Air Suspension, Carplay, onboard cooler, double din radio, climate control, wi-fi, hands free liftgate, self driving, waffle maker...

[5ohbrad]

I have a '06 BMW. Original owner. Followed BMWs maintenance guidelines. Engine OCI lifetime average is 12,300 miles, manual transmission oil changes just under BMWs 100,000 mile recommendation. Same for the diff, and engine coolant. Just passed 426,000 miles on all the original driveline components, engine included. Component design and chemical properties of fluids are well engineered these days. Jiffy Lube levels of service no longer apply.

I had an F150 that lost a transmission at 68k miles. My Expedition was shifting rough at 58k miles. I changed the transmission fluid on the Expedition and the shift quality improved dramatically.

 

[AZFox]

I understand that’s what Ford publishes as maintenance guidelines, but for any expectation of longevity, I wouldn’t go past 5k for engine oil or 50k for transmission. A bit like keeping charge rates between 20-80% with LMC battery.

FWIW...

My simple strategy is to buy "15,000 Mile" oil and never go past half of that, with possibly a filter change after ~4K miles. I use OE filters.

Changing oil too frequently isn't beneficial because Fresh Oil's Big Load of Detergents washes away the protective tribological barrier (layer of accumulated anti-wear agents) from parts you want protected. Also, some protective components in motor oil require some time to activate and get working.

My strategy is a Goldilox strategy.

ProTip: If you do your own oil changes look into getting an Oil Extractor. Now that I use one I'll never go back. I know this for sure because when I wore mine out I immediately ordered another one to replace it.

Edit: The Oil Extractor allows you to periodically change some of your transmission fluid periodically without dropping the pan. No worries that you can't get it all out because sometimes changing all of the fluid at once can backfire on you because accumulated micro-detritus in your transmission fluid can actually serve a purpose.

 

[AZFox]

Edit: The Oil Extractor allows you to periodically change some of your transmission fluid periodically without dropping the pan. No worries that you can't get it all out because sometimes changing all of the fluid at once can backfire on you because accumulated micro-detritus in your transmission fluid can actually serve a purpose.

Put another way...

Loaded Question AI Query:

How is a partial transmission fluid more beneficial than changing all of the fluid?​

Response:

Partial vs Full Transmission Fluid​

​

A partial transmission fluid change can be more beneficial than changing all of the fluid in certain situations. For example, if the transmission has had regular partial fluid replacements, it can help to drain suspended contaminants and moisture, lowering their overall concentrations when replaced with fresh fluid. This process can also restore the viscosity of the fluid, which is important for the proper functioning of the transmission.​

​

In contrast, a full flush can be more detrimental, especially if the transmission has not had regular maintenance. A full flush can dislodge built-up sludge and other contaminants, which can then circulate through the transmission and cause problems. Additionally, a full flush can be more expensive and may not be necessary if the transmission is in good condition.​

Fluid Extractor FTW.

 

[GaRailroader]

Put another way...

Loaded Question AI Query:

How is a partial transmission fluid more beneficial than changing all of the fluid?​

Response:

Partial vs Full Transmission Fluid​

​

A partial transmission fluid change can be more beneficial than changing all of the fluid in certain situations. For example, if the transmission has had regular partial fluid replacements, it can help to drain suspended contaminants and moisture, lowering their overall concentrations when replaced with fresh fluid. This process can also restore the viscosity of the fluid, which is important for the proper functioning of the transmission.​

​

In contrast, a full flush can be more detrimental, especially if the transmission has not had regular maintenance. A full flush can dislodge built-up sludge and other contaminants, which can then circulate through the transmission and cause problems. Additionally, a full flush can be more expensive and may not be necessary if the transmission is in good condition.​

Fluid Extractor FTW.

The issue with the extractors is that the filter in the pan doesn't get changed. I usually dropped the pan and replaced the filter and refilled the oil that I was able to drain. Typically, you only got about 1/3 of the fluid out with dropping the pan so really sweetening versus a wholesale change. I certainly don't miss DIY AT fluid and filter changes. Something I will never need to do on my Slate.

 

[AZFox]

The issue with the extractors is that the filter in the pan doesn't get changed. I usually dropped the pan and replaced the filter and refilled the oil that I was able to drain. Typically, you only got about 1/3 of the fluid out with dropping the pan so really sweetening versus a wholesale change. I certainly don't miss DIY AT fluid and filter changes. Something I will never need to do on my Slate.

Even if you're dropping the pan the extractor is useful. Maybe even especially then! Dropping a pan chock-full of Transmission Fluid versus dropping an extracted pan are two different experiences.

 

[GaRailroader]

Even if you're dropping the pan the extractor is useful. Maybe even especially then! Dropping a pan chock-full of Transmission Fluid versus dropping an extracted pan are two different experiences.

Agree 100%. Nothing worse than taking like 15 bolts out of a pan and trying to catch the fluid in a drain pan. It is a mess waiting to happen. Often wondered why no drain plug on the pan. I suppose because they assumed people wouldn’t change the filter if they gave them a drain plug.

 

[cvollers]

Agree 100%. Nothing worse than taking like 15 bolts out of a pan and trying to catch the fluid in a drain pan. It is a mess waiting to happen. Often wondered why no drain plug on the pan. I suppose because they assumed people wouldn’t change the filter if they gave them a drain plug.

My FJ has a drain plug, fill plug, and level check plug. About 4 quarts to get it done.

 

[Luxrage]

Agree 100%. Nothing worse than taking like 15 bolts out of a pan and trying to catch the fluid in a drain pan. It is a mess waiting to happen. Often wondered why no drain plug on the pan. I suppose because they assumed people wouldn’t change the filter if they gave them a drain plug.

I've heard many horror stories of Subarus in particular having their transmission pans drained by accident by quicklube / DIYers as they're one of the last OEMs that have proper plugs. Certainly could have fooled me looking at pictures of their transmission pans:

My dad raves about how great the cheap extractor is for doing his oil changes on his LandCruiser, I probably should get one too.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I'm pretty sure a Steep Learning Curve is deliberately designed out of the Slate.

I'm an EV n00b, but it does seem ICE vehicles do have significantly more periodic maintenance items, don't they?

Oil changes, spark plugs, fuel filters and air filters, coolant, belts & hoses...

That's not to mention various parts that can go wrong.

O2 sensors, knock sensors, ignition coils, radiator, thermostat, fuel pump, yadda yadda.

EVs require far fewer moving parts that can fail and mechanisms to maintain. I don't think that's a misconception.

Existing EVs have considerably more fancy-schmancy gimmickry than a Slate will have. Some Tesla models have Bioweapon Defense Mode. I've never really found a need for that. 🤷‍♂️

Some might call the Slate a Glorified Golf Cart on Steroids. Well, at least when it comes to maintenance and repair, that could be considered a compliment!

OK, you are spot on...here's the funny thing. I just bought a used Lightning last week (after putting in my Slate deposit a month ago!)...I'm still planning on taking delivery of the Slate...and SELL MY GOLF CART!