99 Cavalier

If it's not squealing, and the grooved side of the belt isn't loaded up with a bunch of cracks (which, by the way, are fairly normal after so many miles, but you want to inspect the depth of the cracks, that's what is important), then I wouldn't worry too much about. Jiffy Lube type places are designed to get you in the door with the oil change then upsell anything that they can find. That's how they make money. Actually, that's how the industry generally makes money. So you need to be knowledgeable so that you can determine what really needs to be done.

Ian

thanks! now, for an unrelated question. i need to add some Dexcool, as my level is low and my warning light popped on briefly a few times today. how much of the bottle am i supposed to use? i know to mix it with water, but i'm unsure on how much will fill the "surge tank". the owners manual doesnt specify, just says add the correct mixture. the whole bottle plus water? half? sorry to sound dumb, but any advice is appreciated.

The simple way is to pour half of the dexcool into another container, then top up the original container with water. Now you have "50/50" dexcool. Then add your pre-mix to the overflow bottle when the engine is cold, and fill it up to the "cold level" marker. The bottle is clear enough that you should be able to see where the coolant level is as you pour it in.

Ian

And write PRE-MIX in big bold black marker on the container so you don't ever end up mixing it twice.

(Don't ask me why I suggest it, eh? :)

Ken