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Click Here to Return to the 0 - 65k Maintenance Schedule

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* 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.

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.)


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. I have been using Wynn's differential fluid additives for years and strongly believe in their line of fluid additives.

Fuel Filter - Fuel filters become clogged with dirt and debris during normal operation and should be replaced to increase performance, extend fuel pump life, and aid in fuel economy.

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
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 and detergents---consult owner's manual for fluid specifications.

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 wiper blades, 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 car wax that seems to be taking the car detail market by storm is WWW.5StarShine.com Most car waxes and polishes last less than a year, but 5 Star boasts protection up to 5 years! be sure to check them out.

Distributor Cap/Ignition Rotor These items should be inspected/replaced when replacing spark plugs and spark plug wires, or when a "major tune-up" is called for. The distributor cap is where the other end of the spark plug wires connect to, and the ignition rotor in underneath the distributor cap. Some newer model vehicles do not have a distributor at all. These cars are designed with Distributor-less Ignition Systems (D.I.S.), and therefore do not have these parts.

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