Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars
require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real
liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so
long ago.
Curiously, many people haven't adjusted their thinking
to keep pace with new car maintenance schedules. The preoccupied still
run their daily drivers without service until the dash warning lights
burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more
than 2,500 miles without a change.
Although maintenance intervals
are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled
service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest
model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the
maintenance it was designed to receive.
Surprisingly, the answer
to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove
box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner's
manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that
vehicle's needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help
you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls.
Proper Tire Inflation and RotationTires
leak naturally and need the occasional check. Figuratively speaking,
underinflated tires suck up gasoline. Under- or overinflated tires wear
out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as
marshmallows. You probably aren't going to check tire pressures monthly,
but how about twice a year?
Furthermore, front and rear tires
wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner's
manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.
Wiper TalesHere's
a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitting things you can see.
Simple as it is, that's the concept behind replacing your windshield
wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.
Fall is the
ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before
the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement
may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern
climes.
Tune-Up AnachronismThere are no more
"tune-ups." Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is
computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About
all that's left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are
often good for 100,000 miles, so don't change parts just to change
parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services
when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for
replacement.
Octane Overdose"If some is good,
more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to
supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done.
Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only
oil company profits.
Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane
fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock
sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface
streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily
repertoire.
Oil Change TimingOil changes every 3,000 miles
used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from
record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine
design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the
schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it's time. Some cars call
for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others
have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by
the manufacturer.
Tired TiresTires wear out,
but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are toast after
five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight
and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that
after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding
down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not
sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped
into the sidewall.
Dirty Air FilterSemi-clogged
air filters hurt fuel economy for the same reason you don't like to run
with a potato in your mouth. The question is, when is your filter
dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of small-town errand running and
church duty, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city
surface streets or just looking at a dirt road on a map are often enough
to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near
dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule
calls for.
Ignoring Your BrakesNote
to the Wandering Unconscious: If you notice anything different about
your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit a
mechanic. Now.
Tighten Your Gas CapIs the
Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before
calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of
setting off your car's diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats
the fuel system's venting arrangement.
The Garage Is for ParkingLet's
review. Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely
your second most valuable investment. If you're paying all that money,
then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes, broken skateboards and
plastic holiday wreaths in the garage? Pitch that junk and get the car
in the garage!
Source: MSN Auto
