Hello fellow Vibers,
I’ve been on here since Mar 19, 2016 and this is my first post. Time flies…
I have an ’07, 1.8 liter, automatic transmission, Neptune Blue Vibe with 272k miles. (I’m not sure when folks say “Base”, does that mean a base model, without after market add-ons? If so, my Vibe is a base.) I bought it ~2011 with 88k on it. I love my Vibe. It was a Florida car before my ownership here in MA.
So, here’s why I’m writing:
On Friday, I had a local JiffyLube shop replace my serpentine belt. I had been in their shop the previous Friday to get an oil change, and the guy showed me how cracked my belt was and warned me it could go at any moment. I had not replaced the belt since owning the car, so it’s been at least 184k miles and I now realize I really pushed my luck.
So, as I drove away from getting the new belt, I heard a brief squeak, just once the whole trip home. I didn’t think much of it. Now, three days later, after not driving it Sat/Sun, that squeal has INCREASED A LOT so that now it is happening every time I excelerate from a red light, every time I turn, and it is lasting longer, even after driving for a few hours.
Is this squeal something I should expect JiffyLube to fix for me? I paid $108. incl. tax. for the belt and labor. And it comes with a 2 year warranty on both the belt and labor. After doing the belt, the guy had said I should get the tensioner replaced soon, but “it’s not an emergency”. He quoted me $200.
I used to have my own mechanic, but he isn’t doing hardly any auto work lately, hence why I was at a place like JiffyLube getting work done on my car. It is not my usual practice. I need a new mechanic.
I don’t have auto repair experience, I don’t have my own garage. But I do have basic tools, and if you have a suggestion for fixing the squeal myself, I can give it a go. (Heck, I did replace my own cabin filter a few months ago with the help of a YouTube video, LOL)
One last thing: What is the life expectancy on my Vibe? At 272k miles, can I get another 100k miles?
Thanks in advance for any and all guidance you can give.
Here's to Good Vibes!
Deb