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 many miles, 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!

 

[Trace26]

I even told my sister that when I get mine, I am going to paint the lens of the backup camera. I think cars are required to have them.... I don't think we are required to use them.
Dan

I'm confused, what does painting over it accomplish? I understand not wanting to use it, my parents don't use the backup camera when they borrow my car, it's just there and they don't use it.
Slate implementation of it on the small screen is probably the least intrusive way of doing it.
The reason backup camera's are mandatory on new cars is because it greatly reduces the numbers of kids getting run over. Kids are small and if they're playing behind a car you can't see them with your mirrors.
So the real point of a backup camera is to not run over someone's kid.

 

[Letas]

I'm confused, what does painting over it accomplish? I understand not wanting to use it, my parents don't use the backup camera when they borrow my car, it's just there and they don't use it.
Slate implementation of it on the small screen is probably the least intrusive way of doing it.
The reason backup camera's are mandatory on new cars is because it greatly reduces the numbers of kids getting run over. Kids are small and if they're playing behind a car you can't see them with your mirrors.
So the real point of a backup camera is to not run over someone's kid.

It’s just someone being obtuse. “Every other driver sucks, but not me” runs rampant here

 

[Susan]

I really don't want a lot of the features that seem popular today. I'm not sure if they're actually popular or not, because they seem to be included with most cars and trucks, whether you want them or not.

I really only want two doors. I don't plan to take extra passengers with this vehicle. The two front seats are plenty.

My previous car had crank windows. They were fine.

I don't want software integration. I have a Garmin GPS that I really like, I just need a cigarette lighter plug to use it.

The one bit of new tech I'd like is the backup camera. And maybe some USB ports.

I want plenty of storage to hold my camping gear. I'd like a camper shell, so I can stop as I please without being a target for theft, and so I don't have to tie everything down.

I might like to put some kayaks on the roof, so being able to add a roof rack would be good. And a hitch for my Kuat bike rack.

And some comfy front seats with big cupholders.

But I don't want a big truck that I will have trouble parking. Or seeing over the hood. No thanks.

I'm all for right to repair and the interchangeable parts theory. It's ridiculous what it costs to replace basic parts today. Really hoping that Slate takes off. I have my reservation in

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

I thought at launch, Slate was going to be a slam dunk. Just a vehicle that does the minimum to get you where you're going without freezing or being drenched in sweat by the time you get there. The perks are that it's cheap and there is peace in simplicity. To get it to work, you just put in your phone and of you go. Don't have to worry about paint chips, kids destroying the interior, or most ICE vehicle related maintenance. Brilliant. Got my reservation. Told other people to get one too.

I hope I'm wrong, but...

The more I'm reading on this forum the more I'm concerned we don't get it and can't help ourselves. We can't NOT have the creature comfort and tech that we have been accustomed to. The Willy's Jeep, if you will. And Slate, to a certain extent and like any other brand, wants to appease customers (looking at all of you who are asking for things captured in the thread title). I think there are far too few buyers of the Slate in it's base, cheapest form for the business case to pay out, especially without incentives. For example, even I will want the SUV kit, wrap, and the larger battery. Without incentives, that will almost certainly put it over the $30k mark (maybe even $35k... Taxes?). Now we're past halfway to a Scout. Or on par with a used Ridgeline/Ranger/Colorado. Scary close to a Rivian R3. Do I suck that up for the principle of supporting a company that sold itself to me on the platform that we're getting back to basics and revolutionizing transportation - or - do I (or anyone else) just buy my Ioniq 5 at the end of its lease for about the same price, and have 4 doors, way more range, way more performance, and all the modern tech and comforts I was willing to give up in the first place, still under warranty?

I'm 100% in on the design concept we've seen so far. The modularity, ability to customize, and no bologna. But it has to make financial sense to buy a vehicle with none of the "things" and not near the performance of other options.

Ball is in your court Slate. Rooting for you. Stick to your guns.

The point is Slate doesn't have to do any of that. I'm an old DIY guy who loves electronics, and tinkering. All I want is the basic slate and I will take it from there. I already have a locking tool box from my old pick up that will fit in the bed of the Slate...I measured, win win.

 

[jonboy108]

The point is Slate doesn't have to do any of that. I'm an old DIY guy who loves electronics, and tinkering. All I want is the basic slate and I will take it from there. I already have a locking tool box from my old pick up that will fit in the bed of the Slate...I measured, win win.

Hear hear, RetiredonPaper! I’m, like you, an old DIYer. I’ve been frustrated by “new” cars being not diy friendly. I never saw the top of the engine in my otherwise beloved Porsche Boxster. Any work that was done on it was at the dealer or a Porsche specialist shop. Oh I did manage to change the oil, and I installed a cat back exhaust system, but back in the day I rebuilt 2 engines, installed clutches etc. Now I’m old enough to not want to HAVE to work on something, but would like to get to work on something. Two Teslas and 11 years of BEV driving have changed my life. But a Tesla isn’t something to fool around with in your own garage- at least not for me it isn’t. But I’m drooling over the IKEA style options and accessories as well as the sure to come aftermarket toys. Maybe some cool Hella fog lights? A killer sound system for sure. (how many have I installed over the years? can’t recall.) So bring on the BLANK Slate and let me play. It might even prove to be an excuse to buy a 3D printer- or use my neighbor’s… Dreaming big.

 

[1974D2004X4]

FWIW...

My simple strategy is to buy "15,000 Mile" oil and never go past half of that many miles, 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.

As a retired and demented 50 year oil analysis company owner and Cummins R&D tribologist your comments are very interesting. Did you learn tribology from testing yourself or reading on Internet. DYSONANALYSIS ring any bells? Cheers, TD