$145 every 30k is a cheap invesment compared to a new tranny.

 

Automatic transmission fluid you never replace unless there's something wrong with it from the start. Manual says 120,000 miles which by then you would be out of warranty and with a new car anyways. Dealers says 30k because they want money and if your tranny fails under 5 years then it's covered under warranty and Infiniti will replace the tranny. I've heard so many stories of ATF changes that messed up many cars it's a hit or miss. I still drive my old 03 corolla with 160,000 miles still haven't changed the ATF and color is still good.

 

There's a lot to be said about this. I generally follow schedule II because the way I drive my car is consistent with schedule II. It's personal preference but I think that the maintenance suggested by many on this forum is overkill and as others have said the dealer makes money by selling services (they have no regard for if it is actually needed)

That being said I will change my ATF fluid, transaxle, and diff fluid at 75K. THe manual doesn't suggest it but it is cheap insurance IMO. I don't ever plan on changing the brake fluid or coolant.

I would recommend taking the money spent on brake fluid flushes and 30k transmission flushes and investing it in paint maintenance/protection. It's likely your car will develop rust issues leading to decrease in valuation than failing from not changing the fluids so frequently.

If you're driving style is heavy duty then change fluids early and often.

Brian

 

Brake flushes are simple and cheap if you DIY, I would definitely not just let that one go. Costs about $10 for fluid and just a bit of time to bleed out the system. My brake fluid was pretty dark last flush, I do it every 25k FWIW.
Here's a good read regarding why you really should change your brake fluid at regular intervals
Why Change Brake Fluid

 

Good read Blnewt. I just had to flush my brakes on my F150 due to a sticking front right caliper. Found the fluid to be DARK brown. All is well that ends well though. No damage done, just a little brake fluid on my hands and driveway.

 

I did the Turkey baster trick a few times to change out my PS fluid with Redline's Synthetic fluid - this stuff is great, especially if you drive spirited or autox the car. It will not foam up. I normally change out the PS around 3 years/30k.

Brake fluid (full flush) should be done every 2-3 years since that stuff tends to absorb moisture over time. Don't skip on these changes since it is really a safety concern. You'll be pleased with the pedal feel and peace of mind when changing it that often.

My 09 has 40k on it now and I haven't done the diff's yet, but a trusted Nissan factory tech mechanic (owns his own business) has recommended changing out by 60k, but I will do it earlier when I need to get my drive belt done.

 

That isn't a good idea. Brake fluid breaks down over time, attracting moisture and lowering the boiling put.

I have a motive power bleeder and can bleed my brakes in less than an hour. And that's moving slow and staying hydrated by drinking a beer. Or two.

I don't know why so many people neglect changing their brake fluid

 

Yup. Plan on doing mine sometime this summer when the wheels are off for a side/side rotation.

Probably get 2 32oz containers, just in case. Nothing fancy, valvoline dot 4 fluid. I don't drive it hard enough to warranty going to a race fluid.

 

Coolant My 2011 Sedan maintain schedule interval of 7 years or 105K miles. About to do it - local charge 110 fluid and labor (a expensive region). I will all the rest myself (next 4 and brakes, even coilover), but not this one. It worth the little cost.

2. ATF will be quite expensive - that's supposed to be a life time fluid fir 7AT, but some crashed / tracked car needs it (if you known how to remove the 0-60 limiter and how to reduce redline up rev). If you experience problem (e.g., some gear does not take shift, or shift become jerky as you might feel), then go to dealer. You need their computer to make sure the temperature inside the transmission. That will be 3 sessions, drain and fill at a certain temp with a special filling tool ($16, that's cheap), drive the car and let it circulate, repeat 3 times so that transmission will be mostly fresh..

2. Brake fluid is 3 years and then every 2 years by schedule. I have been doing it every 3-5 years depends whether I am in Seattle (3 years I will found it green) or in Calif (3 years still amber, ATE dot 4).

3. PSF: Every 2-3 years, or when you feel steering become significantly stiffer - easy DIY with a Turkey buster. End up 20-30 minutes with 2 qt / liter of fluid. Be careful that the pipe on side with burn your finger (that took a week to recover...).

4. Rear Diff: Every 2 years or 30K miles. Use some good gear oil such as redline or royal purple (that is really purple), overdue for a year or so is fine.

5. Drive belts: weather and usage dependent (a lot of short trips, engine bay heat and cool frequently will reduce life of belt). G37 has a single belt, and has a indicator on tensioner, read it when when cool? 6 years later mine was still well with in spec (60% toward the loose end). Replaced it for peace of mind - the old belt has zero crack.

Hope these helps.