So I'm looking at the servicing recommendations my dealership gave me. Sutff like changing out the Brake fluid, fine. They can handle that. But they want a fortune for stuff I can do for around $30, like changing the engine air filter and cabin air filter--which if I'm reading correctly they want over $100, whereas I can do for around $35 courtesy of Amazon and Auto Zone. $95 to change out and install standard rubber wiper blades when I got the nice silicone ones for a little over $50. I'm wondering about this other stuff and if it's necessary: Ethanol fuel treatment? 2 part Fuel/Air Induction service? What is that even?
Thanks for any advice,
Suz
Most of that sounds like garbage. I'll be most of it is not even specified as required by the manufacturer.
For example, the car is designed by the factory to run with 10% ethanol contamination in the gas - no "ethanol fuel treatment" is needed. "Fuel/air induction service" probably amounts to tossing a can of Techron in the gas tank and wiping out the inside of the air cleaner housing. About the only thing that sounds right is changing brake fluid - do that every 3 or 4 years and you'll probably never have hydraulic system problems. Filters and wiper blades may be needed but are offered at typical stealership ripoff prices.
Given that the dealer has amply demonstrated themselves to be ripoff artists I wouldn't let them do any service though. Any good independent mechanic with a sufficiently fancy scan tool (for the ABS) would be able to change the brake fluid and will do it for less money than the dealer. Just keep all receipts for warranty purposes.
