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Car Maintenance

The Key to a Long Term Investment

by Mira O'Connell

Critical Systems

Service Shops

Recordkeeping

Service Schedule

Keeping a well maintained car can be one of the most cost effective things that you do. Car maintenance is less costly than a major repair. Small problems get bigger when they are neglected. As a result of neglect a breakdown could cause you towing charges, larger repair bills and poorer overall performance during the life of your vehicle. According to Car Care Council, over 2,600 deaths occur each year because of car neglect. In terms of money, the cost is over 2 billion dollars each year due to car neglect including over $650 million a year in lost wages, $200 million in medical expenses because of these accidents, $500 million a year in insurance administration costs, and $750 million every year in property damage due to automobile accidents.

The Car Care Council identifies the following as the dozen most critical systems/components affecting a vehicle's safety, dependability and performance.

Battery/Electrical System
The battery supplies the electrical current that the starter motor requires to start the engine. It also provides power to the electrical components and accessories when the vehicle's engine is not running. Keep the battery case clean - dirt and residue can cause a drain on the battery. Clean the battery case by wiping it with moist paper towels and mild detergent. Inspect the battery case for cracks and bulging, as these are signs of a failing battery also look for corrosion around the battery terminal connections and battery hold-down. Clean corrosion pouring a coca cola (or baking soda and water) on the battery and then cleaning with a wire brush. Do not touch battery corrosion with your hands.
Tires
Underinflated tires wear faster, and they affect the steering and handling of your vehicle. Tires lose air at a rate of about 1 pound per month. Tires also loose 1 pound for each 10 degrees of temperature drop. Regular checking and inflation of tires is important to the safety and efficiency of your car. According to Car Care Council, underinflated tires cost you gas by decreasing the gas mileage by 1% point for each 10 pounds of underinflation. Tires are responsible for how your vehicle responds to your driving and steering. They can increase the gas mileage you get out of your vehicle, and they help keep you in control. Key elements are proper tire inflation pressure and regular rotation of your tires. The inflation pressure listed on the tire itself is the tire's maximum pressure, not its ideal pressure. To determine your vehicle's optimum pressure, it is best to consult your owner's manual or most vehicles also have a sticker with information on correct tire pressure. Look for the sticker on the door jam, the door post, the glove compartment door, or on the fuel door. The sticker will tell you the pressure you at which you should maintain your tires to get the best performance out of the vehicle. The sticker should also tell you the correct tire size and maximum vehicle load. Once you have determined your tires' ideal pressure, it is important to check the pressure once a month and before long trips. It is best to check tire pressure when the tires are still cold, before you have driven on them. Checking tire pressure when a tire is 'cold' ensures that you will get an accurate reading. Tire pressure increases as you drive. Proper air pressure extends tread life, improves safety and reduces fuel consumption all vital factors in saving energy and protecting the environment. So, to avoid over-inflating or under-inflating, you should always check the pressure before your tires warm up. For the same reasons, you should never reduce the air pressure in a hot tire to try to achieve the desired inflation pressure. Doing so will cause your tires, at normal temperatures, to be under-inflated. Also, never reduce tire pressures to increase traction in snow, ice or mud. To further extend the life of your tires, they should be rotated on a regular basis. Tire rotation, which should be performed every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, extends a the tread life of a tire by equalizing treadwear. Rotation will also maintain accurate handling, response and optimize traction. Rotation is important because tires wear differently. Tires on a rear-wheel drive vehicle and a front-wheel drive vehicle will all exhibit different wear patterns. Also, the tires on any given vehicle wear differently. They are all mounted in different positions. This means all four tires will wear in different areas. Rotation will allow them to wear evenly so that one area will not wear out quicker than another. In winter driving, it is important to remember that as a tire wears, snow traction is reduced. Tires that are worn close to the tread-wear indicators have significantly reduced traction and should not be used on snow covered roads. According to Mechanicnet, maintaining proper tire inflation and rotating your tires while monitoring tread wear will help you extend the life of your tires by as much as 25 percent. Proper inflation, periodic rotation, balancing and wheel alignment are the best protection for your new tires. Neglect of these preventive measures invites tire trouble and can reduce tire life by as much as 50%. Worn tread also makes the vehicle more vulnerable to hydroplaning on wet roads, a common cause of accidents due to loss of control.
Brakes
After tires, brakes are the second most important safety feature. According to Mechanicnet, the incidence of warped front brake rotors has risen since the introduction of front wheel drive. These vehicles need more frequent inspection, as their front pads and rotors perform the bulk (75% or more) of day to day braking duties.
Cooling System
A leaking radiator or hose can lead to an overheated engine, not only inconvenient but also very expensive. The cooling system protects against damage by keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range. Flushing the coolant every year or two protects the system from rust, dirt and mineral deposits. Adding only water to your cooling system can damage the system. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper mix of water and antifreeze. With plain water, or the wrong mix, your engine could get too hot and the engine temperature warning light on the instrument panel may not function properly. Overheating can destroy the engine. According to Car Care Council, use a 50-50 mix of water and the proper antifreeze. To prevent the unexpected loss of coolant, the radiator hoses should be replaced if they are four years old. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol that, when mixed with water, protects your engine against boiling over in the summer and freezing up in the winter. Furthermore, antifreeze contains chemicals that protect an engine against damaging rust and corrosion. These chemicals deplete over time and need to be replaced. Otherwise, your engine is not getting the protection it needs against rust and corrosion. Rust and corrosion reduce the radiator’s ability to remove heat from the engine causing it to overheat. Additionally, corrosion can cause aluminum cylinder heads to crack as the metal is eaten away through a chemical process. The best way to prevent this is through scheduled cooling system maintenance, which involves flushing the old antifreeze and refilling with new. CAUTION Do not remove the radiator pressure cap when engine is hot. Sever burning could occur. Most cars require that the antifreeze be changed every two years or 30,000 miles. Dispose of Antifreeze properly and do not allow it to sit out exposed. Antifreeze is sweet and animals may drink it and get poisoned.
Drive Line
The transmission, drive shaft and CV joints (in front wheel drive vehicles) which deliver power from the engine to the wheels. These components should be examined in your 3,000 mile check-up. Damage commonly caused by a broken or slipped timing belt on an interference engine includes bent valves and piston damage. These repairs are very costly. A timing belt's durability is affected by driving habits, road conditions, and the temperatures under which the vehicle is operated. Check you owner's manual for recommended interval replacement but generally it is recommended to replace a timing belt every 60,000 miles. Replacing the timing belt can be very difficult and should be done by a qualified technician. If the timing belt is installed incorrectly many complications could occur even engine damage.
Emissions Controls
Not only is a malfunctioning emissions control system bad for the environment it also affects your car's fuel efficiency and performance. Check Muffler and pipes regularly for holes and rust. Replace rusted or damaged parts. Have emission checked at least once per year for compliance with local laws.
Fluids
Check the following fluids regularly - brake, transmission, power steering fluids, antifreeze-coolant, engine oil and windshield washer solvent. If your battery is not sealed also check its fluid levels. Fill unsealed batteries only distilled water. Low fluid levels can effect the safe driving performance of the vehicle and damage internal parts if not properly maintained. Brake fluid can be ineffective if low and/or contaminated. Transmission provides lubrication, keeps seals and gaskets soft, and protects internal parts. Automatic Transmission levels can be checked by yourself but Manual Transmissions should have their transmission fluid checked at a shop. Only us the brake fluid and power steering fluid approved for your specific vehicle. Anything else can damage the systems. Roadside breakdowns can be minimized by motorists periodically checking their belts and hoses and replacing them when worn or cracked. Fluids should be checked and the oil and oil filter changed every 3,000 - 7000 miles or 3 months whichever comes first.
Fuel System
The air filter keeps abrasive dust, dirt, bugs and other foreign matter out of the fuel system air intake. A dirty filter can decrease gas mileage and increase emissions. Check the air filter every other month. Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up.
Ignition System
At 60 mph in a four cylinder car each spark plug fires 1,565 times per mile. Worn spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles to ensure good performance and quick starts.
Lighting
Inoperative lighting is a serious safety hazard. From head to tail, so to speak, lights are your principal form of communication with other drivers. Regularly check all lights to ensure they are clean and working - brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.
Steering/Suspension
A car that sways and wanders on the highway needs attention to its steering and suspension systems. It also may need wheel balancing.
Windshield Wipers
Splits, discoloration or worn rubber, brittle rubber and blades that streak the windshield are all signs that a wiper blade needs to be replaced. Chattering sounds created by frequent exposure to sunlight or limited wiper use are also indicative that wiper replacement is needed. Wiper blades should be changed twice a year, a good reminder is to change them with the daylight savings changes.

Service Shops

Whether you have an original manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty, make sure you read the terms of the warranty carefully. Make note of all time and mileage limitations and, on extended warranties, look for information on deductibles. Typically, the warranties are contingent upon you following the manufacturer's maintenance schedules but occasionally on schedules contained in the warranty itself. Reciepts must be kept for all scheduled maintenance, or your warranty coverage may be denied. Taking your car to an independent garage rather than a the dealership may negate the terms of the warranty.

Recordkeeping

Keep detailed records of all maintenance and warranty work done on your vehicle. Your receipts and notations will come in handy if problems occur down the road, and will be especially valuable when you want to sell the car. Keep them in the car in a small binder. Use plastic pockets to hold reciepts, warranties, etc.

Service Scedule

Though intervals and services differ based on your individual car types, driving styles, operating climates, and driving conditions, the guideline below is a good indicator of your routine maintenance needs. According to Mechanicnet car should follow the following maintenance schedule.

	Mostly Highway and Freeway (Light)	Mixture of Highway and City Streets (Routine)	Constant Heavy Load, Stop and Go, Muddy or Dusty Conditions (Severe)
Check lug nuts Check clutch fluid level (manual cars) Check automatic transmission fluid	Every 7,000 miles	Every 5,000 miles	Every 3,000 miles
Change oil and filter Rotate tires Lubricate driveshaft U-joint Lubricate steering linkages	Every 7,000 miles	Every 5,000 miles	Every 3,000 miles
Check hoses and clamps for leaks Check coolant level Check wiper fluid level Check brake fluid level Check power steering fluid level Check belts for unusual wear Check brake lining and shoes Inspect exhaust system Inspect emergency brake	Every 30,000 miles
Change spark plugs Drain and Refill Coolant - 50% Antifreeze/50% Water Change air filter Inspect and lubricate wheel bearings Replace PCV valve	Every 30,000 miles
Replace ignition wires Replace timing belt	Every 60,000 miles
Replace Wiper Blades	Every 6 months and as needed
Replace Radiator Hoses	Every 4 years and as needed

According to The Department of Consumer Affairs always ask any shop that is performing service on your car for

A written estimate before any work is done - it is required by law
If the shop charges for the estimates. Some shops charge for diagnostic work.
A Rate Schedule - Including per hour, per job, etc.

To find out more on how to check your fluids and perform other preventative maintenance to your car please visit

Car Care Council
Auto Site
Mechanicnet

Safe and Happy Travels!