GWFL

My 2001 LE is due for the 60k maintenance. I've gone to the dealer for everything thus far but my friend and service manger has left and I probably won't get the perks I was used to there...It's also 40 miles away. I was thinking of going to the local Valvoline Quick Oil change place to get the oil change done but was wonder if I should have them due a coolant flush and trans flush too.

Any reasons to stay away from these speedy places other then the usual story of forgetting to tighten the plugs?

Gary

NPath

I recall reading a quick oil change place didn't fill the engine with enough oil. The owner drove off and later on had engine problems.

Why not just change the oil yourself? You'll save yourself some money.

__________________
NPath

95 Pathfinder SE
06 Pathfinder SE

c.troutman

Its a crapshoot with those lube places, but like anything else, there are decent ones.

Alot of places do the trans flush now, so consider you options.

coolnesss

Flushing the trans is only good if they are using all new fluid in the flusher - and have cleaned it out since the previous flush - which alot don't - and you end up with contamination from other transmissions.

There's alot to be said for a straight filter/fluid change in the traditional fashion.

Or, you can flush the fluid by opening the trans cooler line to the radiator - and pour fluid in while its pumping out - self-flush, no contamination, and alot cheaper.

A good local mechanic is usually a better alternative than an oil change place, where they're mostly sales operations, rather than professional-mechanic operations. There's a big difference.

smj999smj

I would agree with a reputable independant auto technician as being preferrable over a "quicky lube." But then again, any place is only as good as the person working on your car. I would recommend that you stick with genuine Nissan anti-freeze and Nissan Type "D" ATF; it's a couple of dollars more but the right stuff for your vehicle. I also prefer to stick with Nissan air filters & oil filters, but the Purolator Pure-One is a very good alternative on the aftermarket. A drain and fill is sufficient on the ATF service; there is no filter to service. Avoid unnecessary "extras." Your maintenance schedule in your owner's manual tells you what is due at 60K. miles; I usually follow the "severe duty" schedule to be on the safe side.