Service question

Question

Hi Scotty.

I booked a mechanic van to do a minor service on my 2016 Camry, because I couldn't get a time that worked for me with work to go to a shop (my fault, I should've planned ahead).

The mechanic could not remove the oil filter because the previous mechanic had tightened it too much (new models Toyota have this stupid oil filter cannister that you need to be careful with so as not to damage the engine).

Being a very busy time of the year, and not wanting to go back to the previous mechanic ( who recommended changing spark plugs at the previous service and the RAC man said they were brand new!) The earliest I could get into a mechanic shop is 24/11. I expect to do about 500+KMs in those 11 days.

Should I have the oil changed again when I go to the mechanic shop? The car has done 114000 KMs. It has been 6 months and 10000 KMs since the last service. It has always been serviced on time according to the owner's manual (15000km intervals till this service where I decided to start going with 10000kms )

Also, the previous mechanic said he had flushed the transmission fluid, but I now feel that I can not trust his work at all? Should I have the new mechanic do another transmission fluid flush?

I am sorry for the long email and the bother and asking for free advice. But I trust your recommendation and I have been having a hard time finding an honest mechanic, so I really have no one honest to ask!

I live in Perth, Australia

Thank you very much.

Ali Ahmed.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

oldandy · Accepted Answer

I have 2012 and 2014 Camrys. The oil filter cannister is easily loosened with a breaker bar, I am surprised your mobile mechanic could not remove it. I change my oil and filter about every 6,000 miles. As for the transmission fluid, you are best off doing a drain and refill, not a flush. Make sure that whoever does it measures what drains out and puts that same amount back in. Your spark plugs should be good for 100,000 miles.

oldandy · Answer

The people that work full time at auto parts stores usually have a very good idea of which mechanics are good. You might want to ask around at a couple of them.