We have a Mazda 5 (42,000 miles) and I took it in for its regular oil change and the service center told me it needed a transmission fluid flush and a brake fluid flush and a new driver belt. I'm not sure but the car seems too new to need all these flushes. The driver belt, I can understand, but its not making any noise. Can anyone give me some insight? Are they just trying to get more money out of me?

 

READ: Fluid Life
and Flush it or Forget it | MotorWeek
and Transmission Talk | MotorWeek

Yes change Tranny Fluid if it's an automatic and please get an external tranny cooler intstalled as well.
Brake Fluid flush should also be done.
READ: Brake Fluid Basics | MotorWeek

 

Thanks for the reply. appreciate the help.

 

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means its absorbs moisture over time. I t is due for replacement every two years or 40,000kms / 24,000 miles.

Transmission fluid wears out & breaks down chemically, also it picks up minute particles of worn transmission parts. If left unchanged it will turn into a corrosive & abrasive fluid rapidly wearing out the transmission internals, & clog up important parts & passageways causing issues.

Some manufactures specify a certain mileage &/or time for replacement, some say its lifetime fill. ( remember some car makers specify a cars lifespan at 10 years or less)
You can't judge ATF by colour alone, smell is a good indication of condition. For piece of mind change it every 40 -60,000kms / 24-36,000 miles. Driver style & conditions makes a huge difference on ATF degradation & lifespan.

The drive-belt does concern me. I haven't worked on Mazda 5's, but I assume they run similar belts to the Mazda 3 & 6. They should last well over 100,000kms / 60,000 miles.