2004 Sonata question

I have the V-6 Sonata, 2004, with 30,000 miles. The dealer said my
transmission fluid was dirty last time I was in for an oil change. My
questions are this;

1. With the 100,000 mile warranty, can I have my local mechanic flush
and fill the tranny fluid without voiding the warranty?

2. My Sonata needs new tires already. Even though I've had them
rotated regularly. Anybody have a recommendation on a good brand/type
of tires to put on there? My local mechanic can pretty much get me any
tires I want. I want to get some that will last 40 or 50 thousand
miles.

3. I am going to have the anti-freeze flushed at the same time as the
tranny fluid. Any special hints about doing this?

Thanks to any and all help.

Brian

 

1. Make sure your mechanic uses only SP-III fluid. Other than that, your
mechanic needs only to not mess up the job.

2. Michelin tends to be good for treadwear (with the exception of the
Energy MXV4+ you probably have on your car now). www.tirerack.com has a
significant section with customer reviews.

3. Coolant service is straightforward.

 

Thank You. Off hand, do you know which model Michelin I should ask
for?

Also, the coolant needs to be a certain type. One for an aluminum
block. I read which coolant and Tranny fluid to use so I should be
good. My mechanic is excellent. I've been going to him for 20 years,
he gives me cheaper prices than the average customer because he knows
he can count on me to come back. He also lets me into the garage to
watch the work, something that's unheard of in this day and age.

Again, thank you. It really is so nice of you to help people out, even
with the simplest questions.

Brian

 

Additional;

You hit it right on the head. The stock tires ARE "MXV4 Plus" but
they don't say "Energy" anywhere on the tire.

Brian

 

I'm not much of an expert on tires. You'd probably do better speaking to
someone at the tire store for specific recommnedations.

 

I'm curious If your mechanic is so good and cheap, why do you go to the
dealer? I've have that good mechanic take a look at the fluid to see if it
really is dirty. Most are good for 50k or more with no problems. What is
the interval suggested by Hyundai? Some shops try to push extra services
you don't really need.

 

I think your dealer is lying and trying to make extr
money from a sucker. The manual says 100,000 for transmission oi
change. If your oil is dirty at 30,000 miles, the transmission ha
problems and should be replaced under warranty. Call Hyundai Americ
and report this crooked dealer

 

Yes, I always go to the dealer for oil changes.

My book says inspect the tranny fluid every 30,000 miles and to change
every 60,000 miles.

And when I went to the dealer and they told me my pads and rotors were
shot I refused their outrageous price. It was like $1300 for the
brakes, tranny fluid, oil and coolant. I ended up getting the brakes
done, with parts from the dealer, for under $500. My mechanic pointed
out to me, when the car was on the rack, I needed new tires. He said
he could get the stock ones for me if I wanted. I said no way, the car
only has 30k on it and I had them rotated frequently.

As for my mechanic? He's a professional and keeps detailed records for
all the cars he works on. And I'm going to keep the receipts for all
the maintenance he does. He's less than a mile away, compared to the
Hyundia dealer, about 15 miles away. But I will NOT take a chance on
my warranty.

I only started taking this new car (2004, 30,000 miles) to my local
mechanic since it needed more than an oil changes. It hasn't been in
for warranty work and the only maintenance I've needed so far is oil
changes and wiper blades. (other than the brakes I mentioned)

Brian

 

I have over 60k on the Bridgestone Turanza LS tires. IMHO...well worth
every penny I paid.

Perform well in all conditions, good handling, pretty quiet, and 'no
hydroplaning'

L.

 

If he (and you) are keeping records of the maintenance, there is no chance
taken. Most of the time, dealers are more expensive and some try to sell
work that in not needed. Some independent shops do as well, of curse so
when you find a trustworthy shop, stick with them.

Dealers are usually better for some specific to brand problems because they
see them all the time and have training more on that brand. Routine work,
as you have found, can be d one more economically elsewhere in most cases.

 

My mechanic recommends Good Year Assurance Triple Tread tires. these
are an 80,000 mile tire. The complete package, including hazard care,
is $525.00. Seems like a lot but I want good tires and I read good
reviews on these tires. How much were your Bridgestone tires?

Brian

 

$525 is not a bad price for the Goodyear TriplTred's.
Sam's Club price is $503.12 plus tax. Includes road hazard, balance
etc. I think they are worth the money

 

Sorry, have them for over 4 years already. Don't remember what they cost.

L.

 

On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:51:14 -0500,

Just got home. My mechanic installed all 4 tires, checked the
alignment, balanced the tires, flushed the coolant and tranny fluid
all for $675.00. Much cheaper than a dealer. The tires come with the
road hazard and free rotation. Plus, once a year, I get free
balancing.

Brian

 

Difference in dealers here I believe. My Hyundai shop recommends a tranny
flush every 30k miles. Just had one done on the wife's Nissan/Mercury
mini-van, $120 parts/labor/tax. My 06 Sonata LX will get the same at 30k...

Steve

--
NW AZ home for sale in growing area-


http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/rfs/370324491.html

http://www.hoobly.com/0/0/383472.html

 

Why? Hyundai does not recommend the service so why should you believe the
dealer whose main interest is making a profit? Check what the manual says,
the Hyundai engineers know more than the service writer/salesman at the
dealership.

It's your money . . . . .

 

Edwin,

To dispute your point, I just checked my manual and due to "severe
conditionons", the manual recommends relacing the fluid every 30k miles.
Details below:


Maintenance Item Operation Interval
Driving Condition
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID Replace EVERY 30,000
MILES (48,000 KM) A, C, E, F, G, H, I

SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS-

A - Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5miles (8km) in normal

temperature or less than 10miles (16km) in freezing temperature

B - Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances

C - Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads

D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold
weather

E - Driving in sandy areas

F - Driving in heavy traffic area over 90°F (32°C)

G - Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road

H - Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack

I - Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing

J - Driving over 100 MPH (170 Km/h)

K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions


I happen to fall into the C, E, and F categories. Huyndai engineers wrote
this thing. Cheap insurance in exchange for a new transmission
post-warranty. In addition, all of my vehicle maintenance are deductions...

My dealer isn't out to get me, they saved me $600 by bringing in a paintless
dent removal guy to fix some jerk's failed attempt to control his door in
the wind. Cost- $0.

My $25 oil change comes with a free wash and includes Castrol GTX 10-30W. If
it's going to be over an hour, I get a loaner to take care of errands while
waiting. Some dealers actually care! What brand of oil are you getting? I
bet it's not Castrol. May the "P" stuff?

Steve

--
NW AZ home for sale in growing area-


http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/rfs/370324491.html

http://www.hoobly.com/0/0/383472.html

 

As I said, check the manual and you did. Very few of us fit into those
categories. For most of us, it merely suggests checking the fluid.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I don't fall into the average category as most in
the group. Man, I don't even fall into that category in real life! I hate
parting with my duckets as most though and I scrutinize my dealer as well as
any interaction with a store/shop/stealership/parts store etc. It's become a
sad world...


Steve

--
NW AZ home for sale in growing area-


http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/rfs/370324491.html

http://www.hoobly.com/0/0/383472.html

 

Kumho tires are great for the price, I think as good as michelin

Mark