I just had the oil of my 98 civic changed at a new place. I've always had it changed religioulsly at the dealership every 6000kms, as recommended, but this time let it go to about 7000kms. Although I didn't need to flush the system, the tech told me they recommend doing it once a year to remove any build up. This is the first time anyone has mentioned this to me.

Should I be doing this, or is it just a cash grab?

thanks!

 

i've always heard flushes are a bad idea, and are probably unnecessary seeing you've always changed it on time.

 

I call BS on this mechanic...

Flush is only required if oil wasn't changed regularly...

If you always changed your oil like you should, you don't have to worry about anything...

Oil has several purposes in your engine:
- it lubricates
- it protects
- it cools the engine parts
- it cleans the engine and parts

Just change the oil and the filter like you did sofar, and you will drive your car for many many many thousands of trouble-free miles...

 

Modified by CardDealer at 4:35 AM 11/16/2006

 

in some cases sludge can act as a leak stopper.

 

thanks everyone! I thought it weird that the dealership never suggested it but this other place did.

 

Yeah we only recommend engine flushes at my work if there is sludge or the oil is super duper black!