[SparkFan]

I was reading online that the Chevy Spark engine timing chain requires no scheduled maintenance along with other things such as the electronic power steering system and transmission fluid. All of this is suppose to last the life of our Spark's... Is this even possible?

Are there any other functional parts of Spark that require very little to no maintenance?

here's the article

 

[chevysub]

Transmission fluid that lasts the life of the vehicle is something I never heard of, ever. Time to look into this.

 

[chrisvy]

I don't think that is healthy. Even if it does last the life. It's not good for the car so why not just change it?

 

[SparkFan]

I don't think that is healthy. Even if it does last the life. It's not good for the car so why not just change it?

We'll see how this holds up over time but im sure if you really want the parts changed you can request they do it.

 

[chevysub]

I talked to him last night. It is not higher octane fuel, but the E85 fuel that you can run two tanks through before you change them. That fuel somehow causes the engine to burn hotter in the cylinders and burn off any carbon build up that might lock the spark plug in place and cause you to break it off. It seems to be a common issue with that engine. He did break one spark plug during his replacement, but doing the work himself saved him hundreds of dollars. I may put my car on the ramps this weekend to see where everything is under and over the engine so that I will have an idea of where the spark plugs and oil filter are located. If nothing else, I will at least become more familiar with the car.

People also use a product called SeaFoam to rid of carbon build up and other gunk and built up stuff in the engine.

Seafoam would be a good option IMO.

 

[Raymondjram]

There is a graphite based coating for spark plug threads that will allow electricity to conduct, but withstands heat and works as a dry lubricant so the plugs are easy to remove later.

BTW, my 2009 Chevy Equinox has no user maintenance for the transmission, and has an electric power assist for steering, so the only fluids to be checked are engine oil, coolant, and brake. The dealer does the transmission fluid check once a year. The spark plugs are platinum tipped, so they don't accumulate carbon and don't need changing for a long time.

GM is reducing maintenance costs by designing better components and having longer periods between changes. This is why GM vehicles get better each year.

 

[chevysub]

There is a graphite based coating for spark plug threads that will allow electricity to conduct, but withstands heat and works as a dry lubricant so the plugs are easy to remove later.

That helps, I guess no need to run E85 before a spark plug change,

 

[SparkFan]

I think just about any auto parts store will have them, i swear i just saw them the other day, isn't it some grey metallic looking liquid?

 

[SRTViperDude]

Transmission fluid that lasts the life of the vehicle is something I never heard of, ever. Time to look into this.

I usually change transmission fluid based on driving conditions, not mileage. On cars I've had with a transmission temperature gauge, city stop-and-go driving usually raised the temp to around 216'F. On the highway, they ran much cooler at around 160'F. Since the Spark does not have a transmission temperature gauge, I'll be changing every 50,000 miles (severe service) as per the manual.

 

[BSR-1]

This sounds like a great idea. It would be fairly easy to remove the existing spark plugs, coat the threads, and reinstall them. Can you tell us the retail name of this product. It would be a great weekend preventative maintenance project during these fall and winter weekends.

You can use a small amount of anti seize grease on the threads. You can use any type or brand from the auto parts store.
I just did the plugs on my new Cruze with only 1200 miles on it. The plugs were WAY TOO TIGHT from the factory and if I had waited 100,000 miles, I can be assured that they'd have snapped off.
I strongly suggest everyone do this when the motor is relatively new to prevent costly problems down the road.

While you're at it, make sure they're gapped properly.

 

[SRTViperDude]

I just did the plugs on my new Cruze with only 1200 miles on it. The plugs were WAY TOO TIGHT from the factory

I agree. Every car I have owned I did the plugs at around 50,000 miles, and at that mileage they were already difficult to get out. I can't imagine waiting 100,000 miles to do plugs. Talk about nearly impossible to remove with hand tools...