2007 Nissan Maxima
When I took my five-year-old Maxima in to the dealer for a regular scheduled service at 85,000 kilometres, the service writer said it had reached the point where a "power steering flush" and "fuel injection service" were recommended. I couldn't find either of these in the owner's service manual and, when I questioned him, the guy said it only applied to higher-mileage vehicles. Are these services required? If so, at what mileage? – Tony in Markham, Ont.
This sounds like a dealer looking to make a few extra dollars off the service department. Or, to put it another way, unnecessary.
The people who design, develop and produce your Maxima – Nissan – conduct extensive long-term studies before releasing it for production. They know what service should be done, at what mileage and under what conditions. I'd go by the book.
Yes, it is a good idea to replace power steering fluid at some point – and the manual will tell you when. When it is done, it is normal to flush the system to ensure all the old fluid is out along with any moisture.
Similarly, the injection system might require maintenance at a recommended interval. If the injectors did pick up some dirt or become otherwise fouled, a not uncommon occurrence, that would become very evident by a noticeable deterioration in performance.
Car maintenance or repair questions? Send them to Globe Drive.