Car Maintenance 101
Car maintenance is a crucial element of caring for your vehicle. Summer has gone and fall is officially here. With the changing seasons it’s good to brush up on vehicle maintenance tips to to keep you car running in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Here’s your quick guide to maintenance schedules that can…
Maintenance for Transmission Fluid
Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, checking and changing your fluid is a good idea. Automatic transmission fluid degrades and breaks down with use, while manual transmission fluid is subject to contamination from the synchronizers, bearings and gears wearing out. Many modern cars don’t have a readily accessible dipstick, ask us to check…
Maintenance for Tire Rotation
Increases the life of the tire and lets them wear more evenly. Easily done while the tires are off your car for a break repair or other work.
Maintenance for Tire Pressure
Very important. Also very easy. If you have a good gauge, you can do this yourself. Shoot for once a month, when the weather changes, and before any long road trips. Do this when the car has not been driven for a few hours, or else just a few blocks. Find out the recommended…
Maintenance for Timing Belt
This belt allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves; without this belt your engine doesn’t run. This should be inspected for cracks, shredding or excessive slack regularly. Replacing it too soon is preferable to having it break.
Maintenance for Spark Plugs
Good to change at least every 30,000 miles. Your engine will suffer, misfire, and run poorly if you don’t. You’ll see less fuel efficiency and greater emissions as well.
Maintenance for Power Steering Fluid
This fluid gets contaminated as other parts wear out, causing the power steering pump to work harder, which will eventually break. If it does break and damages the rack, you have to replace the entire system. Ouch. If you hear any whining or moaning noises when you turn the wheel, have it checked out right…
Maintenance for Oil Change
Mileage estimates vary from car to car, driver to driver, and road conditions. An oil change is one of the most important things you can do for your car in terms of its future. It also gives the car a chance to be seen by a mechanic who can possibly spot a problem before the…
Maintenance for Belts
Power the water pump, power-steering pump, other accessories. On modern cars, these are all powered by one serpentine belt. Belts will wear from use, and are prone to cracks and decay. Replace when recommended, check for damage periodically.
Maintenance for CV Boots
CV boots protect the drive axle joint. Have them checked whenever you get your oil changed. Replace before damage is done to the much more pricey joint.
Maintenance for Coolant
Coolant absorbs heat from the engine and disperses it through radiator and interior heater; it also contains rust inhibitors. Changing it out removes dirt and rust particles that can clog the system and lead to an expensive overheat.
Maintenance for Air Filter
An air filter stops airborne contaminants from getting sucked into your car’s engine and wreaking havoc. Follow manual recommendations at least; if you do a lot of stop-and-go or dirt road driving, you might need to change it more often.
