My wife took her 2016 Mazda 3 (51,697 miles) into the dealer for a routine oil & filter change. They created a video of the car inspection and made a list of recommended maintenance to do on the car. The car is running fine and the AC blows cold. Here is what the dealer’s service department recommended: Fuel Injector/Air induction service $274.95, Brake fluid Exchange $139.95, AC Evaporator service $178.95.
You don’t need the other two items; however , if the brake fluid has never been changed (and now it’s 7 years) you may want to change that.
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It’s also a good idea to take the vehicle to a good independent mechanic and avoid stealerships.
I had a really good independent mechanic. He sold his shop and retired this year.😞
Perhaps the mechanic who retired could recommend a new mechanic.
What the dealer is really recommending is for you to empty your wallet.
Turn down all "services" not specifically called for by the manufacturer.
I'm with @daywalker on the brake fluid and skipping the rest. Don't overlook the coolant, change it out if the old coolant is 7 years old.
thanks for the advice
All the dealership wants to do is sell you unnecessary junk. Really, only brake fluid and coolant needs replaced. Also, change your transmission fluid, if you haven't already. Most owner's manuals neglect this service, as they're "lifetime fluid". It's 60,000 miles maximum. Past 60,000 miles, it's your problem, not the dealer's.
For the brake fluid, you can buy test strips or a little pen-shaped tester for just a few bucks and test to see if it's good or should be changed. You can also use a multimeter: since brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water) and water conducts electricity, if you stick both ends into the brake fluid (without them touching of course), you should get a reading of 0 volts. If it's more than zero then it may be time to change it. Also it's so easy to change it out, you may not want to even bother testing it and just change it out and give you peace of mind. Scotty has a video on that too.
if the A/C runs fine, why would the evaporator need any service?
