Many people today believe that their car new or old is generally maintenance free. This can prove to be an expensive myth. A number of things need to be maintained to extend the life of your car and save you money. We are sending you this newsletter hoping you will find it useful. Here are some simple steps that you can take to maintain your automobile so that you can:
- Have a reliable car!
- Not need a transmission re-built!
- Avoid an accident from a tire blowout
- Buy a car when you want to, not because you have to
Step 1: Become Familiar With The Owner's Manual For Your New (or older) Car
Learn when your car will need servicing, oil and fluid changes, optimal tire pressure, etc. Become familiar with this manual and have it handy in your glove box.
Step 2: Change Your Oil & Oil Filters
The most important maintenance of your car is regular on–time oil changes. Check the intervals in your owners’ manual or change your oil every 3,000 miles; also keep your paperwork. It is a good idea to have a zippered pouch or envelop in your glove box of all your maintenance receipts. The places that install a “reminder” decal in the corner of your windshield works well, for this is a constant reminder of when your next oil change service is due.
New car warrantees, as well as extended warrantees, require that you maintain your car in order for the warrantee to be honored. It isn’t necessary to go to the dealer from whom you bought your car to have your oil changed. Any lube center or good independent mechanic shop can do this for you while your car is under factory or extended warranty. By the way, I have yet to see an extended warranty that doesn’t pay for itself !
Lube service centers, as well as independent mechanic shops, will also change your oil, top your fluids, check your tire pressure, lube necessary fittings and check your differential oil. Some places will vacuum your car and clean your windows as well.
If you follow these guidelines, you can use regular car oil rather than the more expensive synthetic. However, if you go beyond the recommended service intervals, synthetic oils are advised because they last twice as long. The regular mineral-based oils loose their lubricity (slipperyness) through time and use. Synthetic oils have a higher resistance to heat, higher lubricity, and double your car’s mileage before needing a new oil change. You can always go back to your service provider and ask for a print out of your services, should a warranty issue require it, for this reason try to be consistent with whom you use.
Step 3: Change Your Car Fluids
Your car has the following fluids: brakes, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent, and antifreeze in cooling system. All have different types of oil or solutions. These fluids all loose their chemical make-up and wear with time. The coolant in your radiator becomes more acidic with time. When coolant becomes acidic, it begins to “eat” at your cars engine internally instead of protecting it. All fluids are important for the maintenance and durability of your car. Follow the recommended mileage interval to replace any fluid in the owners manual of your car.
One of the most expensive service repairs you can have is a new transmission. Automatic transmissions die because people don’t change the transmission oil. This oil should be changed every 30,000 miles. You must ask for a transmission fluid transfusion that removes every drop of oil out of the transmission (not just the 4 to 5 quarts that empty into the drip pan during an oil change), and replaces it with new oil. If you don’t maintain your transmission and do regular transfusions, it can be as costly as replacing the motor. The symptom of a transmission going bad is it begins “slipping” when you accelerate. One word of caution, in performing a transmission service on an older “high mileage” car, which has not been maintained, you may begin to notice “slipping.” The reasons for this is that before doing the transmission service the oil may have thickened to the point were it is the only thing keeping the transmission going, but this only avoids the inevitable for a short while. Your next visit to the transmission shop will be sooner than expected.
Step 4: Check Your Tires
Have your tire pressure checked as part of your oil change, as well as before taking any long trips. Measure the pressure when the tires are cold. Keep your tires at the recommended inflation pressure found on the sidewall lettering of your individual tires. Tires can pop if under or over-inflated and can result in a loss of fuel efficiency as well as cause accidents. This is the least expensive form of safety and preventative maintenance.
Quality of tires varies. You can buy tires that last from 30,000 up to 80,000 miles. Note your driving habits when purchasing new tires: smooth tread tire patterns will provide a smooth ride for those of you driving mostly on the highway. The rougher the tread pattern the better grip in rain or dirt, but this also gives you a rougher overall ride. Choose a tire pattern based on how you drive the most. The key to “Tire Life” is rotation and alignment. Also don't forget the spare, check the air in it as well and learn where your “tire changing” tools are located.
Step 5: Pay Attention To Your Brakes
The most important safety mechanism in your car is the brakes. Use your ears and senses to inspect your brakes. All brakes have a wear indicator – the high pitch sound of screeching brakes is the sound of a metal-to-metal wear indicator. If you continue to ignore this sound, you will ruin your rotors, which will cost you more when getting your brakes repaired. If you brake and your steering wheel starts to shimmy, this means you have warped rotors, which get corrected during a brake job.
During a brake job, the mechanic will align the rotors and remove any warping while replacing the brake pads. When having a brake job done, ask for the highest quality brake pads, if you want them to last as long as the originals. If your Brake or ABS light appears on your dash, you need to have an inspection as soon as possible. Some cars have a sensor in the brake fluid reservoir that warns you of low fluid. When it comes to your brakes, anything abnormal needs to be checked. Brake inspections are usually free at any reputable mechanic. The longer you wait to fix your brake problems, the more the problems will cost you.
Step 6: Check Your Lights & Windshield Wiper Blades
Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if you see streaking as you use your windshield washer.
Check headlights, turn signals, and brake and taillights frequently especially before a long trip. If your headlamps don’t appear to be aimed correctly, then you may need them adjusted. As a past customer of Tony’s Body Shop, should you need this service we will align/aim your headlamps at no charge. You can wait in our office while we perform this service for you.
Step 7: Work With Your Independent Auto Body & Mechanic Shops
They will work harder for you because your business is their only source of clientele, they don’t sell cars and have a steady stream of new customers because of car sales.
Your independent shops have your best interests at heart.
Why should you refer your family and friends to Tony's Body Shop?
What we offer with every repair job:
- Guaranteed color match
- Accurate panel to panel alignment
- Repairing the vehicle to a safe condition
Your 100% satisfaction is our goal.
At Tony's Body Shop you can still find service, a smile, and a sincere thank you if you allow us to service your auto body needs.
Please feel free to call us if we can be of help or guide you in any way.
| This newsletter is brought to you by an independent who has to work harder to make your car repair decisions easier. |
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