2006 Matrix Tires and Scheduled Maintenance

[jazbo]

My Matrix has 36K, FWD and I have changed the oil every 4K and rotated the tires every 8. I need a new font right tire and was wondering if anyone had any preferences. Also, I've never done any of the schedule maintenance and was wondering what is neccessary.

[Skeldale]

At about 17,000 miles my tires started to wear VERY rapidly. Called the dealer that does all my oil changes (not even the one we got our two Matrix from) and he said OVER THE PHONE, they would probably replace them free and to bring it in.

I did and they replaced them FREE and realigned the front end! Now your case may not be as easy since you have twice the miles, but they are aware of problems with some of their OEM tires.

Incidently they gave me a choice of replacement tires and I went with a very nice set of Bridgestones.

Cheers,
Steve in Dayton, OH

[jazbo]

Thank you for the advice. I tried calling my dealer where I bought the car, and they were of completely no assistance. On top of not offering anything for the tires they also wanted to charge me $463 for "scheduled maintenance"! Maybe I've got a bum dealer, who knows. Thanks again.

[Earl43P]

That sounds about right for the scheduled maintenance you have skipped.

But I wouldn't pay that, since you are out of warranty in any event, so it no longer matters.

For tires, I have been very pleased with my Cooper Lifeliners. Just be aware that they offer two versions with the same name. I bought the long mileage ones, I think the treadwear rating is 600 or so. The other version is something like 440. The 440's are stickier so they have better traction but shorter life. The 600's also have a lower speed rating, IIRC, because thetire shop tried to talk me out of them in favor of the 440 version.

My wife drives like your typical grandma, so she doesn't need high performance tires. I was PO'd that the originals didn't last 30k miles.

I will warn you that these tires are NOT geared toward enthusiastic cornering, like the OEM's were. They have a fair bit of squirm due to their deep tread, but they break loose with predictability. If you find yourself in a high speed 90 degree turn under moderate braking (yes, I do this pretty regularly), you'll find that they squawl very loudly (onlookers will turn and look) but still grip well and accelerate through the apex with (again) predictability.

Again, I am happy with them, particularly in the rain.

[Supertom]

What do they list for scheduled maintenance? I don't have my Matrix owners manual w/ me, but I know the coolant doesn't need changed till like 100k, the tranny is like 100k.
So, what, an oil change? maybe a fuel filter and air filter? Spark plugs should be good.
I do all my own maintanence... I'd suggest you do to, just follow your manual.
Save a ton of $.