It is a good idea to have your vehicle checked over for maintenance that is due twice annually; in the spring and in the fall, before the more severe weather of summer and winter hits. Taking care of maintenance items before they become breakdowns will save you a lot of money in the long run. Flushing coolant that is dirty is a whole lot cheaper then replacing a heater core or water pump; and replacing an overcharging alternator is cheaper then replacing the alternator and the battery which is what will happen if it is let go for too long. Here are some basic maintenance items you should have checked this fall before cold weather arrives.
1. The Charging and Starting System A battery that is marginal will probably be fine in mild weather, but will fail in freezing temperatures. Having your battery tested and the terminals cleaned is a good first step towards preventing a breakdown. Also, ask your technician to test the alternator to make sure that it is putting out the correct voltage, and not under or overcharging. The alternator charges the battery while the vehicle is running; if it is not functioning properly, the vehicle will let you down.
2. The Cooling System Your cooling system should be checked to make sure that nothing is leaking, and that the pH of the antifreeze is within the correct range. Antifreeze that is in need of changing or that is improperly mixed will need to be flushed so that the pH is not off, which can cause anything from overheating to premature deterioration of cooling system components.
3. Belts and Hoses You need to make sure that your belts and hoses are not dry-rotted or cracked and on the verge of failure. Once they start to show signs of age, they should be replaced. This is a good time to ask your technician if you are close to having a timing belt that is due to be replaced. Timing belt replacement is typically done according to a schedule set by your vehicle manufacturer. You should be able to find this information in your manual or by asking your technician.
4. Braking system. You should make sure that the brakes pads and and or shoes all have plenty of wear left on them and that they are wearing evenly. Uneven wear could indicate a caliper that is sticking and in need of replacement. You should also make sure that the brake fluid is in good condition and not in need of flushing. The operation of disc brakes creates extremely high temperatures, which can cause rapid deterioration of the fluid. The anti-lock brake components on your vehicle are very sensitive to this fluid deterioration. You should have your brake fluid flushed every 20,000 miles. This is also a good time to have your brake lines checked for signs of deterioration. You would be surprised how many newer vehicles (less then 5 years old) need brake lines replaced. Brake line failure will result in loss of fluid and consequently loss of brakes.
5. Power Steering Fluid This is another fluid that should be checked for signs of deterioration. Oxidation by-products, hose material and metallic debris accumulate in the fluid and cause abrasive wear in the pump and rack, leading to noisy components and eventually, failure.
6. Transmission Fluid The transmission in your vehicle has more moving parts than any other system, and even at 30,000 miles, the transmission fluid shows signs of deterioration as it begins to oxidize, leaving deposits around all those components. Over time, those components start sticking, increasing heat buildup. The fluid should be checked for color and smell; it should be a reddish color and not smell burnt.
7. Tire Wear Your tires should be checked to make sure there is enough tread left on them for winter and to make sure they are wearing evenly. Uneven tire wear can be caused by incorrect tire pressures or a suspension that is out of alignment. Checking your tire pressures regularly, rotating them and having the alignment checked periodically will extend the life of your tires, save on fuel mileage and prevent inconvenient breakdowns.
8. Oil and filters The most basic thing you can do to maintain the life of your engine is to change the oil and oil filter regularly. The oil in your vehicle should be changed regularly every 3000 miles. Even if you are running a synthetic oil which is designed to go longer between oil changes, the oil filter should still be changed at least every five thousand miles. These filters do what they sound like they do, they filter out contaminants from the oil and keep them out of the engine. They are only designed, however, to hold a finite amount of material and once they are full, the oil bypasses the filter and goes on into the engine unfiltered. Considering the relatively low cost of an oil change, this is a fairly inexpensive way to prolong the life of your vehicle.
With just a little bit of love and care your vehicle will last you long after you have made the last payment and will not leave you sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
