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I normally have Firestone take care of my van but i got a free coupon from John Nolan in the mail, so i went with them. It was just for a free oil change but they check everything over too.
Heres what they came back with:
New Fuel Filter
New Battery <- claim it runs low on their machine?
Coolant Flush
Upper/Lower Radiator Hoses <- claim they feel mushy?
Thermostat/Gasket if i do coolant and hoses
PCV Valve.
Not that they are complete idiots, but Ive never been to JN before and I thoroughly trust my Firestone people so if they had told me, i might be skeptical but trust them. Only because they are very involved with me and explain everything and go over what needs to be done this second and not.
The question is, are they possibly right? What needs done right this second? What can we do ourselves?
** I would have gone to Firestone for the oil change but when i called they wouldnt accept a free change coupon.
Without knowing the actual condition of those items on your van it is impossible for us to say whether or not they need service. When was the last time you had any of those items serviced? The same applies to the garage, unless you told them the last time of service they are merely pitching all those things in hopes of getting you to spend.
A free oil change (or any service) coupon is to get people in the door, car on the lift and then rack up the bill with non-free items. Garage tactics 101.
Without knowing the actual condition of those items on your van it is impossible for us to say whether or not they need service. When was the last time you had any of those items serviced? The same applies to the garage, unless you told them the last time of service they are merely pitching all those things in hopes of getting you to spend.
A free oil change (or any service) coupon is to get people in the door, car on the lift and then rack up the bill with non-free items. Garage tactics 101.
Thanks, that makes me feel better. I think Ill call my normal place and get a 2nd opinion and then get fixed anything that is do or die right away. I dont mind if i need a battery but just telling it its running low on their machine doesnt tell me diddle because I have to trust you used it correctly, read it correctly or even did it to begin with!
Im beginning to believe i dont think they even checked the battery. In the Venture it does not sit right on top. You have to remove the fuse box, remove the cross bar and even then the negative terminal is on the back of the battery. Theres NO way they did all that just to test a battery. You cant simply stick the probe down there and get to it. (under where red arrow is pointing)
Coolant was a little low (not too much and I added it back to normal, thats was a month or more ago). No other issues.
OH I forgot to mention this part! So my check engine light is on. Its because my gas cap is weird if you dont get it on all the way. No biggie. I go in and after she says " you know your check engine light is on?" " yeah it has a mind of its own".....in my head im thinking " youre the mechanic, shouldnt you be telling me?"
In other news my trusting place is fine to give me opinion but after checking the exact location of the battery terminal and laughing at the check engine light, im thinking John Nolan is a JOKE.
I did find a youtube video on removing the battery (which is how i know they likely didnt test it) and I did find Walmart so far has the cheapest battery $69.17 with install or i can buy it and do it myself from the junk yard at $40.
I also looked over the hoses on the radiator and other than being dirty, to me they feel normal. As in no cracks, leaks, crumbling areas. (another use for youtube)
If somebody gave me a free battery that tests good from a salvage yard I might use it in my car.
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