I've never quite figured out what the mileage countdown that I see when I start my l'il roadie actually means. It's sure not just 7.5K to the next oil change.

The counter was slowly counting down since my last service. Last I noticed, it was at 5K (or maybe 4K). Monday morning of last week, I saw 2200. And I was, like, WTF?

What would cause a jump like that?

And what would cause it to stay at 2200 for 10 days of driving at an average of nearly 50 miles/day? Coz it hasn't budged since the big bounce down.

Something seems....off.....

 

The maintenance counter is not affected by the odometer. It indicates 'usage'. Lots of guys just ignore the danged thing and change oil and other fluids on a regular basis. The below schedule is what I follow, others may/will disagree but it is one way to do it. My li'l guy is 11 years old and going strong.
Lube/oil/filter every 5K
Brake Fluid every 20K
Coolant every 30K
PCV vent valve every 30K
PS Fluid flush every 30K
Fuel Filter Change every 50K
Plugs every 40K

 

wow, you change a lot of items early. Things like brake fluid every 20k sounds a bit excessive... (?)

 

Fluids are cheap. Things that start making annoying noises and/or smell bad aren't.

 

Yes fluid is cheap no doubt... but it's all time consuming to change, and requires tools and knowledge of procedures... all adds up big time

 

You are right in your assessment up to a point. You see, I have a good MINI buddy that has his work done in the same indie shop that I do. Now, just 2 blocks away from that shop is a donut shop and 6 blocks away in the other direction is a micro brewery. Either of us makes an appointment the other is notified and we drop off the respective vehicle and gather at the donut shop for 'C&D 1.0' (coffee & donuts) 'till about 1030 or 1045 then back to the shop for a progress report. The brewery opens at 1100 so its's off for 'C&D 2.0' for damn good beer and lunch 'till 1400 or later. See, you've got to put some added value into the time consuming, tools employed, knowledge and procedure to make it all worth while. You can't put a value on time spent with a good friend and convivial conversation.

 

Ha ha! awesome. Certainly not sir, certainly not. There's not price appropriate enough for good friendship and good times
That brew makes me a bit jealous though