There are general maintenance schedules that people have followed with reasonable success.hello folks,
I recently had my 2016 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Limited's engine replaced at 97K mileage due to an engine oil consumption issue.
I am planning to keep the car until it dies and keep it running as long as possible to minimize costs.
What other items would you replace to minimize issues in the long-term? PCV values, any hoses, struts, etc?
What maintenance services are worth it?
thank you!
With that said, hard numbers will likely be off for this person or that vehicle.
A boxer engine is not the same as an inline 4 cylinder.
A double overhead 4 valve per cylinder engine is different from 2 valve one.
A hybrid is different from a plug in hybrid from a usage standpoint.
Then there's where you live, how you drive, etc.
In general, mechanics I know and ones that seem knowledgeable and trustworthy online indicate that manufacturers have stretched oil change intervals for internal combustion engines too far in the owners' manuals.
Even with full synthetic oils, most recommend 5,000 mile changes.
That doesn't mean someone that follows their manual of 10,000 with zero problems is wrong. Remember, different engines, different uses, etc.
Plus, as someone pointed out, we don't, but SHOULD have hour meters on all engines. A more accurate measure of use.
Plus they may have someone or themselves using good synthetic oil and filters.
Whereas many shops, even dealers, get the cheapest 50 gallon drums and cases of filters they can buy. Is it a full synthetic, synthetic mix, who knows?
The 5,000 mile interval seems to help prevent issues with these unknowns.
So with that said, and your criteria of keeping the car until it dies.
1) It has had a new engine put in it. A new engine typically has a break in procedure. Certain break in oil changes, speed and load recommendations.
I would get those in writing from Hyundai. If they say they are unnecessary, I would get them saying it is unnecessary in writing.
2) Change the oil every 5,000 miles with a good oil and filter for the engine design.
3) Change the engine air filter once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps keep the MAF clean and eliminate issues. (Mass Air Flow)
4) Change the transmission fluid between 30,000-50,000 intervals. Fluid and filter. Do not hook to a flushing machine.
Also, there is no such thing as permanent or "lifetime" fluid. Even in a CVT without a dipstick. Mechanics know this even if the scheduler doesn't.
5) Changing the coolant. Guessing on this one due to different systems. Check annually and change every 2 years maybe?
6) Change timing belts/chains & tensioners by manual or any more stringent requirement. Not doing this will bite you in the ass and wallet more than anything.
7) I've worked on and had cars worked on for decades, never, ever, did a brake fluid change and never had a problem because I didn't. 2 ton trucks, 1 ton, cars, etc.
I can't say it's wrong. Cleaner fluid is maybe better.
Just have had zero issues with never doing it.
8) Same with a power steering pump. Never had a reason to touch the fluid unless a leak popped up.
Only replaced one that I recall on a Chevrolet because it was also the brake booster and that began to give issue after 20 years. Hydroboost system if interested.
9) Inspect belts and hoses. Use will determine interval replacement more than miles.
10) Keep air filters and anything related to cooling the battery system clear and in good working order.
11) Change fuel filter.
12) Change PCV valve and/or EGR by manual. PCV valves are typically easy to change by anyone. EGR you have to be more mechanically inclined.
13) Change spark plugs and ignition coils maybe every 3 to 5 years.
14) Find a good and honest mechanic with a good code reader. This should probably be #1.
Anyway, those are off the top of my head the things that aren't strictly monitored by the on board computer system that will typically keep anyone rolling long term.
Struts, tires, and other things should be seen or felt by owners in enough time to address before a more serious issue.
As always, this is not advice, just my opinion.
Statistics: Posted by PoorPlumber — Fri Jul 19, 2024 12:15 pm — Replies 62 — Views 3136