Regular vehicle maintenance or
preventative maintenance, if you will, can go a long way in making
sure your vehicle runs at optimal condition. For example, no one
truly enjoys the trips to a mechanic because our brake pads are worn
down to the rotors or drums and we have to spend more time and
dollars to repair the brake system. What little time it takes to make
sure we do the "regular" things to our vehicle, makes the
time well spent. The pay me now or pay me later cliché, in this
case, is never more true. The following tips will aid you in keeping
your vehicle ready to take you wherever you have to go.
Enough can’t be said about regular
oil changes and oil filter replacement. Personally, I have oil
changes every 2,000 miles. The recommended schedule is every 3, 000
miles. Because of my prompt attention to regular oil and filter
changes, I have a 1978 Buick LeSabre with 195,000 miles on it and in
2006 it still runs like a dream. It should go without saying but a
lubing of the chassis or "lube job" some call it, should be
performed at the same time you have the oil changed.
The air filter, when dirty, is a common
problem when you notice your car has less power and is using more
fuel. A simple check of the filter will give you an idea of how dirty
it is. Mechanics will almost always agree that this simple step can
go a long way in improving your vehicle’s performance. Air filters
are instrumental in decreasing the amount of dirt, dust and other
damaging contaminants going into the engine. Simply put, your vehicle
runs less efficiently when the filter is clogged with dirt and grime.
Filters should be replaced every 3,000 miles. Also, have the air
filter changed when you have an oil change performed on the vehicle
to save time or an extra trip to the mechanic.
And while we’re talking about
filters, the fuel filter is probably the most overlooked or forgotten
item for regular checkups. Auto experts don’t
understand why this happens but it does. Remember the Buick I just
mentioned? I have had the fuel pumps and fuel filters checked
regularly on that vehicle. I can honestly say I get approximately two
more miles to the gallon when I calculate mpg/number of gallons of
fuel used after I have replaced a fuel filter. Whenever you happen to
notice or think to yourself, "I sure am using more gas lately",
check the fuel filter.
Regular replacement of the brake pads
is also very important. Many expert mechanics will agree that all
parts to the brake system are the most important safety features on
an automobile. You must be able to stop your vehicle quickly and
safely. All brake pads will wear out eventually. If you start hearing
squealing like sounds or the feel of the pedal upon braking is
"mushy", you need to consider that the brake pads are
beginning to become worn out. The responsibility of the brake pads is
to provide friction with the pad to make braking or stopping
possible. Brake pads can be easily diagnosed for wear and tear with
regular examinations.
operating in a dance with the
distributor and ignition coils. Many things can indicate problems and
spark plug wire malfunction. There may be corrosion at the wires or
connectors. Resistance can increase as the wires get older. The
material encasing the wires may be shredding or wearing out.
The first sign of trouble generally
comes when you start noticing a missing or stuttering type action
when the vehicle is operating. There’s a significant tugging like
symptom that feels to you that your vehicle can’t get the energy to
move. Always keep your spark plug wires clean. Always troubleshoot
for wires that look worn out or are not properly applied to the spark
plugs. Replacing your spark plug wires will mean efficient starting
and less ignition type problems that can follow because of worn spark
plug wires.
Wash Me! Well maybe this one isn’t
actually vehicle "maintenance" per se, but doesn’t a
clean vehicle make you feel better? Again, have you ever noticed the
vehicle seems to run smoother when she’s clean? Having the engine
steam cleaned on a regular maintenance plan can also go a long way in
extending the life of your engine. Engine cleaning will keep the
corrosion and grime from building up on your spark plug wires too. It
will help when you are looking over your engine for leaks, unplugged
or loose wiring and keep the corrosion off your vehicle’s battery.
While these aren’t the only "regular
maintenance" tips available, you can always research your
vehicle’s handbook for other ideas that can help extend its life
and keep it running in optimal condition.
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