They don’t make ’em like they used to…they make them better! Today’s cars and trucks are well-screwed together and engineered to last. You can see the evidence of that in the longer warranties being offered by many car manufacturers. One even offers a lifetime warranty! However, most vehicles will never need a warranty repair, especially if their owners follow the service intervals found in the manual. Have you read yours?
Owning your car makes dollars and cents. Every year, paying off your car loan is like putting money in the bank. In fact, one of the very best savings plans is to keep up your car payments after the loan by “paying” the money into your savings account. Another way to save money and keep your car out of the shop is to follow those service intervals. Here are some general guidelines, but make sure you refer to those intervals in your owner’s manual and follow them.
How often should I change my wiper blades?
Frequency of change has a lot to do with where your vehicle is parked. If it's inside most of the time, around once a year should suffice. If it's parked outside and exposed to the elements, two to three times a year is best.
How often should I have my engine oil/filter changed?
There's nothing more crucial to the longevity of a vehicle than fresh oil. Every vehicle is different, so refer to your owner's manual and service department for recommended change intervals, as the old 3 months/3,000 miles adage doesn't necessarily apply anymore.
Changing oil regularly keeps harmful contaminants and particles from prematurely wearing down your engine. It also maximizes fuel economy and engine power and responsiveness.
How often should my car get a tune-up?
The term “tune-up” actually applies only to older cars without electronic ignition (before 1981). On these vehicles, a tune-up would generally be required every 15,000 to 20,000 miles and consisted of replacing the spark plugs, ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap and adjusting the ignition timing, as well as the carburetor.
On modern vehicles equipped with electronic ignition, fuel injection and computer controls, the term “engine performance maintenance” is a more accurate term. A “tune-up” for these newer vehicles is an orderly process of inspection, computer diagnosis, testing and adjustment to maintain peak engine performance, maximum operating efficiency and low exhaust emissions. During this process, spark plugs, plug wires, sensors and modules may be replaced. The frequency at which a newer vehicle needs a tune-up is dependent more upon driving conditions than mileage and recommended tune-up frequencies vary depending on the manufacturer. To learn how often your vehicle needs a tune-up, check your owner’s manual or speak with our service professionals.
What can I do if my car overheats?
If your vehicle begins overheating, the first thing you should do is safely pull to the side of the road and turn on the heater. When safe to do so, pop the hood and let the engine cool for at least 20 minutes. Overheating at highway speeds tends to signify problems with the vehicle's cooling system. If there are no obvious signs of trouble (broken hoses or belts) slowly drive the vehicle to a service center.
Does my transmission ever need service?
Transmissions typically require automatic transmission’s fluid and filter changes every two years or 24,000 miles.
Transmission drain and fill
Only removes fluid from transmission oil pan and refills fluid that was drained out. THIS SERVICE DOES NOT REPLACE ALL FLUID IN TRANSMISSION. It can only be performed on vehicles with a drain-plug. Many new vehicles and SUV’s do not have a drain-plug.
Transmission flush
This service is performed every 30,000 miles, depending on driving habits. If your vehicle does not have a drain plug or needs more than just a drain and fill service, flushing is the solution. Our service technicians attach a machine to the transmission cooler lines to remove all of the old “contaminated” fluid. Once the fluid has been drawn out, the technician will run a cleanser through the complete transmission system to remove any remaining fluid, particles, dirt, etc. The next thing that is run through is a conditioning fluid that pumps up the seals and conditions the entire transmission system. There’s no need to even change the filter! Next, in goes the new transmission fluid and you are good to go.
What’s the correct tire pressure for my vehicle?
Is your steering out of line? Do you get uneven tire wear?
When driving straight, if your steering wheel is left hand or right hand down, more than likely it is time for an alignment. If your car drifts to one side or the other and requires constant force to the steering wheel to keep it straight, it needs an alignment. If your car is suffering excessive or uneven tire wear on any wheel, front or rear, an alignment is needed. Alignments should be checked every 12,000 miles.
Did you notice the key phrase in this article? It’s “Consult the Owner’s Manual!” No, it isn’t a movie blockbuster, but it does star your car and YOU in a key supporting role!
