Auto Repair should include a little basic Preventive Maintenance(PM) that can save you time and money.
Working in the Auto Parts business and while in school( Automotive Technical school), I've seen neglected autos and trucks. Here are a few "Tidbits" of information anyone can use.
A dirty battery can allow loss of minute voltage over a period of time. It's almost like leaving the dome light on all night. It won't make a difference on a new battery but on older batteries, you just wear them out. Clean it up. Utilize baking soda mixed with water and a stiff brush. Be careful on batteries that have vented holes. We don't want a chance to mix any cleaning solution with the electrolyte. Many auto parts stores sell these handy devices for cleaning terminals. I keep one in the car tool box.Top post batteries are easier to clean than side post batteries. Coating the terminals is highly recommended. There are different brands for corrosion prevention. I just use petroleum jelly. Be mindful that on side terminals battery corrosion can be on the inside. You should disconnect the positive side terminal from the battery(About every 3 months).Green/whitish corrosion needs to be removed completely. To do a good job remove the battery from the car so you can also clean the battery tray. Rubber gloves and safety glasses recommended.
Some folks follow maintenance schedules but a lot don't. I've had people come to me for a "Quick Fix" additive(Not recommended) to cure their vehicle problems. Sometimes a basic tune-up is all that is needed. Tune-up means different things to people. Lets' consider Person A and Person B in their concept of a tune-up:
Person A is doing the quick tune-up and Person B is going a step further. There are folks that go beyond persons A and B. Bottom line is when your vehicle starts hesitating or not running well don't look for a quick fix. Get a tune-up by an ASE Certified Technician or do it yourself if your able. Have a service/repair manual at hand if you are doing it yourself.
Here we're stepping on toes. You hear all types of things; "My folks, folks have been using this oil", "My racing buddy uses ..." or "Its been proven...". My suggestion, stick to one oil, go by owner's manual, and change oil frequently. Every 3,000 miles would be great but you must consider driving conditions. Lots of city driving? Highway driving? Or driving on dirt road? You might have to change oil sooner. With synthetics you might get away with every 5,000 miles. I've heard people say I don't remember when it was changed. When you check the dipstick and the oil is like maple syrup, that is not good. Remember oil is the life blood of your vehicle's engine!
So important and so much information out there that space would not allow. Lets start with hearing a loud screeching sound either all the time or when you're stepping on the brakes. Noise indicators have been placed on pads. When the pads wear down to a certain level the noise indicators start touching the rotors. Its time to look at the pads. More than likely they will need changing. As a Auto Parts Specialist I also turn drums and rotors. Some rotors and drums I've seen have gone through the mill. When some customers bring in the pads or shoes some are worn down past the rivets! On average driving when you change the pads the second time the shoes come due also. Preventive Maintenance here involves a visual inspection. Check the calipers and front hardware. Check the brake cylinder and rear hardware. On one of my friends vehicle the rear adjusting screw was completely loose! By all means if you can't do this have a ASE Certified Mechanic check this area.
Do a visual here. What fluids? Oil, antfreeze, brakes, clutch master cylinder(brake fluid), power steering, automatic transmission(while engine is running), manual transmissions, battery(when applicable), and differential. By what I've seen these areas have also been neglected. Do a fluid check once a week
Utilize a tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure. Compare your reading with the manufactures specification located in the owner's manual or driver's door panel or even the glove compartment. For maximum tire service life rotate tires as recommended by manufacturer(typically every 3,000 miles).Radial tires often require a front-to-rear and rear-to-front rotation. Bias tires utilize an X-type pattern. Usually when the tires are rotated they should be balance also.Tire wear patterns can be studied to determine over inflation, under inflation, feathering, cupping or one side wear. Some of these patterns can indicate problems elsewhere. Have a certified technician check these problem out.
So abused and neglected. Check these out frequently. Don't wait until they've fallen apart. You may damage the windshield-big time! Pick them up in your hands and feel the rubber. It should be smooth, flexible and in one piece. If they they're not--change them out. Another indicator for changing them out is when they skip a spot while its raining or you utilize the wiper fluid
More and more of the vehicles are designed so that you almost always have to take them to the dealership. Open the hood on some vehicles and Wow! The vehicles are more electrical and computerized. The future of the automotive mechanic will change. He'll be an Automotive Technician wearing a white coat and carrying a mini diagnostic machine. Even with these newer vehicles, Preventive Maintenance can be applied. So, with auto repair,keep good records, follow a schedule, and you'll have miles of trouble free riding.
Last updated 03/24/00
