Break in fluid changes
 

I've got just about 1000 miles on my car and am planing on changing the oil right around 1200 as I've searched/noticed some people do on here. Since I'll be getting that done shouldn't I just change the transmission (manual), differential, and break fluid? I would think the factory stuff isn't the best and as far as I know there's no break in additives in any of those. I've tried searching this and I know the manual says to change it at the 30,000 mile mark. That seems awful to me but I'm no expert. Also what does everyone think about getting an alignment done on a new car? It doesn't feel like I need one. But, way back when I had an S2000 and I remember people talking on those forums that the car could come bran new with a poor alignment.

You dont need a trans fluid change @ 1200, change your oil and you are good. :tup:

:iagree:

Making the first oil/filter change early is usually considered a good idea but, as long as the oil is clean, it's not really necessary.

Unless you want to upgrade to "high-performance" brake fluid, the factory stuff should be good for 2-3 years of DD use. Unless you do a lot of hard braking, I'd wait until then.

Not a bad idea to change diff fluid after break-in but that can wait until 5000-6000 miles or more (as long as it's clean - stick your finger in the fill hole to find out). Same for the MT.

Modern car engines/trans/diffs don't require the long break-in that older engines needed.

It wouldn't hurt to get the alignment checked, just to be sure, but, unless you think it's off, no real reason to do so.

So, to sum it all up, you're being a little bit obsessive about it, but not out of line. Change 'em if it will make you sleep better, but it can wait.

Thanks, I know I'm being a bit obsessive about it but I don't have much experience with buying new cars. Guess I know now that I don't have to be too obsessive about it.

It's almost impossible to change lubricants/fluids too often. :) Here's what I've been doing and plan to do with my DD that is driven pretty easy:
* Change oil and filter every 4000 or so. I use Nissan Ester, but any high-quality oil will work for a DD. Lots of discussion on this site and elsewhere on the Intertubes as to which oils are the best.
* I changed diff lube at ~14K miles. Probably not really necessary for a DD, but I can get a little obsessive, too. ;) Won't worry about it again until ~50K.
* Plan on changing brake fluid soon as it now has three years on it. I'm pretty easy on the brakes, so I could go longer, but brake fluid attracts water and I like to play it safe.
* Plan on having the 7AT flushed at ~24K miles. Have 18K on the odometer now. Could probably go to 36K-50K (or higher) without problems.
* Plan on flushing cooling system before next Winter. Doesn't get that cold here in S AR, but it's about time for some fresh anti-corrosion stuff.

YMMV. For a DD, my schedule is probably overkill.