Hello,

I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra with 93K miles. I took it for an oil change this weekend and they recommended the following services:

- Replace brakes @ $640
- Replace tires @ $350
- Replace steering coupler @ $230
- Replace spark plugs @ $225 (maint. schedule says to replace at 100K)
- Premium 3 step process @ $100
- Brake fluid exchange @ $50
- Premium coolant exchange @ $100
- Premium rail service @ $60
- 4 wheel alignment @ $70

They said the brakes are at 1mm and the tires are at 2/32in. They said the tires wouldn't pass state inspection. I understand the brakes need to be done so my questions are:

- Is that a fair price for brake replacements?
- Would you do any of the other recommendations at this mileage? Except for spark plugs, none of the other ones are in the maint. schedule.

 

Since the people that checked your vehicle have an advantage over people that can' actually look at the items, why not ask them in what order would they suggest or can the work be done. You might get some breathing room there. You may get a few different opinions from folks here,but from what I can see from what you posted , it is time to do these things because apparently they haven't been checked frequently enough and that is why you have such a large to do list.
If you decide to get other estimates , make sure they tell you in detail exactly what they will do. Some places will provide a low ball figure and not do a complete job..

 

a lot depends on how much mechanical abilities you have.

brake pads $15 bucks.. turning rotors at local parts store $15 each..

Steering coupler,, not sure why it need replacing??

replace spark plugs.. $8 buck each,, remove shroud and pull plug wires. one at a time, blow out holes remove and replace with new plugs.. use some anti seize on the threads.

not sure what the "Premium 3 step process @ $100" is doing.. ??

brake fluid,, $8 per qt DOT 3, suck out old stuff in reservisor and put in new.. if you can or have the small vacuum tool, open bleed port and suck in new fluid.

Premium rail service @ $60,,, run some techron fuel additive in a couple tanks of gas.. clean rail, injectors and upper cylinder..

have done all that on my 3 elantras.. tools, time and talent.

 

Your shop is cleaning your clockspring, changing the oil in your headlamps, checking the wind in your tires and supplying better pushwater in your injection system. In other words, they see you as an inexperienced owner and are drooling at the prospect of emptying your wallet.

- Replace brakes @ $640 ($65.00 retail parts cost, this means they're bilking you for $575.00 for each wheel's break pad change that any shop can do under one shop hour. total for all wheels.)
- Replace tires @ $350 (Not a terrible price if it includes mount and balance.)
- Replace steering coupler @ $230 ($20.00 part, if it's the bushing for the steering motor they're quoting. That's a major dash-invasive job so I'd get some clarity about it first, i.e., $230.00 is cheap)
- Replace spark plugs @ $225 (maint. schedule says to replace at 100K) ($6.00 each X 4 plugs total: $24.00. 10 minutes to change them all is $200.00?)
- Premium 3 step process @ $100 (This is where they change your headlamp oil and replenish the wind in your tires)
- Brake fluid exchange @ $50 (A reasonable fee. I would probably have this done every couple years to ensure water in the system is purged out.)
- Premium coolant exchange @ $100 (Unnecessary if your coolant in your overflow bottle looks clean)
- Premium rail service @ $60 (Unnecessary if your engine is running fine. The "rail" is the final fuel delivery pipe feeding the fuel injectors that spray fuel into the cylinders. Pouring a can of Sea Foam injector cleaner ($18.00) in the fuel tank is probably all they would do.)
- 4 wheel alignment @ $70 (If your tires are wearing evenly it's unnecessary. Just look at the treads to see if they look worn evenly)

 

Wow $230 for a steering coupler is cheap. Below is why they are recommending a replacement - that crappy rubber part is worn. If you haven't hit 100k yet, take your car in for a free replacement. Unfortunately, I'm over 100k and they are charging $400.
https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/T...NValidate/2687