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Preventative Maintenance Tips
Courtesy of the Automotive Service Association
According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.
Have the chassis lubricated frequently.
This step extends the life of the moving
components of the vehicle's suspension
system.
This step extends the life of the moving
components of the vehicle's suspension
system.
Check battery cables and posts for corrosion
and clean them as needed. The battery fluid
also should be checked and filled if it is
low, unless it is a maintenance-free battery.
and clean them as needed. The battery fluid
also should be checked and filled if it is
low, unless it is a maintenance-free battery.
Have the lighting system checked frequently,
including headlights, turn signals, and brake
and taillights.
including headlights, turn signals, and brake
and taillights.
The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is
overheating. The cooling system should be
completely flushed and refilled about
every 24 months.
overheating. The cooling system should be
completely flushed and refilled about
every 24 months.
A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and
can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn
blades and get plenty of windshield washer
solvent.
can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn
blades and get plenty of windshield washer
solvent.
Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up"
fast, so forget about those five-minute
warm ups on cold winter mornings.
fast, so forget about those five-minute
warm ups on cold winter mornings.
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.
recommended in your manual, or sooner
if you notice pulsations, grabbing,
noises, or longer stopping distance.
Minor brake problems should be
corrected promptly.
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 pro.
the engine has thoroughly cooled!
The tightness and condition of drive
belts, clamps, and hoses should be
checked by a pro.
Batteries can fail any time of year.
The only accurate way to detect a weak
battery is with professional equipment.
The only accurate way to detect a weak
battery is with professional equipment.
Tires should be rotated about every
5,000 miles. Tire pressures should be
checked once a month; check them while
they're cold before driving for
any distance.
5,000 miles. Tire pressures should be
checked once a month; check them while
they're cold before driving for
any distance.
Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels.
Under-inflated tires make it harder for your
car to move down the road, which means your
engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
Under-inflated tires make it harder for your
car to move down the road, which means your
engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
Stay within posted speed limits. The faster
you drive, the more fuel you use.
For example, driving at 65 mph rather than
55 mph, increases fuel consumption by
20 percent.
you drive, the more fuel you use.
For example, driving at 65 mph rather than
55 mph, increases fuel consumption by
20 percent.
Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark
plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector
can reduce fuel efficiency as much as
30 percent.
plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector
can reduce fuel efficiency as much as
30 percent.
Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for
cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn
belts will affect the engine performance.
cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn
belts will affect the engine performance.
Always consult your owner's manual for individual service schedules because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer.
