questions

[corollasportvsc09]

I have a 1 year old toyota corolla automatic s with 12,000 miles.

I just brought my car in for an old change and tire rotation to the dealer. They told me to replace the cabin air filter. I was surprised because the manual said every 3 years or 36,000 miles. I didn't let them do this service. It looks pretty easy to replace myself looking at the manual. Where should I order one from or should I wait two more years?

They also did a recall fix on the brakes, something about them not working that great in cold weather. Lastly, they said they adjusted my rear brakes. I was surprised that I needed my rear brakes adjusted after 12,000 miles, but they said this was done under the warranty and didn't charge me. Is this something I will need to do each year? What other brake services will be needed?

To note, I get the oil changed every 3k miles even though the manual says every 5k. I get the tires rotated every other oil change.

I was reading the manual and it said to get the drive shaft bolt tightened at 15k miles. What is this and what should this service cost?

When does the brake fluid need to be changed since it isn't stated in the manual?

When does the coolant need to be flushed and/or changed?

When does the transmission fluid need to be flushed and/or changed?

I am assuming there is no power steering fluid in this car to be flushed.

My plan is to use the dealer until the 3 year warranty is finished and then use a private garage. I don't want to be accused if there is an issue under the warranty. I find these dealers very dishonest. If anyone can recommend a good private mechanic in bergen county new jersey I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

[OkSlim]

If you google search 2009 Corolla Maintenance Schedule there are several PDF's available.

My dealer does all that stuff for free when you do an oil change and tire rotation.

[Pwner Guy]

First thing I have to say is make sure you read the owners manual and understand it. If you don't, talk to your service advisor about what you want clarified.

Originally Posted by corollasportvsc09

I just brought my car in for an old change and tire rotation to the dealer. They told me to replace the cabin air filter. I was surprised because the manual said every 3 years or 36,000 miles. I didn't let them do this service. It looks pretty easy to replace myself looking at the manual. Where should I order one from or should I wait two more years?

A cabin filter is essentially like the furnace filter in your house, it keeps the air going out of your vents clean of pollen and dust. If its dirty replace it otherwise it will continue to catch what it can till it plugs up completely and reduces air flow to almost nothing. I can't recall what the manual stated for time however I know in Canada recommended replacement intervals are about 30,000 KM. You can purchase one through Toyota. I'm not sure which aftermarket companies make them so I can't comment on them.

Originally Posted by corollasportvsc09

They also did a recall fix on the brakes, something about them not working that great in cold weather. Lastly, they said they adjusted my rear brakes. I was surprised that I needed my rear brakes adjusted after 12,000 miles, but they said this was done under the warranty and didn't charge me. Is this something I will need to do each year? What other brake services will be needed?

No having your brakes adjusted is not necessary each year. If it was necessary that means the technician working on it noticed something that needed to be corrected, quality service. Other brake services that will be needed are just basic maintence, such as replacing pads, rotors, shoes and drums as necessary.

Originally Posted by corollasportvsc09

I was reading the manual and it said to get the drive shaft bolt tightened at 15k miles. What is this and what should this service cost?

Since you drive a Corolla that service doesn't affect you.

Originally Posted by corollasportvsc09

When does the brake fluid need to be changed since it isn't stated in the manual?

Your brake fluid will likely never need to be changed, however having it done isn't going to hurt anything if done properly. Personally if I was going to do it, 100,000 KM would be about the time.

Originally Posted by corollasportvsc09

When does the coolant need to be flushed and/or changed?

Needs to be done at 160,000 KM or 100,000 Miles.

Originally Posted by corollasportvsc09

When does the transmission fluid need to be flushed and/or changed?

Changed at 96,000 KM

[cabur]

Thanks.

[HarleyCVO]

http://www.trdsparks.com/ has good prices on filters etc. Even when I pay shipping and duties to Canada its less expensive to buy from them than around the corner from my home. Just buy in bulk to save on shipping.

[kniterider09]

regarding the cabin air filter, i had mine changed twice already now, first time dealer did it and said it was dirty so had to put a new one in, second time i did it myself, a few days ago, i checked it and it was just completely clogged up so i changed it. my car has 33000kms. best way is to just check it yourself, if its dirty, change it.

[Johnny A]

Re: Cabin Air Filter
Ck out your owner's manual a simpler DIY there couldn't be ! Just buy one from your dealer and replace it.

[pinoyesv6]

for the cabin air filter i am using one from TYC. i bought like a case of them from rockauto for like 6 dollars a piece. they came with these instructions that show you how to do it. wix and fram also make cabin air filters for the 10th gen. i changed my filter after owning the car for 4 months. the filters are really cheap and changing them is pretty simple. easier than the 9th gen. if you have allergies, i suggest you buy them in bulk like I did and change them often.

[cabur]

Originally Posted by pinoyesv6

for the cabin air filter i am using one from TYC. i bought like a case of them from rockauto for like 6 dollars a piece. they came with these instructions that show you how to do it. wix and fram also make cabin air filters for the 10th gen. i changed my filter after owning the car for 4 months. the filters are really cheap and changing them is pretty simple. easier than the 9th gen. if you have allergies, i suggest you buy them in bulk like I did and change them often.

You'll have to give us the address to buy.
IIRC Toyota Canada wants C$38. ea. Taxes not included.

[pinoyesv6]

Originally Posted by cabur

You'll have to give us the address to buy.
IIRC Toyota Canada wants C$38. ea. Taxes not included.

http://www.rockauto.com and then do a parts number search for 800025P. It won't show up if you look it up for a corolla.

[cabur]

Originally Posted by pinoyesv6

http://www.rockauto.com and then do a parts number search for 800025P. It won't show up if you look it up for a corolla.

That was quick. Thanks.