Which Service-Department Upsells Are Worth It?

Any time we take a car into the shop and someone starts a sentence with "You know, while we've got it in here . . ." our BS meter goes off. Is he looking to help us out or just to make a quick buck? We asked longtime C/D friend, master mechanic, and auto-service instructor Russ Ferguson his thoughts on several common upsells. Their utility is rated on the Ferguson scale, which is to say out of five stars. Coolant Flush Because a cooling system incorporates so many dissimilar metals, the coolant eventually turns into an electrolyte and erodes the system from the inside out. Do a flush every two to three years, or as recommended in your owner's manual. ★★★★★ Serpentine-Belt Replacement Modern belts are made of a material that doesn't crack. A special tool checks the belt for stretching. Either it has stretched or it hasn't; there should be no question. Replace it at about 100,000 miles. Change the tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time. ★★★★★ Air-Filter Replacement If access is easy, do it yourself. Unscrupulous shops will levy an outlandish upcharge. Replace according to the schedule in your owner's manual. ★★★★★ Paint Sealer It's called wax, and it costs less than $10. ★★★★★ Rustproofing The widespread use of two-sided galvanized steel has made this a thing of the past. People who live on dirt roads should have it done, though, as mud caked on a car can trap moisture against the sheetmetal. ★★★★★ Nitrogen in the Tires The air we breathe is already 78 percent nitrogen; the small benefits attributable to nudging that number slightly higher don't warrant the cost. ★★★★★ Fuel-Injector Flush This service is only necessary if you're having problems with a rough idle, stalling, hesitation, or the like. Make sure the shop cleans your car's throttle body, too. In the meantime, keep your system clear by using gas from top-tier companies—their fuels contain detergents to prevent buildup—and by pouring a bottle of injector cleaner into your tank twice a year. ★★★★★ Comparison Test: Monsters of Grip: Nine Summer-Performance Tires Tested Feature: The Well-Equipped Garage: Everything You Need to Create Yours Feature: Extended Car Warranties: Peace of Mind or Something Else? Read full story » from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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