Ongoing Maintenance

[Calculon]

Hello Gals and Guys -

I just passed 108,000 miles on the Sonic. I just had a tie rod replaced, which was my first unscheduled repair not covered under warranty. Not bad for being almost 10 years old Given what car prices are these days, the fact I like my Sonic and it still looks nice/runs well, I'd like to keep it for the foreseeable future, but the unplanned repair got me thinking about what I should be doing to the Sonic to keep in great shape. I did get the timing belt replace at the dealer over the Summer, but the only stuff I've done to it is oil changed and tire rotations, so should I flush the coolant, get new spark plugs, replace any fluids, etc.? Thanks for any help.

 

[efaily]

Replace the plugs, and flush the brake fluid for sure. Other things depend on how proactive you want to be.

 

[Calculon]

I'd like to be proactive. Thanks for the reply.

 

[efaily]

I would flush the brake fluid and cooling system, change spark plugs, clean the fuel system with BG fuel injection/air intake system cleaners & 44k, check/change engine/cabin air filters. Check the shocks & struts visually for fluid leaks & perform a bounce test on each corner, and replace only if needed. Check the brake pads/shoes for wear, and rotors/drums for corrosion or scoring, and replace only if needed. You mentioned a tie rod already, so I'm assuming inner and outer tie rods have been checked already. That should have your Sonic running like new.

 

[macdiesel]

Change trans fluid. I’d replace any soft or puffy coolant hoses.

 

[Calculon]

Thanks for the replies. Does my manual have transmission fluid?

 

[efaily]

Yep

 

[thebaron]

Change trans fluid. I’d replace any soft or puffy coolant hoses.

Discovered that my coolant lines rusted through around that time...