Hey Lou,
My elderly father has a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 50,000 kilometres on it. He is hoping to hold onto it and maybe it will be his last car. With such low mileage, he’s pretty much only done oil changes to this point, and it’s in good working order all around. At 11 years old, surely, he should perform some engine/systems maintenance, at a minimum, regardless of the mileage?
Thank you – Paul R.
According to the Hyundai Canada website, there are three main services that repeat. Service 1 at intervals of 6,000 kilometres, service 2 repeats every 12,000 kilometres and service 3 every 24,000 kilometres.
At 48,000 kilometres, your dad’s vehicle was due for a Type 3 service which includes fuel injection cleaner, oil and filter, cabin, and air filters and then an assortment of other inspections. Fuel injection cleaner is listed for every service, but also is noted as (suggested) in brackets. Even though the 3 services repeat at specific mileages, there are additional items added on periodically. For example, transmission fluid is due at 96,000 kilometres and spark plugs, transfer case, rear differential fluids plus coolant are due at 120,000 kilometres.
Toggling the web page to search for services according to months, it states that at the 60-month interval the vehicle was due for spark plugs, transfer case oil, rear differential oil and coolant. Your dad’s car is about 132 months old so obviously there is some servicing due. For peace of mind and as a minimum, I would replace all the items listed above. For the ease of management of knowing what and when items were completed, I would just get it all over with at this 48,000-kilometre Type 3 service assuming he hasn’t done it already. I would also add a thorough inspection of the main drive belt and all rubber hoses, inspecting for bulges and noticeable fatigue areas and replace as necessary. I’m sure the dealer does a cursory inspection of braking components at the oil change intervals, but I think you should also add a four-wheel brake service. I would also suggest a brake fluid flush. If the vehicle is still sporting the original battery, add that to your list.
And don’t forget about the tires. If they are original to the vehicle, it’s time to consider replacing them too.
I’m sure some will argue that some of these items are unnecessary or excessive at his mileage, but I suggest you trust your gut as I assume that is why you are asking. The last thing you want is an elderly parent stuck at the side of the road with a disabled vehicle in the dead of winter.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.