Hey fellas, I've got about 45,000 on my car. I get this feeling it doesn't run as well as it once did, the idle is so-so but I notice it dips when the defrost is on, and the tach needle goes up and down maybe +/- 50 rpm or so. I've always changed the oil and unfortunately fell for the K&N panel upgrade. I know that's another story in itself but I am about 99% sure that each time you clean it, it's still dirtier than the last time. So after say 5 cleanings, it's pretty dramatic, the diff between brand-new paper and this re-oiled K&N.

Anyway, I'm wondering if you guys see a big improvement when you have the dealer do a major service, say like the 60K. The thing that always bothered me is a mechanic once pulled me aside and said a lot of the techs don't even perform the work because usually there is nothing wrong anyway and they want to do more cars on their shift. I hate paying for a service if it's not gonna make any difference. what do you think? thanks

 

I don't think there is anyting on the 60K service list that you couldn't do yourself. IIRC, the only parts replacement is the spark plugs, fuel filter and air filter; everything else is inspection (belts, hoses and fluid levels).

If you're not happy with the way your Max is running, get to work! May I suggest platinum spark plugs $25, fuel filter $25, fuel injector cleaner fuel additive $4, throttle body cleaner $4. The only hard one on the list is the fuel filter. I had to jack-up the car and get a friend to help me with it. I had to work from below while he worked from above. What a PITA!

K & N filters are made with a cloth gauze. I think the "dirt" you are seeing after you wash it is actually just stains.