Hello folks,
My 2006 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition is going to clock 90K miles within a month or two. I would like to get 90K servicing done. This car is a second hand purchase and had 72K clocked in first 3 years since its purchase by the previous owner. Autocheck score is 86 when the range for this vehicle is between 57 to 73. I do not have old service records so I would like to do this servicing as per the maintenance manual.
So as per the maintenance manual, following things should be performed
Replace engine oil and filter
Lubricate all locks/hinges
Replace automatic transmission/CVT fluid
Replace differential oil
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine coolant/flush system
Replace engine drive belts (Is it same as serpentine belt? I changed this belt in April this year, paid $250 for that.)
Replace in-cabin microfilter (Is this same as http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zodLN5_6KaM ?)
Replace manual transmission oil
Replace radiator cap
Replace transfer case oil (4WD/AWD), don’t think it applies to my car
Replace wiper blades
Rotate tires (except 350Z)
Optional (but would like to do): flush automatic transmission (flush with ATF)
Inspect the following:
__ All lights
__ Axle & suspension parts
__ Brake lines & cables
__ Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings
__ Cruise control vacuum hoses
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Exhaust system
__ Front suspension ball joints
__ Fuel lines/connections
__ Fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
__ Headlights/adjust if necessary
__ Propeller shaft (4WD/AWD) don’t think it applies to my car
__ Steering gear and linkage
__ Steering linkage ball joint
Now questions -
- Is there anything missing from my list, taking into account that I don’t know how servicing was done in the past. (Since the car is in my hands, I have been taking pretty good care of it).
- Should there be any specific instructions to the car mechanic regarding replacement of parts or use of specific brands only etc. If I can afford, I don’t want to use cheap/no-name Made in China parts. I am a firm believer of “You get what you pay for”.
- What are the points where the car mechanic could rip me off or suggest/force me for more services? and how to avoid it?
- In your experience, how much this should cost? Local labor costs $98/hr (which I think is very expensive) I AM going to shop around and will start asking for quotes once I get answers to all these questions and make up my mind on what kind of servicing I want to do but a rough pointer will be helpful.
About a month ago, by accident, I left the headlights on in the park. When I came back, the battery was dead, could not start the car. Should the battery last just for 20 minutes? Is it up for replacement? I have no idea how old this battery is, so is there any way to check this battery? On this forum, I read mixed comments on this topic (still asking)
My apologies for this long post. As I said, this is my first car and I am a total noob. I am not fully aware of rules and regulations of this country, so playing it super safe…
Many thanks in advance.