Beware the dealer that tells you that your Altima has a belt which iis to be changed. Rugman kc got it correct.
|
- #2297 of 2486
-
1999 Altima has starting problems
by jlb57
-
Aug 03, 2008 (4:45 pm)
-
|
My son-in-law is serving the US in the middle east as a civilian in Bahrain. He can start his car with no problems in the morning but the starter just turns over later in the day and will not start. It has 105,000 miles on it. The speedometer has also quit working. Any help with the starting and could the 2 be interrelated?
Thanks
|
- #2298 of 2486
-
by degdems
-
Aug 04, 2008 (9:53 am)
-
|
I got 2004 altima 2.5 4cyl. I was hearing as if the time chain was loose and making some noise inside and decided to open time chain cover and oil pan. I found out that the harmonic balancer gears were all broken. I took it off, when I took it off the shaft was moved. Now after I replaced the balancer put time chain how the guide book says the car won't start. There is no comprasion pressure. Some one tolled me that time chin is put back wrong so that the intake and exhaust valves are not opening or shut to make the pressure. This is a challenge for me, I have no idea how to find out if they are opening properly or not? Is there any body who can help with some idea?
Thanks
|
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans 
