We expect our cars and truck to pass the 200,000 mile mark. This is very possible with a consistent maintenance program. You want to protect the investment made in you vehicle by performing regular maintenance. If you do some of the work yourself, you will save some money. If you want to a lot of the work, invest in a good set of tools. Always choose quality parts, recommended by the manufacture when performing your own vehicle maintenance. Lastly keep a good log of what was performed and when.
If you have some skill, but want to learn more look for courses in general repairs and maintenance. These can often be found at your local community center, Community College or an automotive technical school in your area. Consider investing in a good repair manual for your car, such as a Chilton’s manual. The internet is a good place to look for articles and information. There are many sites devoted to auto repair and maintenance.
You will want to keep track of all maintenance performed on your car. You can do this in a log, a notebook, on your home computer or online. Some websites track repairs, maintenance, replacement parts used on the vehicle and fuel consumption. Some websites, after setup, will send an email reminder when it’s time to perform maintenance tasks on each vehicle in your household.
Your owner’s manual will give you some basic information about when certain maintenance tasks should be done. Most tasks will be listed according to the mileage on the car.
5000 Mile Maintenance
Change the oil in your engine every 3000 - 5000 miles. The filter should be changed at the same time. Newer synthetic oils are said to last longer without breaking down. When you change the oil, check the fluids, the air filter, tires, hoses and belts. At this time check the battery cables and terminals for corrosion. This can be removed with a wire brush or sandpaper.
10,000 Miles:
Have your tires rotated and balanced every five to ten thousand miles. This helps the tires wear evenly and extends the life. The best tires should be put in the front of the car. Check the tire pressure regularly and check the tread for signs of uneven wear or damage.
15,000 Miles:
Change the air filter every 15,000 miles. A clean air filter improves the fuel economy of your car. A dirty air filter can cause the engine to run rough and stall. At this time you should also check the pads and shoes on your brake system. Check the brake fluid and top it of, as needed. The fluid should be clear. If you notice noise when the brakes are applied or the steering wheel shakes or vibrates, this can be an indication that the brakes need replacing. In this case, don’t wait check the brakes and replace as needed.
30,000 Miles:
Check the fluid level on your transmission. The owner’s manual will have information about the kind of fluid that should be used in your car. The manual should have directions on how to drain and replace the fluid. The pan gasket should be changed when the fluid is drained. Also at this time, give the car a tune up. Replace all spark plugs and wires.
50,000 Miles:
Change the coolant at 50,000 miles. See the owner’s manual for directions on how to perform this task.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Basic Car Maintenace
Even with a busy schedule and increases in the cost of car maintenance, please do not put off the minimum tasks. Oil changes, tire changes, checking under the hood and similar regular maintenance. Also the age of your vehicle plays a roll in which are more important and relevant. While it is always best to follow those recommended by the manufacture, consider the following tips to help keep your in good running condition. Unfortunately, if you don't and continue to postpone even the minor tasks you risk a breakdown or shortening of you vehicle life span.
Oil Change
The old rule of every 3 months or 3,000 miles may not apply widely as previously. Your car will need an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending a few factors: the age, condition of your vehicle’s engine, highway driving versus in town driving, and a variety of other factors. Because of this wide range, and if you drive like the majority, you should at least change your oil every 5,000 miles. Of course, a small percentage of individuals fit into the high and low ranges of the above numbers, but every 5,000 miles is a good round number for an oil change.
Tires and Tire Pressure
It is good practice to check tires on a regular basis, especially the tire pressure. Again, the manufacture will have recommended tire pressure to maintain. This will prolong the life of the tire as well as provide ease of driving, not to mention increase your safety. When the proper tire pressure is maintained in your vehicle then braking, cornering, and braking are superior which means your safety is increased. Vehicles are not as stable when the tire pressure is out of whack. This is really easy and free after you invest in a small tire pressure gauge which is very inexpensive. When you stop for gas and the tank is filling up, simply check all of your tires to ensure the proper air pressure. You should check your tire pressure at least once per month.
Brakes
As you know, brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car. On a daily basis they slow you down, stop you and basically help avoid accidents. You should be extra alert to your brakes. Also, if you can tell it is time to change the brakes because they are squealing or not slowing your car as quickly as necessary, of course, don’t put it off. Instead, have your brakes checked immediately and change if necessary. Depending on the age of your brakes, it is a good habit to check them at oil change.
There are many aspects of your car that need maintenance and upkeep. Always follow the manufacturers suggestions when it comes to your vehicle and your vehicle will last longer. As an added bonus your car will be much safer for you, any passengers and even those drivers around you. To track these and other common maintenance tasks it helps to keep a log.
Oil Change
The old rule of every 3 months or 3,000 miles may not apply widely as previously. Your car will need an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending a few factors: the age, condition of your vehicle’s engine, highway driving versus in town driving, and a variety of other factors. Because of this wide range, and if you drive like the majority, you should at least change your oil every 5,000 miles. Of course, a small percentage of individuals fit into the high and low ranges of the above numbers, but every 5,000 miles is a good round number for an oil change.
Tires and Tire Pressure
It is good practice to check tires on a regular basis, especially the tire pressure. Again, the manufacture will have recommended tire pressure to maintain. This will prolong the life of the tire as well as provide ease of driving, not to mention increase your safety. When the proper tire pressure is maintained in your vehicle then braking, cornering, and braking are superior which means your safety is increased. Vehicles are not as stable when the tire pressure is out of whack. This is really easy and free after you invest in a small tire pressure gauge which is very inexpensive. When you stop for gas and the tank is filling up, simply check all of your tires to ensure the proper air pressure. You should check your tire pressure at least once per month.
Brakes
As you know, brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car. On a daily basis they slow you down, stop you and basically help avoid accidents. You should be extra alert to your brakes. Also, if you can tell it is time to change the brakes because they are squealing or not slowing your car as quickly as necessary, of course, don’t put it off. Instead, have your brakes checked immediately and change if necessary. Depending on the age of your brakes, it is a good habit to check them at oil change.
There are many aspects of your car that need maintenance and upkeep. Always follow the manufacturers suggestions when it comes to your vehicle and your vehicle will last longer. As an added bonus your car will be much safer for you, any passengers and even those drivers around you. To track these and other common maintenance tasks it helps to keep a log.
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