The road is a tough place. The heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic
will take their toll on your vehicle -- and your patience. From summer
to winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown at any time. However,
you can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through preventative maintenance.
Your vehicle will last longer, and command a higher resale price, too!
Today's cars and trucks demand much less attention than those of the
yesteryear. In the old days, a car's systems had to be fiddled with
regularly just to keep the machine from breaking down. But with the
advent of fuel injection, advanced spark plugs, and elaborate computer
control systems, the traditional tune-up is a thing of the past. Many
new cars run for 60,000, 70,000, even 100,000 miles without a major
tune-up. But there is a down side to these advances: since performance
and fuel efficiency decline so gradually, owners tend to avoid looking
under the hood until something goes wrong. They pay for this neglect
in decreased mileage, poor handling, and surprise breakdowns.
Preventative maintenance is the answer!. A simple routine of preventive
maintenance can eliminate or minimize many automotive problems, keeping
you and your car safer and happier. The amount of work your car needs
depends on how hard you drive it-- most owner's manuals list separate
recommendations for normal and severe driving conditions. But what is
severe? Practically everything-- cars don't like short trips, stop and
go traffic, off-roading, hauling heavy loads, extreme temperatures,
humidity, dust, pollution...actually, more than 75 percent of cars are
driven under "severe" conditions.
All this means is that your car may need a little extra attention and
more frequent maintenance. The first step in establishing a car-care
routine is to dig out the owner's manual and read the maintenance recommendations.
If your car is under warranty, pay special attention to the minimum
requirements needed to keep the warranty in effect. Ask us and we will
be happy to help you find the answers you need to keep your vehicle
in top shape and running great!
Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled
auto service technician like those at Active Auto Clinic.
- Air Conditioning - A marginally operating system
will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified
service technician.
- Cooling System - Thoroughly flush coolant systems
and replace with the appropriate antifreeze at least once every two
years to minimize metal deterioration and to keep the system flowing.
And be sure to use the correct water to coolant mix. Check the coolant
reservoir monthly (and the windshield washer reservoir, too) and top
off as needed. Do-it-yourselfers, never remove the radiator cap until
the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive
belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a service technician.
- Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified
in your manual - more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent
short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a toy hauler
or RV trailer. An oil change at Active Auto Clinic can save you from
costly engine repairs.
- Engine Performance - Replace other filters (air,
fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended -more often when in dusty conditions.
Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling,
diminished power, etc.) diagnosed and corrected right away.
- Windshield Wipers - A dirty windshield causes eye
fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get
plenty of windshield washer solvent.
- Heater/Defroster - The heater and defroster must
be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
- Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace
burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses.
To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
- Tires - Have your tires rotated about every 5,000
miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires "cool
down" first. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is
in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and
cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted
if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.
- Brakes - Brakes should be inspected as recommended
in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises,
or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected
promptly.
- Muffler/Exhaust - Your vehicle should be placed
on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and
floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can
be deadly.
- Battery - Batteries can fail any time of year.
The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional
diagnostic equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts
and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections.
If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid
contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection
and rubber gloves.
- Check-Engine-Light - An illuminated check-engine
light on your dashboard that stays on is your car's early warning
system that something is wrong. It could be as simple as a loose gas
cap or spark plug wire, or a serious forewarning of a mechanical failure.
Take your car to Active Auto Clinic as soon as possible to diagnose
and fix the problem.
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