So I'm getting my license back tomorrow or the next day and I already have a 2008 Chevy HHR with ~108,000 miles. I got the car for a great deal at 1,500 bucks. It was wrecked and fixed and now has a rebuilt title. It was fixed by a great and trustworthy mechanic, my father. It runs great and seems to be as good as new. The wreck was only a minor one in the front end, I would like to do some basic preventative maintenance right away so I can keep the car going for a long time and obviously since the car has a little over 100,000 miles, I figure it's a good time to do most of this stuff. Here's what I have planned to do over the next month or so:


1. Stickied checklist at the top of this forum

2. Replace transmission fluid via drain and fill method. Also replace transmission filter. Any tips for this job or tutorial?

3. Replace coolant. Again, any tips or tutorial for this job are appreciated.

4. Replace spark plugs and wires. Any tips on what brand to buy or a tutorial are appreciated.

5. Replace air filter and cabin filter.

 

Welcome.

Congrats on resurrecting your HHR.

A few comments on your plans:
1) the transmission is filled for life unless used under extreme circumstances so the fluid change is very likely not necessary. See your owners manual regarding it. There are a few write-ups on it here, but you are probably throwing your $'s away as it is very likely not needed at all. But, if it makes you feel happy, feel free.

2) Spark plugs are probably due for replacement, but be aware there are NO spark plug wires - they are a coil-on-plugs design.
Make sure you use the correct plugs and stick with ACDELCO - You didn't mention what engine you have, but the correct plugs are:
2.2L/2.4L - AC Delco part number 41-103 (iridium)
2.0L Turbo - AC Delco part number 41-108 (iridium)

3) coolant - use DEXCOOL for sure - drain for rad is at the back of the bottom on the passengers side - it's hard to see from up top. Drain, flush several times and refill, burping as needed. There are several posts/threads on the process here. Some people would replace the thermostat at the same time using the proper ACDELCO one (after market ones can lead to problems some have found out) - part number: ACDelco 131-158 GM P/N 12622410

Here is a parts list thread you might find handy - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...-thread-48833/

 

There are tuts on all of your concerns here: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...al-library-21/ and via the search tool.

 

I'd like to re-emphasize the need to stick with AC Delco plugs. GM engines don't respond well to other brands, even if they make promises of better mileage, power, etc. Also, the correct gap is set out of the box. Do not try to reset the gap.

 

Thanks for the replies guys!