Frankr66

just had the 30K service done by our family mechanic, guy says not to do the transmission fluid until 60k regardless of what my manual says, also he swapped out the brake fluid even though the manual didnt call for it.

thoughts?

2006 rx330

Lexmex

Well your family mechanic is partially right in general. There are vehicles of many types that can run 30K on the same ATF. I have known RX300s that have gone that long between changes.

However, personally I am not a believer in anything such as lifetime ATF and I routinely suggest intervals of at least 15K miles or at least once a year of at least one drain and fill (though I recommend 3 drain and fills over 3 weeks) to get most of the fluid out.

Frankr66

we are talking 60k though since he didnt change it at 30

mandyfig

Drain and fill will help, no matter what. It should not have a negative impact. It helps replenish the lubricating components in the oil. Whether the investment is worth the result....I think so.

stllex88

I just did mine at ~50K and it appears to shift more smoothly since. Difficult to quantify the difference however. The dealer said it needed changed and I turned down the $250 charge and had it done at elsewhere (flush). I made sure they used TypeIV.

The G Man

Did the 06 change over to the new 100000 miles trans fluid, or was it 07?

mandyfig

The 04's started using the SUPER LONG LIFE (pink color). The RED is Long Life. I bought all PINK (SUPER LONG LONG LIFE).

geko29

With the numerous tranny problems the RX has had recently, our '07 will be getting drain/refills every 15k. Cheap insurance IMO, especially since I'm already down there doing the oil anyway. My Bimmer got all its "lifetime" fluids replaced at 60k. Not a fan of the drain intervals that exceed the warranty. Looks nice on the sales brochure, but if you have a failure due to lack of maintenance? Sorry, you're out of warranty, not our (mfr's) problem!

LexFather

Bingo.

Also I just have learned, heat is a trannies biggest enemy, adding a tranny cooler is added insurance.

mandyfig

Yes, would have been nice to have purchased a trailer prep equipped car. Then the cooling package is upgraded.

Lexmex

The tranny cooler is a good thing. However, I found the design lacking until I removed the washer fluid reservoir in front of my cooler (we have people on every corner who can wash the windows).

mandyfig

You got it made Lexmex....never worrying about dirty windows!

Lexmex

The one you have to watch out or down here are the dudes who try to dust down your car. There are two of them about 3 blocks away from me right when I come across the big Avenida Insurgentes we have here. They will even try to do it in the rain.

Sometimes, even with the guys who will wash your windshield, they can be popular in demand, and tough to get over to your car. Kind of like hailing a cab in NYC (which is tougher than you think).

mandyfig

How much does it cost you for a hand job...I mean a hand wash....??

Lexmex

Well, there is no set fee.

I am usually 'generous' by Mexican standards and give a 10 peso coin (a little larger than a quarter) worth about $1 USD. However, they will probably give you trouble if you give them something like a peso, worth about 10 cents.

I will try one day to take a photo of these guys at work...and give them a little extra fee of course.

Growing up in Miami (and some of you who know the area might know), right off Biscayne Boulevard, the window washers came out in droves, always wanting at least a quarter.

At the gas stations here, all full serve, I also give 10 pesos tip, though sometimes the guys who know me just let me pump by myself.