Agreed with above^^. Dealer service departments will always recommend sevices not actually required by the manufacturer. Always consult the owners manual. The dealer service counts on the uninformed consumer to make money.

 

Very true. Some of that also has to deal with education of the service departments though too. When it comes to automobiles, there's all sorts of wives tales, accepted practices, and religiously adhered to procedures that, while may have been true at one time, are no longer true. Heck, just look at this forum for "engine break in" discussions, oil change intervals, etc. It's truly amazing how people still hold on tightly to those age old beliefs about vehicles when a lot of that stuff was either hocus pocus to begin with or no longer holds true as of several decades ago.

Many service departments and mechanics still hold to the old way of doing things as well despite the vehicles, fluids, and systems becoming more and more advanced and more maintenance free.

It's not necessarily that they're trying to rip you off (though I wouldn't put it past them), it's' just that they're stuck in their old ways of doing things and "this is the way we've always done it" mentality.

 

Yeah, I basically never take my car to the dealer for anything, except recall repairs and the once a decade occurrence where no one else can diagnose/fix a problem the car is experiencing. Definitely didn't do any of those services, because the interval was ridiculous, the cost not withstanding.

 

For reference. There is not a serviceable fuel filter on the D. It lasts the life of the fuel pump and you can do your own TBody service with some electronics cleaner, toothbrush and a rag. Bottom line: do whatever maintanance you can yourself and effectively drive your car for free the last 6 months of your car loan.