Doug Henry Tarboro, Rocky Mount

They don’t make ’em like they used to…they make them better! Today’s cars and trucks are well-screwed together and engineered to last. You can see the evidence of that in the longer warranties being offered by many car manufacturers. One even offers a lifetime warranty! However, most vehicles will never need a warranty repair, especially if their owners follow the service intervals found in the manual. Have you read yours?

With leases looking a lot less attractive, owning your car makes dollars and cents. Every year, paying off your car loan is like putting money in the bank. In fact, one of the very best savings plans is to keep up your car payments after the loan by “paying” the money into your savings account. Another way to save money and keep your car out of the shop is to follow those service intervals. Here are some general guidelines, but make sure you refer to those intervals in your owner’s manual and follow them.

How often should I change my wiper blades?
For vehicles that are parked inside, car care experts recommend that the wiper blades be replaced at least once a year or when the wiper blades start streaking – whichever comes first. On vehicles kept outside or in areas where the wipers receive excessive use, changing the blades two or even three times a year is recommended for clear vision.

How often should I have my engine oil/filter changed?
According to the recommended intervals, regularly scheduled oil/filter changes are the single most important item for prolonging engine life. Most new vehicles have recommended oil/filter change intervals of 7,500 miles, and some new vehicles have recommended oil change intervals of 11,000 to 15,000 miles under normal operating conditions. “Normal" operation is described as the operation of the vehicle for at least 20 minutes at a medium speed with a steady throttle and in a clean driving environment.

Short hops to the store, stop-and-go rush hour driving, driving on dirt roads and inclement-weather operation are all considered severe operating conditions that can cause impurities to build up quickly in the oil, resulting in increased wear and tear on internal parts. That is why most owner's manuals and mechanics recommend changing the oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) to assure that maximum engine lubrication occurs while a minimum of impurities are suspended in the oil. 

How often should my car get a tune-up?

The term “tune-up” actually applies only to older cars without electronic ignition (before 1981). On these vehicles, a tune-up would generally be required every 15,000 to 20,000 miles and consisted of replacing the spark plugs, ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap and adjusting the ignition timing, as well as the carburetor.

On modern vehicles equipped with electronic ignition, fuel injection and computer controls, the term “engine performance maintenance” is a more accurate term. A “tune-up” for these newer vehicles is an orderly process of inspection, computer diagnosis, testing and adjustment to maintain peak engine performance, maximum operating efficiency and low exhaust emissions. During this process, spark plugs, plug wires, sensors and modules may be replaced. The frequency at which a newer vehicle needs a tune-up is dependent more upon driving conditions than mileage and recommended tune-up frequencies vary between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer. To learn how often your vehicle needs a tune-up, check your owner’s manual or speak with our service professionals. 

How can I tell if my coolant is OK?
It is impossible to determine the condition of the coolant in the radiator just by looking at it. Coolant, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, breaks down with age, picks up contaminants that cause sludge and becomes acidic. When this happens, it can cause corrosion within the radiator and cooling passages of the engine. To determine its condition, coolant must be checked with coolant test strips that measure PH balance. Coolant is an environmentally hazardous substance. It pollutes the water table and is poisonous to people and animals and therefore must be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Our mechanics have special tools and procedures for testing and changing coolant.

What can I do if my car overheats?

If you are driving at normal highway speed and the vehicle starts to overheat, turn off the air conditioner, turn on the heater and immediately pull over to the shoulder. Odds are if the vehicle starts to overheat at highway speed, there is a problem in the cooling system such as low coolant, a clogged radiator or a broken drive belt or burst hose. Once at the shoulder, shut off the engine, open the hood and let the engine cool down – 20 minutes minimum. Once any boiling over stops and the engine has cooled, look for obvious signs of trouble. DO NOT attempt to open the radiator cap unless the engine is off and the top of the radiator is cold. If there is no noticeable problem, such as a broken drive belt or burst hose, you can then add a coolant/water mixture to the radiator or overflow reservoir, start the vehicle and drive slowly to a service facility. 

Does my transmission ever need service?

Mostly it is advised to have an automatic transmission’s fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000 miles to keep it in good working order. This is especially important if the vehicle is more than five years old. Many vehicles that are five years and newer may need scheduled services less often. 

By-the-book service, however, may not be adequate if your vehicle is driven hard, tows a trailer, goes off-road or carries a camper. Under harder conditions, the fluid and filter may need to be changed more often because dirt and moisture that build up in the fluid can cause internal damage. Heat buildup can also be a problem. The harder the transmission works, the hotter the fluid gets and the quicker the fluid breaks down.

Manual transmissions generally need no regularly scheduled service, but may need service due to worn clutch and throw-out bearings and broken synchromesh gears. Check your owner’s manual for specific information on manual transmission service or talk with our service professionals.

Transmission drain and fill

Only removes fluid from transmission oil pan and refills fluid that was drained out.  THIS SERVICE DOES NOT REPLACE ALL FLUID IN TRANSMISSION. It can only be performed on vehicles with a drain-plug. Many new vehicles and SUV’s do not have a drain-plug.

Transmission flush

This service is performed every 30,000 miles, depending on driving habits. If your vehicle does not have a drain plug or needs more than just a drain and fill service, flushing is the solution. Our service technicians attach a machine to the transmission cooler lines to remove all of the old “contaminated” fluid. Once the fluid has been drawn out, the technician will run a cleanser through the complete transmission system to remove any remaining fluid, particles, dirt, etc. The next thing that is run through is a conditioning fluid that pumps up the seals and conditions the entire transmission system. There’s no need to even change the filter! Next, in goes the new transmission fluid and you are good to go.

What’s the correct tire pressure for my vehicle?

The correct tire pressure for a vehicle is determined by the size and weight of the vehicle, the type of tires it uses, load hauled and the type of driving the vehicle is intended for. The vehicle manufacturer places a tire inflation placard in each vehicle that gives the proper tire inflation pressures for that vehicle. This placard is located on the inside of the glovebox door, inside the fuel-filler door or on the driver’s side doorpost (depending upon manufacturer). Most manufacturers also list tire inflation levels in the owner’s manual.

Is your steering out of line? Do you get uneven tire wear?

When driving straight, if your steering wheel is left hand or right hand down, more than likely it is time for an alignment. If your car drifts to one side or the other and requires constant force to the steering wheel to keep it straight, it needs an alignment. If your car is suffering excessive or uneven tire wear on any wheel, front or rear, an alignment is needed. Alignments should be checked every 12,000 miles.

What about the timing belt?

The timing belt (or chain) is the sole component that keeps the camshaft (make that camshafts on a DOHC or V-type OHC engine) and crankshaft in sync. So replacing this cogged reinforced-rubber belt at regular intervals — generally every 60,000 miles unless the car manufacturer specifies longer — is a lot less expensive and aggravating than having it break first. For your car's maintenance schedule, consult the owner's manual.

Did you notice the key phrase in this article? It’s “Consult the Owner’s Manual!” No, it isn’t a movie blockbuster, but it does star your car and YOU in a key supporting role!