Engine Servicing
Automobile maintenance is something most of us ignore, until our vehicle stops functioning, that is. That's usually the time when we sit back and wonder what went wrong. Maintenance is one of the most serious aspects of vehicle ownership, it determines the longevity, performance and reliability of the vehicle you drive. Looking after your vehicle involves more than taking care of its external coat of paint and keeping it clean and shiny.
This guide is meant to supplement the manufacturer recommendations for your specific vehicle, and should not replace such recommendations.
- Air filter
A dirty filter can cause reduced fuel economy and higher exhaust emission gases. In order to save money, you should replace the air filter about every 15,000 miles for normal driving conditions. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Antifreeze/Coolant
Caution: remove the radiator cap only after engine has cooled completely and it is safe to do so.
Check the fluid level in the plastic "overflow reservoir" and the actual level of coolant inside the radiator. You should be able to visually see the coolant level inside the radiator when the engine is cold. If the antifreeze is dirty or rusty colored, or has lost its over heating/anti-freezing capability it should be flushed and replaced. Regular life antifreeze is bright green in color, and the newer "extended" longer life antifreeze is red in color. Either type can be used but should not be mixed together. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Battery
Check terminals and cables, loose or dirty battery cables are a common problem that can cause your car to fail on start-up. Cable ends and battery terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sand paper periodically to remove any corrosion build up. Make sure you remove watches and rings, or any other metal objects before working around your battery to prevent sparks that can cause a fire. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Belts
Check for worn or loose belts. Silicone sprays, or WD40-type chemicals on a noisy belt will usually just make the noise worse, so save yourself the money and avoid these "quick fixes". Belts should be replaced if they are worn on the edges, frayed, or cracked. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Brakes
Check the fluid level regularly, it may only need to be slightly topped off occasionally, but continued maintenance can save money in the long run. If more than 2 oz. of fluid is needed, the brake system should be inspected for leaks and component wear. Add only the recommended type of brake fluid as listed in the owner's manual. Do not add any other fluid to the brake fluid reservoir and keep all foreign objects like fingers out of the fluid. The fluid in the reservoir should be clear in appearance and free of dirt and debris.
Have brakes checked periodically for wear. Some warning signs of brake problems are: noises when brakes are applied, the steering wheel shakes when brakes are applied, needing to add more than 2 oz of brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir, a soft or squishy brake pedal, or the brake pedal goes to the floor slowly while brakes are applied. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Fuel Filter
Fuel filters become clogged with dirt and debris during normal operation and should be replaced to increase performance, extend fuel pump life, and aid in fuel economy. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Engine Oil
Change oil and filter. It is a good idea to routinely check all fluids, tires and air pressure, air filter, belts and hoses and spare tire condition when changing the engine oil. This is also a great time to clean the corrosion from the battery cables. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid just should be replaced with clean fluid periodically. Dirty power steering fluid can cause the power steering pump or the power steering gear assemblies to fail and can cause premature wear to occur. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Spark Plugs
Worn or faulty spark plugs can cause misfire, poor fuel mileage, loss of power, and slow or extended starting time. Spark plug wires should be replaced when replacing spark plugs. Refer to your owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.
- Spark Plug Wires
To get the maximum performance and life expectancy of your spark plugs, be sure to replace the spark plug wires when replacing the spark plugs.
- Transmission Fluid
Generally, the transmission fluid level is checked after the car has been driven and the engine is hot and in the parking gear with the parking break fully engaged. Check your owner's manual for the appropriate fluid type and fluid level inspection procedures. Automatic transmission fluid is usually pink in color. If you're sending the car in to a mechanic for transmission servicing, it is a good idea to have the replacement fluid type information available for the shop in advance.
- Windshield Wipers
To ensure they're there when you need them most, wiper blades and washer fluid should be checked regularly. Some wiper blades are different lengths for driver and passenger sides. Measure old blades before replacing them to make sure you have the correct replacements.
