* Tires should be rotated and balanced every 15,000
miles.
Vehicle:__________________
Performed by:______________________
Cost:$___________________
Owner's
Notes:_____________________________________________
Shop's
Notes:_______________________________________________
(items noted during vehicle inspection,
repairs needed, etc.)
Use the following matrix to plan regular maintenance of your
car. This schedule is an excellent source of information for:
-
Performing maintenance items yourself where possible and
suitable
-
Verifying that your mechanic's recommendations are
appropriate
-
Planning your budget to accommodate necessary future
repairs
-
Understand what repairs are being recommended and why
-
Provide an easy to read and understand guide for the lay
person
-
Established a work history log for your vehicle
This schedule is appropriate for most American, European and
Japanese automobiles. As always, consult your owner's manual
for specific items related to your make and model. Information
and instructions in your owner's manual supersede this
schedule, which means that if your manual recommends replacing
the timing belt at 50,000 miles, do not wait until the 60,000
mark as shown in this matrix.
This guide is meant to supplement the manufacturer
recommendations for your specific vehicle, and should not replace
such recommendations.
Wherever possible we have given recommendations of aftermarket
products that we have found to be reliable and in our opinion, of
good quality. These recommendations were added to inform the
vehicle operator of products that may or may not be suitable for
their specific vehicle. We recommend these products strictly as
helpful insight..
This guide may be reprinted in its entirety, as long as all
resources and links are in place. Brought to you by
www.trustmymechanic.com the honest mechanic working for
YOU!
Click Here to
Return to the 0 - 65k Maintenance Schedule
Explanations of Recommendations
Air filter - Replace the air filter
about every 15,000 miles for normal driving conditions. A dirty
air filter will not cause the engine to run bad, stall, or
misfire. A dirty filter can cause reduced fuel economy and higher
exhaust emission gases. Fram filters offers air, fuel, oil, pcv
and interior cabin filters for most cars and trucks. We have been
using Fram filters in my shop for years and they are probably one
of the most recognizable aftermarket filter brands on the market.
Antifreeze/Coolant
Inspect: Check the fluid level in
the plastic "overflow reservoir" and the actual level
of coolant inside the radiator. You should be able to visually
see the coolant level inside the radiator when the engine is
cold. Caution: remove the radiator cap only after engine has
cooled, and it is safe to do so. If the antifreeze is dirty or
rusty colored, or has lost its over heating/anti-freezing
capability it should be flushed and replaced. Regular life
antifreeze is bright green in color, and the newer
"extended" longer life antifreeze is red in color.
Either type can be used but should not be mixed together.
Replace: Drain and flush old
coolant from the radiator and reservoir bottle, inspect the
heater and radiator hoses and clamps for replacement, and install
a new radiator cap. A vented replacement radiator cap safely
removes hot steam from the radiator and makes emergency road side
coolant inspections easier and safer. Prestone antifreeze is what
we use at my and is probably one of the most trusted brands on
the market. Prestone also offers a variety of radiator flush
equipment and additives.
Battery - Check terminals and cables--loose or
dirty battery cables are a common "no start" condition.
Cable ends and battery terminals should be cleaned with a wire
brush and light sand paper periodically to remove any corrosion
build up. Battery terminal protecting spray coatings can also be
helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion. I have used A/C
Delco batteries for many years and find them to be very
dependable and 100% maintenance free.
Caution: remove all metal objects
like wrist watches and rings before working around a battery-a
spark or fire can occur (I have the scars to prove it.)
Brakes
Inspect: Check the brake fluid
level. The fluid level should only need to be slightly topped off
occasionally. If more than 2 oz. of fluid is needed, the brake
system should be inspected for leaks and component wear. Add only
the recommended type of brake fluid as listed in the owner's
manual. Do not add any other fluid to the brake fluid reservoir,
and keep all foreign objects like fingers out of the fluid. The
fluid in the reservoir should be clear in appearance and free of
dirt and debris.
Replace: Brake fluid retains
moisture and should be flushed and re-bled (remove the air from
the system) to keep brakes working effectively. Check brake pad
and shoe wear. Don't wait until you hear grinding noises to
have the brakes inspected. Have brakes checked periodically for
wear.
Some warning signs of brake problems are: noises when
brakes are applied, the steering wheel shakes when brakes are
applied (read my article about this Here), needing to add more than 2 oz of brake fluid to the
brake fluid reservoir, a soft or squishy brake pedal, or the
brake pedal goes to the floor slowly while brakes are applied.
Differential Fluid - (A rear differential is only
found on rear wheel drive cars and trucks.)
Inspect: The rear differential
(commonly referred to as the rear end) fluid or grease should be
checked during each routine oil change and topped off as needed
with the fluid prescribed in the owner's manual.
Replace: Drain and flush the rear
end fluid periodically to remove any metal filings that have
normally accumulated in the differential housing. Replace the
differential cover gasket and add any recommended supplemental
additive prescribed in the owner's manual.
Engine Oil
Inspect: Check oil level when
engine is cold and with vehicle on level ground.
Replace: Change oil and filter.
Check all fluids, tires and air pressure, air filter, belts and
hoses and spare tire condition when changing the engine oil. This
is also a great time to clean the corrosion from the battery
cables. I have been using Amalie motor oil for many years at my
shop. It is a great product at a great price.
Want to learn more about motor oils? Exposing the Myth of the 3,000 Mile Oil
Change
Power Steering Fluid
Inspect: Check level. Power
steering fluid can either be pink or clear in color, usually only
a very small amount is needed to top off fluid level. If more
than 2 oz. is needed, have the system checked for leaks or
wear.
Replace: Power steering fluid just
like any other fluid becomes dirty and contaminated and should be
replaced with clean fluid periodically. Dirty power steering
fluid can cause the power steering pump or the power steering
gear assemblies to fail and can cause premature wear to occur.
Tires
Inspect: Check pressure and tread
wear. Check air pressure cold unless otherwise described in the
owner's manual. Inspect tires for uneven tread wear,
punctures, bulges, or cuts in sidewall of the tire.
The Tire
Rack.com has brand name tires, custom wheels,
brake and suspension parts at the best prices we have seen. They
offer a great warranty and drop shipment capability to your local
repair shop is available. Don't know what size tire your car
should have? The Tire
Rack.com has a very powerful and helpful
online catalog to help you make the best replacement choice for
tires and custom wheels.
Rotate and balance: Routine
rotation and balancing can greatly extend the life of your tires.
Most front end "shake and shimmy" complaints can be
attributed to out of balance, or out of round tires. When
rotating or replacing tires the best tires should go to the front
of the car. Some tires are "directional" and should be
kept on the same side of the car turning in the direction
indicated on the side of the tire. Ask your mechanic if he would
inspect the brakes for free when rotating and balance tires.
Transmission Fluid (automatic transmission)
Inspect: Usually the transmission
fluid level is checked with the engine hot and in park, and with
engine running. Check your owner's manual for proper fluid
type and proper fluid level inspection procedures. Automatic
transmission fluid is usually pink in color. Most standard shift
transmissions will have a drain plug to service the fluid. Some
stick shift transmissions use engine oil as a lubricant; consult
your owner's manual when servicing. It could also be a good
idea to have the replacement fluid type information available for
the repair shop.
Replace: Consult vehicle owner
manual for proper fluid type and service interval. If applicable,
replace the internal automatic transmission filter or clean the
re-usable screen when changing the transmission fluid. A
transmission pan gasket will also be required during a filter
change. Some newer model vehicles require special additives
Windshield Wiper Blades
Inspect: Check wiper blades for
wear and washer fluid level during a regular oil and filter
change. Don't make the mistake of never thinking about
replacing or inspecting the wiper blades until you really need
them.
Replace: Some wiper blades are
different lengths for driver and passenger side. Measure old
blades before replacing with new ones. Manufactures like Anco,
offer many different premium replacement wiper blade types (i.e.
for snow and ice, off road, and severe duty).
Windshield Washer Fluid Check level. Anti-freezing
and water repelling additives can also be added to the washer
fluid reservoir. Not only will washer fluid aid in removing dirt
from the windshield, but also it will act as a lubricant to
prolong the life of the wiper blade. Adding rubbing alcohol to
the washer fluid can be harmful to the rubber on the wiper
blades.
Exterior Care Regular car washes can remove air
borne chemicals through "acid rain" that get deposited
onto the paint surface, and dull the layer of "clear
coating" that is meant to protect the paint and help promote
shine and luster. Car wash soap should be used and not dish or
household soaps, as their chemical makeup can damage the clear
coat.
Semi-annual waxing of the exterior paint surface will help
to protect this important clear coat. A new wax that seems to be
taking the car detail market by storm is WWW.5StarShine.com
Lights and Bulbs Save yourself the
hassle of failing a vehicle inspection or being pulled over by
the police for a tail or brake light bulb out. Have all lights
checked when performing a regular engine oil change.
Front End Alignment - The front end
components of a vehicle can be out of alignment, but not give any
indication or warning signs. Shimmying and shakes in the front
end are usually not caused by the car being "out of
alignment," but by out of balance or lack of rotation with
the tires. The vehicle pulling to one side, or unusual tire wear
are the two most common "out of alignment" warning
signs. Check the alignment and all wearable parts in the front
end periodically. Always have the front end aligned when
replacing tires. A front end alignment is commonly referred to as
a "four wheel alignment" these days. Some adjustments
to the rear alignment are available on most newer model vehicles,
thus the term four wheel alignment.
