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Auto industry
experts say less than 30 per cent of car
owners
maintain any type of Regular Auto Maintenance Schedule.
Whether you do the maintenance, or have it done by an auto technician, use a
maintenance
check list to keep your vehicle running efficiently and repair costs down.
The following is an auto technician's list of the most frequently neglected maintenance
items.
Please note this is a general Auto maintenance schedule.
For vehicle
specific timelines and maintenance items please refer
to your owners manual.
Once a month or 1,000 miles:
Every 3 months or 3,000 miles:
Change oil and oil filter (every 6 months or 3,000 miles).
Lubricate chassis.
Check transmission fluid.
Check all drive belts (fan belts) frayed or cracked belts.
Every 6 months or 3,000 miles:
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles:
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles:
Replace spark plugs (30,000 miles average suggested for unleaded gas)
and PC valve.
Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and pan gasket.
Inspect brake linings.
Every 3 years or 30,000 miles:
Check and test ignition wires (replace if needed).
Test cooling system and heating hoses (replace if needed).
Check drive belts (replace if needed).
Replace fluid in differential and manual transmission.
Every 50,000 miles:
- Check brake shoes (replace if needed)
Please note this is a general maintenance schedule. For vehicle specific timelines and
maintenance items please refer to your owners manual.
A couple of final notes.
- NEVER climb under a vehicle that is not properly supported.
- Bumper or scissor-type jacks that come with vehicles are not sufficient.
Either use
approved ramps or jackstands and follow the instructions provided.
- If you do change your oil, never dispose of the used fluid down a drain.
Take it to an
authorized recycling depot.
- And finally, check with local schools or colleges regarding auto maintenance programs.
Evening courses are often available that will provide you with a basic knowledge of how
cars work and how to do regular maintenance and repairs
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