# \#maintenance **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/tag/maintenance/122.md [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) --- ## [Best way to wash an engine bay](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-way-to-wash-an-engine-bay/199804)
**Author:** [@davidwilliam79x\_192784](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davidwilliam79x_192784)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2025, 3:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-way-to-wash-an-engine-bay/199804 "2025-04-11T15:09:07Z")
What is the best way to wash an engine bay?I have seen multiple videos where people wash them using water but is it safe?So many sensors,eleltrical components and alternator.If a bit of water is present wont they short a… --- ## [Nissan Frontier's 2005 owner's manual](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-frontiers-2005-owners-manual/199596)
**Author:** [@beefykenny](https://community.cartalk.com/u/beefykenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2025, 3:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-frontiers-2005-owners-manual/199596 "2025-03-26T03:22:07Z")
Hey everyone, I recently bought a 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck, and I’ve been searching everywhere for the correct owner’s manual but haven’t had any luck. The only manuals I’ve found online, including this one, ar… --- ## [Fuel Mileage Dropped Significantly after Dealer Maintenance - Subaru Crosstrek](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-mileage-dropped-significantly-after-dealer-maintenance-subaru-crosstrek/89200)
**Author:** [@slp27](https://community.cartalk.com/u/slp27)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-mileage-dropped-significantly-after-dealer-maintenance-subaru-crosstrek/89200 "2024-08-01T16:45:51Z")
Hi all, Long story short I brought my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek into the dealer for a standard 30k maintenance and since getting it back I've had a significant drop in MPG's. From 27-29 down to 21-23. They are trying to te… --- ## [Injector and induction service 60k mi](https://community.cartalk.com/t/injector-and-induction-service-60k-mi/194290)
**Author:** [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/injector-and-induction-service-60k-mi/194290 "2024-02-04T22:15:36Z")
22 kia seltos LX. Do I need this? How would I know I definitely need it? What symptoms would tell me it’s definitely time? --- ## [This is why you flush your brake fluid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-is-why-you-flush-your-brake-fluid/190772)
**Author:** [@realrobd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/realrobd)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2023, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-is-why-you-flush-your-brake-fluid/190772 "2023-05-29T17:41:57Z")
48k miles. No hard use and NW Ohio conditions. --- ## [How To Tell If Wheels Will Wear Unevenly](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-tell-if-wheels-will-wear-unevenly/179497)
**Author:** [@webmonk\_177310](https://community.cartalk.com/u/webmonk_177310)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 11:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-tell-if-wheels-will-wear-unevenly/179497 "2021-09-21T23:52:57Z")
Setting the stage: We live in the country a mile down gravel road from the blacktop. There are lots of curves and hills in this area also. Issue: It seems like we are having to replace tires left and right due to uneve… --- ## [Best Mercedes mechanic for young classics in NYC area? 1989 300E](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-mercedes-mechanic-for-young-classics-in-nyc-area-1989-300e/179073)
**Author:** [@enbird](https://community.cartalk.com/u/enbird)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2021, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-mercedes-mechanic-for-young-classics-in-nyc-area-1989-300e/179073 "2021-08-31T18:28:46Z")
Looking for a vintage / young classic Mercedes specialist in the NYC area for my 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E. Had pretty dismal service experiences at a MB dealer, so I’m looking for a place that specializes in diagnosing is… --- ## [R+R or R+I | RepairReplace R+Inspect - proper diag A to Z?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-or-r-i-repairreplace-r-inspect-proper-diag-a-to-z/170596)
**Author:** [@tundrawolf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tundrawolf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-or-r-i-repairreplace-r-inspect-proper-diag-a-to-z/170596 "2020-09-29T16:54:58Z")
Hi I’m new. Don’t have a car problem specific but after reading through several pages of the ancient thread mentioned here on Servicing shops marking up prices I had to sign up and get in on the love here . I do have so… --- ## [1993 civic won’t stay on](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-civic-won-t-stay-on/165509)
**Author:** [@Jacob-James](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jacob-James)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2020, 3:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-civic-won-t-stay-on/165509 "2020-06-09T03:05:02Z")
Hi I have a 93 Honda Civic with a 1.5 non-VTEC. My car starts I’ve been driving it for the past few days I change the main fuel relay, changed the fuel pump. The problem I’m having is that when I turn the car over it wil… --- ## [A car not in use for 6 months?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-car-not-in-use-for-6-months/73572)
**Author:** [@A\_civic\_mind](https://community.cartalk.com/u/A_civic_mind)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2020, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-car-not-in-use-for-6-months/73572 "2020-05-21T00:44:59Z")
Beyond flat spots on tires, what else could go wrong with a car that sits for 6 months? This one is a 2010 Acura MDX, has 50,000 miles in the first 15 months, and sat for 6 months. --- ## [2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-hyundai-genesis-5-0/163648)
**Author:** [@Evanmarch121\_166910](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Evanmarch121_166910)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2020, 10:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-hyundai-genesis-5-0/163648 "2020-05-02T22:30:20Z")
Hello everyone! Looking at a 2015 Genesis with 63,000 mi 1 owner clean fax… I wanted to ask if this is a generally reliable car or not… i always thought the 5.0 genesis had to be reliable until coming across us news art… --- ## [How to manage car maintenance](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-manage-car-maintenance/3845)
**Author:** [@mjsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mjsmith)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 4:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-manage-car-maintenance/3845 "2019-07-01T16:21:37Z")
Is there a website to help manage car maintenance? --- ## [2014 Ford Explorer - Seat part](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-ford-explorer-seat-part/141792)
**Author:** [@Linda17](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Linda17)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-ford-explorer-seat-part/141792 "2019-06-07T18:55:09Z")
The power seats do not work because I can not lower the seat for my husband to drive. I like the higher seat, but he likes the lower mode. Can you help me get the motor part that lowers the seat? --- ## [2013 Honda Civic, Transmission flush](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-honda-civic-transmission-flush/134743)
**Author:** [@mathen2007\_148367](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mathen2007_148367)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2019, 8:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-honda-civic-transmission-flush/134743 "2019-02-16T20:28:14Z")
I’m new here, like I listen to the old podcasts of CarTalk, which I love. It also got I’m me interested in doing my own car maintenance but slowly over time like changing the cabin and engine filters, and small stuff lik… --- ## [Replacing the water pump on a Toyota Sienna before it fails?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-water-pump-on-a-toyota-sienna-before-it-fails/69453)
**Author:** [@PhilSartorio](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PhilSartorio)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2018, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-water-pump-on-a-toyota-sienna-before-it-fails/69453 "2018-09-30T15:39:02Z")
The last time my wife took our 2006 Toyota Sienna in for service, the service manager reminded her that the next visit would be the 90,000 mile service and told her that in addition to the belts (timing belt as well as t… --- ## [Volvo S40 Reliability](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-s40-reliability/88014)
**Author:** [@mrchosop](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrchosop)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2018, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-s40-reliability/88014 "2018-07-11T16:09:33Z")
Hey everyone, I have a question. I'm currently a college student, and am in the market for a used car, somewhere between $5-$6K. I've been investigating a lot of different options and car postings listed on various we… --- ## [I need help with my cylinder misfire](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-need-help-with-my-cylinder-misfire/111248)
**Author:** [@manualforlife](https://community.cartalk.com/u/manualforlife)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2018, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-need-help-with-my-cylinder-misfire/111248 "2018-01-18T23:22:39Z")
just got a used Hyundai 2001 accent it has 59k miles and the computer is saying there is a cylinder 3 misfire I have replaced the plugs and the code is still there while replacing the plugs there was a small pole of oil … --- ## [Used Car, Ford Focus 2003 ZX3 (Manual), what basic things can I do to maintain / improve?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-ford-focus-2003-zx3-manual-what-basic-things-can-i-do-to-maintain-improve/93731)
**Author:** [@Jack\_Hammered](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jack_Hammered)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2016, 11:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-ford-focus-2003-zx3-manual-what-basic-things-can-i-do-to-maintain-improve/93731 "2016-07-05T23:36:19Z")
I just bought a used Ford Focus (2003 ZX3 Manual). There is some problems with the car and I am looking for short term or cheap fixes, improvements and general maintenance. I do not have a Haynes manual or similar for th… --- ## [Expected Lifespan of a car with a low km transmission?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expected-lifespan-of-a-car-with-a-low-km-transmission/93280)
**Author:** [@DontBuyaGM](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DontBuyaGM)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 6:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expected-lifespan-of-a-car-with-a-low-km-transmission/93280 "2016-05-13T18:58:00Z")
I am having my transmission replaced on my '09 Pontiac G5 for a reasonable price, with one that has low KM's and has been fully serviced (filters, fluids, etc..) and was just wondering how long I can expect the car to l… --- ## [1999 Honda Civic DX Maintenance Questions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-honda-civic-dx-maintenance-questions/92900)
**Author:** [@sheafromme](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sheafromme)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 2:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-honda-civic-dx-maintenance-questions/92900 "2016-04-02T02:22:36Z")
I've taken pretty good care of the car and gotten everything that's needed fixing taken care of and haven't let there be much more than 3,000 miles between oil changes. However, it's getting kinda old, startin' to creak … --- ## [Preparing for a long work commute: maintenance on current car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/preparing-for-a-long-work-commute-maintenance-on-current-car/92848)
**Author:** [@beepbeeep](https://community.cartalk.com/u/beepbeeep)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2016, 1:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/preparing-for-a-long-work-commute-maintenance-on-current-car/92848 "2016-03-26T13:38:22Z")
I have a 2011 Ford Fusion SE, 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 120k miles. It's in good condition; I keep up on oil and other fluids, and take it to the shop every year for a "check up" before winter. I bought it 2 years ago when it ha… --- ## [2003 Chevy Tracker - Headlights Issue](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-chevy-tracker-headlights-issue/91207)
**Author:** [@Cassidy\_R\_Coleman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cassidy_R_Coleman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2015, 5:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-chevy-tracker-headlights-issue/91207 "2015-09-19T05:28:34Z")
Oh, where to begin? I'm having trouble with the headlights on my 2003 Chevy Tracker. When it's light out, my headlights come on automatically when I release the parking brake, but turn off if I turn the switch that wo… --- ## [Driving Cross-Country](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-cross-country/89405)
**Author:** [@BuffaloBuck](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BuffaloBuck)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 9:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-cross-country/89405 "2015-03-29T21:07:39Z")
I have a 2008 Hyundai Elantra with 134,000 miles on it. My friends and I are planning a road trip across the country from Buffalo to California and back. Assuming the car will have roughly 145,000 miles on it at the time… --- ## [Owning antique cars if you can't do your own repairs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/owning-antique-cars-if-you-cant-do-your-own-repairs/89257)
**Author:** [@NomadInHerBus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NomadInHerBus)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2015, 6:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/owning-antique-cars-if-you-cant-do-your-own-repairs/89257 "2015-03-21T18:15:30Z")
I know many/most people who own classic cars like to work on the cars themselves and know something about restoring, fixing, and maintaining them. I love antique cars, and I've owned a couple in the past, but I bought th… --- ## [If it ain't broke, don't fix it? Which preventative maintenance is worth it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it-which-preventative-maintenance-is-worth-it/86571)
**Author:** [@athada](https://community.cartalk.com/u/athada)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 2:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it-which-preventative-maintenance-is-worth-it/86571 "2014-09-26T02:26:46Z")
Thank you all for your time. I am trying to follow my manuals' recommendation schedules. 2005 Chevy Malibu Classic (4cyl) and 2005 Chevy Equinox (6cyl, AWD). Both with 140,000 miles. Wondered your opinions on the cost/… --- ## [2004 Corolla 60K maintenance question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-corolla-60k-maintenance-question/87087)
**Author:** [@d2014](https://community.cartalk.com/u/d2014)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2014, 9:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-corolla-60k-maintenance-question/87087 "2014-09-10T21:26:47Z")
Hi, My 2004 Corolla CE has 62K now and I'm considering getting the 60K maintenance done soon, especially since I skipped the 30K maintenance. Below is the list from the maintenance guide. The car has never been used f… --- ## [Foam Filters](https://community.cartalk.com/t/foam-filters/87023)
**Author:** [@JohnnyJ](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnnyJ)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2014, 8:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/foam-filters/87023 "2014-09-08T20:30:43Z")
I know this is a car forum, but I amuse that some of you have a lawn mower of have used a foam filter. I cannot find a straight answer on what oil to use to oil it after cleaning. Some people say that regular oil that … --- ## [Transmission Fluid Change](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-fluid-change/87051)
**Author:** [@JohnnyJ](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnnyJ)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2014, 6:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-fluid-change/87051 "2014-09-07T06:40:47Z")
I have a 04 Honda Civic with an automatic transmission with 104,000- it was bought used recently and not sure if the transmission fluid has been changed before but assuming not. I have heard that you are not supposed to … --- ## [How Much Oil is Too Much?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-much-oil-is-too-much/86997)
**Author:** [@JohnnyJ](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnnyJ)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2014, 7:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-much-oil-is-too-much/86997 "2014-09-05T07:19:02Z")
I recently changed the oil in my car and when putting new oil in I put a little to much in. The dip-stick has 5 holes (for oil to fill to make it easier to read). All five holes are full and the level is up to just bef… --- ## [Mercedes for a 16-year old?!?!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-for-a-16-year-old/84533)
**Author:** [@JenHouston](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JenHouston)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2014, 4:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-for-a-16-year-old/84533 "2014-04-26T04:04:13Z")
Hi! We WERE looking at a 2012-ish Toyota Corolla for our new teenage driver (safe, reliable, inexpensive), but have stumbled upon a 2003 Mercedes C240 with ONLY 33,700 miles. Price is $11,000. Opinions? Are we just … [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/tag/maintenance/122.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=maintenance)