No
matter what kind of car you drive, maintenance is critical to keeping
the car running and performing at its best. No matter what make,
model, or type of vehicle, you have critical parts that need
attention on a regular basis.
Oil
and Lubrication
The
oil and filter in your engine lubricate the engine and help to keep
the engine temperature stable. The oil works to reduce the friction
on the moving parts, reducing heat production inside the engine. The
oil filter is critical to keeping the engine oil clean and free of
small particles of dirt or metal that can damage the cylinder walls,
bearings, and seals inside the engine.
Most
manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter every three
thousand miles, but with new synthetic oils and better filters, some
manufacturers have stretched that time out to five thousand miles or
more. No matter what the recommendation is for your car, stick to it.
If you drive the car hard, you may want to do it a little sooner than
the recommendation.
Transmission
Fluid
For
cars with automatic transmissions, the condition of the transmission
fluid will affect the performance of the transmission. The
transmission fluid will thin out over time and, because the
transmission works on pressure, the transmission might not shift
correctly with thin, work oil in it.
Again,
many manufacturers recommend three thousand miles for the
transmission fluid. Talk to your technician about it if you have
concerns.
Tire
Rotation
Probably
one of the most overlooked maintenance items on any list, tire
rotation if critical if you want to get the most life out of your
tires. The tires wear differently in each position they occupy.
Rotating them allows the tires to wear in different spots in each
position, keeping the wear even across all four tires.
The
best time to rotate the tires is when your car is in for an oil
change. The technician can do it very quickly for you, and some shops
even include it in the cost of the service.
Underhood
Inspection
Inspecting
your hoses, belts, and underhood items won’t take long. Most of it
is a visual inspection, and the tech will most likely do that as soon
as the hood goes up for an oil change. If any of the belts are
heavily worn, or a hose looks concerning, the technician will let you
know.
Replacing
these items before they fail can save you a lot of time and money in
the long run. A belt that breaks may damage other parts on the engine
and will keep a lot of your belt-driven accessories from working
properly.
This
is also a good time for the tech to look for damage to the engine or
spots that leak oil, water, or a combination of them. If the engine
compartment is extremely dirty, the tech may recommend that you clean
the engine steam and apply a degreaser to take the
difficult-to-remove debris off the engine.
Air
Filter
Another
extremely overlooked item in most cars is the air filter. The filter
can clog with dust, dirt, and other material, making it hard to get
the air to the carburetor or fuel injection system. If the car cannot
breathe properly, it will not run well and could use an excessive
amount of fuel.
Change
the filter as needed, but check the filter every time you change the
oil in the car and replace it when you no longer see light through
the filter.
Euroclassics,
LTD.,
specializes in repairs on European cars but can handle all your
service needs. Our prices are some of the best around, and we will
treat your car with as much care as we do our own. Give us a call or
stop by the shop today. Discuss your maintenance needs with us and
set up an appointment for your car right away.
