Skipping Service A and B?
 

I have read post on other sites where people have skipped services and reset the computer because they think the service is "Useless" or "A waste of money" I personally take my cars in when they need to be serviced and pay it no matter what the cost.

Whats your views on this one?

No skipping services here.


A $100-$200 service can prevent a $5k engine or trannie from taking a dump.

Thank you Justin for proving my point. I have a cousin who is being a little thick headed right now and is 1,200 miles overdue for her service B. She says "They dont do anything big on the car. It can wait":rolleyes:. I tried to tell her it was bad but its talking to a wall with her.:mad:

I may not get to the service right on the mark, but I am damn close. I think the most we have gone over on a service was like 400-500 miles. It just comes down to when we have free time to take it in and get it worked on.



But yeah, skipping services is bad. What car does she have?

For most, the "A" Service is cake, so no reason to skip. The "B" has a few things that might require a bit more care, but still no reason to skip.

Mercedes owners saving nickels on service seems silly.

It depends on what the service is. My Honda's first scheduled service was $150, and it was basically an oil change and lubing doors. I can (and did) do that myself. I'm doing my next one too, because it just includes a valve adjusment and coolant change. Why should I pay $200 for that one when I can do it myself?

Somewhere I saw a service schedule for a 1936 Mercedes. If you think todays cars cost a lot to service...

I think it called for lubing the chassies every 500 miles and tune ups every 5,000. The one I like best was the 50,000 mile one which instructed you do "dismantle the entire car and check all parts for wear."

Anyone have a real source for this information? It was many years ago that I was looking at this, and it would be fun to read if there is an English version on line somewhere.

Pooka

Back in 1936 it probably took quite a long time to rack up 50K miles

You always need to rotate the hubcaps on schedule.


After all, the dealer said so.

Dont forget to change your blinker fluid.... ;)

I don't believe what my local dealership charges for a "B" service is worthy of their charges. Everything is DIY

- Inspect windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer system (Replacement of wiper inserts additional*).
- Inspect and rotate tires, record tread depth, and correct tire pressure. (Wheel balance additional*).
-excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK, and vehicles
with staggered wheels
- Engine oil change and oil filter replacement
-Includes Mobil 1 synthetic oil
- Lubrication service
- Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker
plates, sun roof tracks and top off all fluids
- Cooling system inspection
- Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and
clamps
- Brake inspection
- Includes check of pad thickness and condition of
discs, fluids and lines
- Inspect heating and ventilation dust filter, replace if needed. (Replacement additional*. Dust filter prices vary by model)
- Function check
- Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior
lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
- Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
- Check and clean air filter
- Reset flexible service system counter
- Inspect front axle ball joints; check steering play and power steering clutch; and rear differential levels
- Inspect Poly V-Belt for condition
- Inspect starting and charging system and service battery
- Inspect climate control refrigerant

What's included in the A service that you can't do yourself? You can reset the FSS yourself even.

Nothing

A SERVICE
Inspect and record tread depth, and correct tire pressure
- Rotate tires (excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK, and vehicles with staggered wheels)
- Engine oil change and oil filter replacement
-Includes Mobil 1 synthetic oil
- Lubrication service
- Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker
plates, sun roof tracks and top off all fluids
- Cooling system inspection
- Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and
clamps
- Brake inspection
- Includes check of pad thickness and condition of
discs, fluids and lines
- Inspect heating and ventilation dust filter, replace if needed. (Replacement additional. Dust filter prices vary by model)
- Function check
- Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior
lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
- Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
- Check and clean air filter
- Reset flexible service system counter

#1 Most important thing about these services are the oil and filter changes.
Heres my favorite "Shouldn't cost me anyways" check from that list
- Reset flexible service system counter:rolleyes:

At times I think all those other things are just thrown in there to make us feel good about the cost. However I do question if they actually go through all these checks. My theory is that most dealers just do the oil change and then see if anything makes a noise on a test drive......

Granted it's great for someone who cannot or doesn't have a clue about these components. But I am not going to pay $115 hour to check my lights - that's called a state inspection and it's $5