I just had an oil change and the mechanic said I needed to get my power steering fluid flushed. He showed me a dirty spot where he put some fluid on a piece of paper and said it should be clear.
When I got home I tested some from the dip stick and it was dirty with little particles in it. But after cleaning the stick and testing again there were no particles. I could not tell if the fluid was dirty or not. It was not clear. It had a color resembling new motor oil but maybe a little blacker. Mechanic said the hoses were fine and not the source of the coloration.
My thoughts are I should get it changed but I don't want to be fooled. The mechanic also told me I need to replace the spark plugs because they are "old". I think they are platinum. I need to check the manual for details on them. By old, he meant time, not miles. I do not understand how an inorganic spark plug can deteriorate if not used. Could it be deposits causing corrosion or is he pulling my checkbook?
Vehicle is a 2004 Highlander with 42,500 actual miles believe it or not.
Car is parked in the garage all day and night. Looks new and almost smells that way. I plan on keeping it for at least 6 more years so that is why I am leaning toward replacing the power steering fluid. But I do want to get smarter so I pose the question to those of you who know more than I do.
Car sits and sits and then roars from CA to other far-away states like MT, OR, WA, NV, WY. If it was not for those trips the car would have "old-lady-to-church-on-Sunday" miles.
What to do? Replace power steering fluid? Replace spark plugs? Thanks for any help?
