30k Service - What Is Necessary

blevenson · March 15, 2011

Just turned 31,000 miles and checked with the dealer to see what they had for a 30k service package as every car I have ever had got some sort of 30k maintenance package recommended, and I usually do them depending on what they include. I put on about 30k/yr and have the 5.3 6 speed if that helps. I change the oil every 4k and mileage is almost all highway and unloaded. Truck sees 4Hi or Auto for maybe 500-750 miles/yr in the winter months/to get onto the beach in the summer. I have towed 5,000 lbs about 100 miles so far with this truck (not even through the towing break in period). I am still running factory fill on all items besides engine oil.

Dealer said they dont have a 30k service package, however they recommend the following (note that the other service writer said no maintenance until 50k):

-Air Filter (I change yearly or as needed, so I agree)

-Tranmission Flush (Manual says 50k for severe service)

-Front Differential

-Rear Differential

-Transfer Case (Manual says 25k for extreme service and 50k for severe)

The quote I got was $500 +tax for the above service and they are supposedly saving me $75 by doing it all together. I was originally thinking I would have all these fluids changed out at 50k since I dont think I am in the "severe service" category and that seemed overkill. Is the dealer just trying to get my money or is there a real benefit here other than piece of mind?

I am happy to pay for the service if it is necessary, but it seems a little overkill given what the manual says. I would think the schedule in the manual is probably even overkill since the truck has the 100k powertrain warranty, but I want this truck to last.

What do you guys think?

ChevyTech77 · March 15, 2011

At 30k, I'd do nothing more than an oil change, tire rotation and tire balance. A fuel system clean probably wouldn't be a bad idea either, with the garbage gas that we're sold at the pump anymore. The trans nor diffs, need to be touched at that mileage. Air filter only if it needs it.

SparkySparks · March 15, 2011

I was told by my service writer that unless I tow a lot to wait till 50K to do anything with the trans. Other then that it was oil change, tire balance and rotation along with checking all the fluids and looking for leaks. I was also asked if I ever notice any fluids in the driveway, herd any odd noises or felt anything odd while driving. So more or less just a standard oil change followed by asking me if there is anything I thought need looking at closer. I'm at 37K mile now and trying to debate if I want to switch everything over to full synthetic now or hold out till 50K (I hate waiting for things ).

blevenson · March 15, 2011

Thanks guys. 50k seems more reasonable to me.

Suggestions for cleaning the fuel system? I'm not sure I know exactly what you mean by this - I have used injector cleaner that you add to the tank on my older cars, but never done anything else. Does the 10% ethanol act to clean the fuel system at all? What do you guys recommend?

SparkySparks · March 15, 2011

I use the Techron stuff, black 20oz bottle. I'm not really sure how often you should use, had people say every 3000/4000 miles, every oil change, every 6 months and once a year. I just used it for the first time in my truck a couple of weeks ago. I remember at one time they had two formulas, a 3 month and a 6 month. I alternated between the two per the directions on the packaging but I wasn't sure if really needed to be done that often.

700 sportsman · March 15, 2011

I would reccomend running some seafoam in your fuel on ocassion. Just do some research on it, there are many benefits to be had from it. Many of the mechanics I know use it in their vehicles and reccomend it to their clients.