Routine maintenance and upkeep can greatly extend the life of your car, truck or SUV. Still, many people wait until there are major issues before visiting a shop. Failing to properly service your vehicle can result in increased repair costs, as well as greatly reducing its value.
Easily topping the list of routine maintenance musts is an oil change. Scheduling this service every three months or 3K miles will not only help to ensure your vehicle remains running smoothly, but will also extend the life of your engine.
Having your fluids topped off is simple and can be performed in just a few minutes. These include: oil, radiator, transmission, power steering, windshield washer and brake fluid. Additionally, they can be flushed/changed as needed. Allowing many of these fluids to become dangerously low, or old/corroded, can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Your vehicle’s filters should be changed between 15K–30K miles. Most can be inspected/replaced during a routine oil change. These include the engine air filter, oil filter, fuel filter and cabin air filter.
Your spark plugs should be changed every 100K miles. A bit more complicated than a routine oil change, the time and cost will depend greatly on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Belts and hoses play an integral part in your vehicle’s performance. It is very important to ensure that both are maintained. As belts age, the rubber becomes brittle, causing it to crack. Once the belt begins to crack, it should be replaced as it can fail at any time. If the belt is showing signs of wearing on its outer edge, this is also a sign that it will need to be replaced.
Since coolant is very hot, about 200 degrees, the hoses that carry coolant are extremely important. A belt or hose failure can cause loss of power steering and the electrical charging system, as well as an overheated engine. If your engine overheats, this can cause the cylinder heads to warp. In other words, a very expensive repair.
Hoses are generally inspected for softness and swelling. They are then checked for hardening cracks, chafing and heat damage. If any of these issues are detected, your hoses will need to be replaced.
Brake issues can start out small but worsen over time. Waiting to have them repaired can greatly increase the costs involved. Having your brakes inspected during a routine maintenance visit can help save you both time and money. During a brake inspection, all major components — discs, brake pads, shoes and brake lines — should be evaluated.
Discs or rotors are vital to slowing down and stopping your vehicle. Discs should be inspected for rough spots, warping or damage. If they are shiny and show little signs of wear, maintenance is likely not needed. If they are damaged or warped, these parts should be resurfaced or replaced immediately.
Your vehicle has both rubber and metal brake lines. Both can crack and leak. A technician will first examine the rubber hoses to ensure they are soft and don’t have cracks. They’ll then check the hard metal brake lines for corrosion and leaking. If either are damaged, replacement is recommended.
Your tires should be inspected routinely to ensure they remain at the recommended PSI and tread levels. To determine the health of a tire’s tread, a penny test can be easily performed. Place a penny headfirst into the tread grooves of your tire. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, this indicates your treads are shallow/worn and that your tire/tires will need replacing. Additionally, tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear.