A phrase often heard in auto repair garage lounge is, “cars were once built to last”. Well, they were certainly built heavier, and in some cases more powerful, but they are still built to last. The key to a long lasting relationship with a four-wheeled companion is timely service and care.
There are two types of automotive maintenance schedules in which to follow. There is a standard car schedule that has not changed that much in several years. Then there is the car specific maintenance schedule that may vary from the generic version depending on the vehicle. In either case, sticking to a scheduled car maintenance program, will keep it running and looking good for years.
Engine Oil and Filters
Clean engine oil flowing through an engine performs many functions. It lubricates all the moving parts and therefore, reduces friction, it carries small wear particles and debris away and to the filter, it helps to keep the engine cool and protects internal components from corrosion.
Over time, the lubricity of the oil begins to break down as it uses up its additives, and becomes thinner. The time it takes for engine oil to reach a point where its effectiveness diminishes depends on environmental and driving conditions. Frequent stops and starts put more strain on an engine, and as a result, demand more of the oil.
This is why it is important to keep fresh oil in the engine crank case, and replace the filter each time the engine oil is replaced. The rule-of-thumb for replacement is well known; three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. While synthetic engine oils are formulated to last longer, their additives and lubricant characteristics will also deplete with time and heat. Unless the car manufacturer recommends otherwise, the oil drain interval should not be extended for convenience sake.
Engine Coolant
Coolant in the engine does not only help keep the engine cool, the proper mixture of coolant and water prevents corrosion, electrolysis and oxidation. Beside regulating the freezing and boiling points of the coolant fluid, the amount of heat carried away from the engine helps to extend its life by thousands of miles.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports; the leading cause of on-highway breakdowns are a direct result of inadequate cooling system maintenance. Heating problems can be avoided by routinely checking the coolant level in the reservoir. Topping the system off with water alone, dilutes the coolant and hinders its ability to offer adequate engine protection.
Coolant system flushing every two years or 24,000 miles is the recommendation of most car manufacturers. The process will expel any built up grime within the cooling system, and allow for a fresh charge of coolant and water to be re-introduced into the engine.
Transmission Fluid
Often overlooked, the transmission is second only to the engine in repair costs. Frequently checking the transmission fluid level and condition protects against future problems. This fluid not only provides a similar service to the transmission as motor oil does to the engine, it acts as a hydraulic fluid to aid in shifting transmission gears.
Much like the engine oil filter, the transmission filter should be replaced each time the fluid is replaced. Manufacturers generally recommend fluid and filter replacement between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Additionally, a specific fluid type must be used to prevent transmission damage. The owner's manual will dictate the frequency of fluid change, and the specification for the transmission fluid.
While this is not an all-inclusive list of car maintenance checks, it is a list of those commonly forgotten or overlooked. With these particular systems, once a problem presents itself, it's too late to avoid spending some serious cash on repairs.
References
- "Vehicle Maintenance You Don't Want to Skip"; Forbes Magazine, March 26, 2008
- " Service Schedule "; The Car Care Guide, accessed March 18, 2010
Damon Hildebrand - A part-time freelance writer, Damon is a certified maintenance reliability professional and industrial lubrication specialists. A licensed ...
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