PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

CABIN AIR FILTERS

Have been used on some import vehicles as far back as 1994, and are currently installed on about 40% of all

new vehicles (mostly luxury models). The filters use activated carbon so they have a limited life. Replacement

recommendations vary, but are typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year.

SPARK PLUGS

The 100,000 mile spark plug is nothing more than a 60,000 mile spark plug that the car-maker's marketing calls

a 100,000 mile plug. The most prudent thing to do is replace standard spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Platinum

and iridium plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Many transmission experts say that most transmission problems can be prevented by changing the ATF fluid

and filter regularly for preventive maintenance. How often depends on how the vehicle is driven. For some

hard use vehicles, this might be every 30,000 miles or two years. The harder the transmission works, the hotter

the fluid runs. The life of the fluid drops quickly once its temperature gets up above about 200 degrees F.

POWER STEERING FLUID

All the components of a power steering system will degrade over time, if only slightly. As metal rusts

and o-rings degrade, they release tiny particles of impurities into the power steering fluid. As these impurities

build up, they can begin to clog the power steering pump and speed up the corrosion of the components

within the system. Ideally, the power steering fluid should be replaced before this is allowed to happen.

BRAKE FLUID

You can use chemical test strips that react to contaminants in the fluid or its moisture content. Many brake

experts recommend changing brake fluid every four to five years for preventive maintenance, and every time

the brakes are relined or repaired.

COOLANT HOSES

Servicing coolant hoses is tricky. They may look great from the outside, but they can be suffering on the inside.

Coolant hoses rot from the inside out and its recommended squeezing the hose at a bend; if it’s overly soft it

may be time for a change. They can also bulge or bubble in extreme situations. Keeping the coolant fresh is the

key. As coolant breaks down, it becomes acidic and can lead to hose failure, this acidity is also the primary

cause of head-gasket failures. Hose manufacturers usually recommend replacing coolant hoses every

four or five years to minimize the risk of hose failure.

COOLANT

With traditional antifreeze, the recommended change interval is every two to three years or 30,000 miles. With

extended life products, the interval may be 5 years. PH levels are critical and reflect the acidity of the coolant. A

PH at 7.9 or below should be replaced.

BELTS

Belt manufacturers say the risk of V-belt failure rises sharply after three years of service, and four years with

serpentine belts. Replacing V-belts every four to five years, or 40,000 to 50,000 miles, and serpentine belts

every five years, or 50,000 to 60,000 miles can minimize the risk of sudden belt failure and a breakdown. And

remember, always check that belt tensioner.

SHOCKS & STRUTS

Because shock and struts typically deteriorate gradually, a motorist may not notice how their vehicle’s ride

control capabilities have declined over time. For this reason, one aftermarket shock manufacturer (Monroe)

recommends replacing conventional shocks and struts every 50,000 miles.

SOURCES: NAPA ‘TECH’S EDGE PUBLICATION, AA1CAR.COM, INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP LIBRARY.

Contact Us

*First Name:

*Last Name:

*E-Mail Address:

*Phone:

Preferred Contact:

Phone Email Text

Comments: