Taking my CX-5 in for a 50k mile service. I’ve been sticking to Mazda’s recommended services (probably overpaying), but I’m starting to wonder what’s actually necessary. The list includes a bunch of things, but the brake fluid caught my eye as important. I don’t pay for the oil/filter change. Thoughts on what I should skip or do myself?
Most of the stuff like tire balancing, oil changes, and brake fluid service are useful, but the rest are mostly upsells. Key fob battery is super cheap and takes no time to replace yourself. Additives? Overpriced and not really worth it.
You can skip the fuel system cleaner and oil additive. Also, just replace the key fob battery yourself. It’ll save you a bunch of money.
Storm said:
You can skip the fuel system cleaner and oil additive. Also, just replace the key fob battery yourself. It’ll save you a bunch of money.
Fuel additives can actually help GDI engines. There’s evidence that supports it. But yeah, the dealership is just dumping it into your gas tank—you’re better off doing that on your own.
@Kai
True, but there are plenty of GDI engines out there with over 100k miles that have never used them. Feels more like ‘just in case’ maintenance than an absolute need.
Storm said:
@Kai
True, but there are plenty of GDI engines out there with over 100k miles that have never used them. Feels more like ‘just in case’ maintenance than an absolute need.
I’ve got 75k on my 2016 CX-5 and haven’t done it once. Still runs like it did the day I got it.
You can get your tires rotated and balanced for free at Discount Tire.
Cade said:
You can get your tires rotated and balanced for free at Discount Tire.
Only if you bought the tires from them, right? Just wanted to mention that for anyone who might not know.
@Wren
They’ll rotate your tires for free even if you didn’t buy them there. Balancing might need a purchase, though. Lots of other shops also offer free rotations.
@Wren
I did buy my tires there, but they balanced and rotated my Camry’s tires, and I didn’t buy those from them.
Cade said:
You can get your tires rotated and balanced for free at Discount Tire.
If you didn’t buy the tires there, it’ll cost about $60 for balancing.
Just stick to what the manual says. Most of those cleaners and additives are pure profit for the dealer and do little to nothing for your car. At around 60k miles, consider replacing the transmission fluid, even though the manual might claim it’s ‘lifetime fluid.’ Other than that, follow the manual and you’ll be good.
Just do whatever the service schedule says you need.
You can get an oil additive cheaper on Amazon if you really want one. Skip tire balancing unless you’re feeling vibrations while driving. Fuel system cleaner is also cheaper online. Brake fluid? Just check the color to see if it really needs replacing.
I’m pretty sure my 2023 CX-5 manual says not to use any additives at all—fuel or oil. Might want to double-check your manual just to be safe.
Your tires should already be balanced unless you’re noticing a wobble. Key fob battery is a piece of cake to replace. The word ‘install’ makes these things sound way more complicated than they really are.
‘Install’ oil/fuel additive… lol. They’re just pouring it in.