All vehicle manufacturers produce a maintenance schedule for each vehicle that they build. These maintenance schedules are designed to optimize the safety and dependability of your vehicle. In most cases, if the schedule is adhered to along with periodic inspections it will decrease operating costs and minimize repair bills.
Here are a few tips on maintenance for our car and auto.
1. Oil Change - Check your motor oil monthly by removing the dipstick, wipe it clean. Insert it fully and remove again. If it is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.
2. Tires - Check the air pressure monthly. Under-inflated tires will decrease your fuel efficiency and increase the wear on your tires as well as they will wear unevenly. Worn tires are dangerous. Proper inflation, alignment and balance will extend tire life.
3. Alignment - Most vehicles should have their alignment checked every year. The springs and suspension sag from the weight of the vehicle which changes the alignment angles. This can cause tire wear and handling problems.
4. Automatic Transmission - Your automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 25,000 miles of normal driving. In most vehicles, transmission fluid gets contaminated much like your engines, oil and seal additives wear out. Check your vehicles maintenance manual for specifics on your vehicle.
5. Brakes - If your brakes squeak, grind, pulsate, or if the pedal is too low, get them checked right away. Have your brakes inspected every 10,000 to 15,000 miles for wear. Abnormal wear can be caused by poorly adjusted rear brakes. Most rear brakes are adjusted when you apply your parking brake regularly on today's vehicles.
6. Windshield Wiper Blades - Don't wait for a rainy day to replace worn blades. Road film, poorly adjusted wiper arms, and rubber deterioration are the biggest causes for wiper blade failure. Clean your windshield with a good quality glass cleaner and make sure that the wipers contact the windshield at a 90 degree angle. Test the clearing capabilities of the blade. If streaking still occurs, replacement of the blade is necessary.
7. Belts and Hoses - Belts and hoses are one of the main causes of major engine failures due to overheating. Check your belts and hoses every oil change and replace them at 50,000 to 60,000 miles depending on condition. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them when more than ½" of slack can be depressed between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced.
Larry's Auto and Truck Service Repair Center is located in Cape Coral Florida and offers complete maintenance and repair services for all makes and models, both import and domestic cars and trucks. Their expert technicians are ASE Certified and have provided Cape Coral and Fort Myers residents trusted professional automotive advice and service since 1983. Services includes Air Conditioning, Brakes and drivability issues.
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