General Vehicle Maintenance

By Rita R Powers

Regular vehicle maintenance or preventative maintenance, if you
will, can go a long way in making sure your vehicle runs at
optimal condition. For example, no one truly enjoys the trips
to a mechanic because our brake pads are worn down to the
rotors or drums and we have to spend more time and dollars to
repair the brake system. What little time it takes to make sure
we do the "regular" things to our vehicle, makes the time well
spent. The pay me now or pay me later cliché, in this case, is
never more true. The following tips will aid you in keeping
your vehicle ready to take you wherever you have to go.

Enough can’t be said about regular oil changes and oil filter
replacement. Personally, I have oil changes every 2,000 miles.
The recommended schedule is every 3, 000 miles. Because of my
prompt attention to regular oil and filter changes, I have a
1978 Buick LeSabre with 195,000 miles on it and in 2006 it
still runs like a dream. It should go without saying but a
lubing of the chassis or "lube job" some call it, should be
performed at the same time you have the oil changed.

The air filter, when dirty, is a common problem when you notice
your car has less power and is using more fuel. A simple check
of the filter will give you an idea of how dirty it is.
Mechanics will almost always agree that this simple step can go
a long way in improving your vehicle’s performance. Air filters
are instrumental in decreasing the amount of dirt, dust and
other damaging contaminants going into the engine. Simply put,
your vehicle runs less efficiently when the filter is clogged
with dirt and grime. Filters should be replaced every 3,000
miles. Also, have the air filter changed when you have an oil
change performed on the vehicle to save time or an extra trip
to the mechanic.

And while we’re talking about filters, the fuel filter is
probably the most overlooked or forgotten item for regular
checkups. Auto experts don’t understand why this happens but it
does. Remember the Buick I just mentioned? I have had the fuel
pumps and fuel filters checked regularly on that vehicle. I can
honestly say I get approximately two more miles to the gallon
when I calculate mpg/number of gallons of fuel used after I
have replaced a fuel filter. Whenever you happen to notice or
think to yourself, "I sure am using more gas lately", check the
fuel filter.

Regular replacement of the brake pads is also very important.
Many expert mechanics will agree that all parts to the brake
system are the most important safety features on an automobile.
You must be able to stop your vehicle quickly and safely. All
brake pads will wear out eventually. If you start hearing
squealing like sounds or the feel of the pedal upon braking is
"mushy", you need to consider that the brake pads are beginning
to become worn out. The responsibility of the brake pads is to
provide friction with the pad to make braking or stopping
possible. Brake pads can be easily diagnosed for wear and tear
with regular examinations.

operating in a dance with the distributor and ignition coils.
Many things can indicate problems and spark plug wire
malfunction. There may be corrosion at the wires or connectors.
Resistance can increase as the wires get older. The material
encasing the wires may be shredding or wearing out.

The first sign of trouble generally comes when you start
noticing a missing or stuttering type action when the vehicle
is operating. There’s a significant tugging like symptom that
feels to you that your vehicle can’t get the energy to move.
Always keep your spark plug wires clean. Always troubleshoot
for wires that look worn out or are not properly applied to the
spark plugs. Replacing your spark plug wires will mean efficient
starting and less ignition type problems that can follow because
of worn spark plug wires.

Wash Me! Well maybe this one isn’t actually vehicle
"maintenance" per se, but doesn’t a clean vehicle make you feel
better? Again, have you ever noticed the vehicle seems to run
smoother when she’s clean? Having the engine steam cleaned on a
regular maintenance plan can also go a long way in extending the
life of your engine. Engine cleaning will keep the corrosion and
grime from building up on your spark plug wires too. It will
help when you are looking over your engine for leaks, unplugged
or loose wiring and keep the corrosion off your vehicle’s
battery.

While these aren’t the only "regular maintenance" tips
available, you can always research your vehicle’s handbook for
other ideas that can help extend its life and keep it running
in optimal condition.

About the Author: By Rita R. Powers sponsored by
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com. The Auto Parts Warehouse
offers 24h sales support & free shipping for orders over $50.
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