So I have had my 06 V6 for two years now. right now it's sitting with about 22,000 on the clock. The car runs great, and i want to keep it that way since I drive it a lot. What should i be replacing now to make sure it runs well for a long time? I was thinking replace all the engine fluids, and possibly change the fuel filter and spark plugs, but I'm not a pro mechanic. Am i way off base? Please, somebody with a lot of car knowledge enlighten me. Also i have a drop-in K&N that has been with the car for about 20,000 miles now, about how long do you realistically get from these between cleanings. I know what the box says, I'm just wondering if it's accurate since the thing looks pretty damn dirty to me, albeit only on the intake side still.

 

You should clean the K&N once a year... unless you drive on very dusty roads everyday, then I'd clean it every 6 months at least.

 

Thanks, I'll look for the cleaning kit.

 

Your owners manual should tell you the maintenance intervals. just go by the "Severe Duty" intervals. newer cars like yours are very well engineered. The ppl who made it usually know best. Thats what I do, and I work on cars for a living.

 

Change all the fluids to synthnics. Well worth the cost for the long haul.
engine, trans,and rear

 

Just follow the book, but here are my thoughts:

1 - Engine oil....needs to be done every 3 - 4k or 5 - 6k with synthetic.

2 - Transmission fluid....50k

3 - Coolant.....100k

4 - Rear end.....I would say about 50k.

5 - K&N.....my experience is that they go fine to 50k.

6 - Plugs.....75 to 100k if you have the stock platinums.

7 - Fuel filter ......40 to 50k. (cheap to do, though)

BUT, be sure to read the book.

I have a Chrysler Pacifica that recomends drive-train fluids about every 50k. The dealer wants it done ever 15k and at a cost of about $300, can you imagine why? (lol). Needless maintenance is not worth it.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions everybody, appreciate it. Will be changing all the fluids (except the oil, been using synthetic there since the first change) to synthetic here shortly.

 

May I recommend Redline? I have had the best experience with their stuff (their ATF in my trans looked new when I drained some out after 15k) and their 2-stroke can't be beat. If you wish to buy some, synlubes.com has the best deals.