Cutting costs on brakes isn’t a good idea
Q. Can you give me an idea of how much it will cost to replace the brake rotors and brake pads on a 2016 Toyota Tundra? I also would like to know how much a new battery will cost.
A. The brake pads and rotors according to AllData, one of the technical databases I use, are $105 for the pads and $98 for each rotor. The labor charge would be 1.6 hours. So, expect to spend about $550 using quality parts. Yes, you can spend less but in my experience cutting costs on brakes is never a great idea. As for a battery, looking at AAA’s battery service, if you are a member a battery can be delivered and installed in your truck for $188.
Q
. How much does a transmission fluid change cost?
A. The answer to this question can depend on the vehicle and if you want a fluid and filter change or a transmission fluid flush. With a fluid and filter change you are replacing a portion of the fluid (maybe half) and with a fluid flush, you are replacing all the fluid but typically not the filter. As an example, Honda transmission fluid costs range from $9-$19 per quart depending on where it is purchased. Using a late model Honda as an example, the price would be $135-$160 on average.
Q
. We own a 2015 Subaru Forrester with 142,000 miles. Last winter we noticed the heat went on and off but figured it worked like our oil furnace in the house; no heat comes out once cycled off. Fast forward to past summer. The air conditioner came on briefly then you could smell it was going off. We took it to a Subaru dealer. They said they did not know why the AC was not working and would have to keep it overnight. We live too far away to do that and took the vehicle to a local car shop and explained the problem. They ran the vehicle idling with A/C on for 30 minutes and it worked perfectly. After that, the vehicle still played games with us: A/C on for two minutes, then off. Mostly off. Now it is winter again and we are repeating the cycle of heat on, heat off. Can you please explain what the problem is as I am getting weary of this on/off all summer and winter? It is hard to believe no one has heard of this happening before. It can be dangerous, especially with the snow and ice on windows. Thank you very much.
A
. There are a couple of possible issues. The fan motor itself has been known to be a problem. The fan will intermittently shut off. Subaru has an updated fan motor assembly to solve this problem. The second issue is the blend door that combines warm and cool air gets stuck. One or both of these issues could be the problem with your climate control system.
Q
. I have a 2019 Nissan all-wheel drive Rogue and it has 64,000 miles on it. The dealer says I need the differential and transfer case fluids replaced, a coolant fluid and brake fluid flush. I had the CVT transmission fluid done this summer. Question: Do I need to do all the fluids now at 64,000 miles? I do mostly highway driving and never tow anything. I asked a local mechanic and he said to just check (not replace) the differential and transfer case fluids as the car may not need anything right now.
A
. I agree with your mechanic, all the fluids should be checked. Nissan is a little aggressive on brake fluid, wanting it to be changed every 20,000 miles. Most cars are in the three-to-five-year range. The coolant, according to Nissan factory service, is replaced at 105,000 miles. The driveline fluids are just checked unless towing a trailer, then change them at 20,000 miles. Based on this I would say you are good for a long while.
Q
. Simple question: dry Gas or no dry Gas over the winter?