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Is $700 too much for a dealer to charge for a 12,000 mile service?

John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader questioning the dealership’s recommended services.

The Car Doctor answers a question from a reader questioning the dealership’s recommended services. Honda

May 20, 2025

3 minutes to read

Q. I am currently leasing a Honda HR-V. Recently, I received an email from the service department stating that I was due for a 12,000-mile service. I went down to Honda and asked what was in the service. I was given a written estimate for the following: oil change $69.99, tire rotation $39.99, wiper inserts $54.99, air/cabin filter $169.99, alignment $179.99, and rear differential flush $229.99. Over $700 for a car that is a little over a year old. What are your thoughts, especially on the differential flush? When I previously leased the same car, Honda made it sound like if I did not get the flush, it would cause a major problem at some point.

A. Honda does not have a service recommendation based on mileage, but rather uses an electronic maintenance reminder built into the vehicle that lets you know what services need to be performed. The dealer can certainly make their own recommendations, but those items are not necessary to maintain the warranty. Typically, at a year old, an oil change, maybe wiper blades if they streak or chatter, and a tire rotation are needed. Depending on where you drive, the engine and cabin filters can last three years, less in high dust or pollen situations. Differential flush – really a fluid change – will come up closer to 60,000 miles, but sometimes as low as 30,000. Look for the maintenance reminder and let it guide you. There was a time when one of the technical databases I use had a mileage equivalent for the service reminder, but even now just reference the onboard maintenance reminder.

Q. My Toyota Corolla has 110,000 Miles on it, and I have been keeping up with regular maintenance. What should I be on the lookout for as far as high-mileage maintenance goes?

A. Keep doing exactly what you are doing. Check fluid levels regularly and have the oil and filter changed based on the type of driving you do. Check the cooling system for proper operation and overall condition. Carefully inspect drive belts, coolant hoses, brakes, and suspension. Periodically have a technician put the car on a lift and inspect for premature rust and look for driveline fluid leaks. With a little care your car should last many more miles.

Q. I was talking with a neighbor who used to work at the General Motors plant here in Massachusetts and it got me thinking about cars made in New England. Were there many?

A. Yes, everything from Rolls Royce models to Indian motorcycles. Coming up June 8 in Framingham will be the Bay State Motor Festival. This show will celebrate the story of automobile manufacturing in Massachusetts and showcase classic and vintage cars from around the world. This unique car show will take place at Cushing Memorial Park.

Q. I have a 2015 Buick and from time to time the engine has almost no power. I shut the car off and restart it and all is normal again. Any thoughts?

A. A technician with a quality scan tool may be able to see the issue. What I have seen in the past is when the brake is applied the brake signal to the computer does not return to normal when the pedal is released. The brake lights will go out, but the computer thinks the brake is still applied. When that happens, the accelerator response is limited.

Q. I am going to replace the brake pads on my car. What do you use for the proper lubricant to prevent sticking and maybe reduce noise?

A. I use a silicone type of lubricant for the caliper slide pins and boots. On the pads (not friction surfaces) I use copper paste. I find that the copper paste helps with both lubrication and can quiet a bit of noise.

Q. My five-year-old GMC truck has been starting hard lately and runs a bit rough. I took it to the local auto parts store for a free scan and they came up with literally a list of codes. Most were random misfires or fuel issues. Any ideas?

A. The most common issue is the buildup of carbon around the valves causing a misfire, hard starting, and generally performance that just feels off. If this were my truck, I would start with a good combustion chamber cleaning. GM has their own top-engine cleaner but there are aftermarket products that work quite well. The concentrated cleaner is metered into the fuel system and cleans up the carbon. Sometimes this procedure may need to be performed a couple of times. Once the top engine cleaner is used, then add a fuel additive (Techron is one) to help with additional cleaning.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.