Older Cars Need Basic Maintenance – Prevent The Need For A Breakdown Bailout!

During these economic times, we are holding on to our cars longer than we have in the past. That means that basic maintenance for your older car should be kept on a strict schedule so you can be sure “old faithful” will be in tip-top performance mode every day.

Recommended Car Maintenance Schedule

1. Each Time You Stop For Gas, You Should Do The Following:

• Top off your oil if it is low. If you have to do this often or if you notice that there are oil spots where you are parking, check for an oil leak.
• Fill the coolant for your car and always keep a check on the level for your coolant. If it looks dirty or brownish, change it out.
• Maintain your other vital fluids as well and check these at every gas stop. These don’t run out as often, but they MUST be checked often:

·         Check power steering fluid

·         Check brake fluid

·         Windshield fluid

1. Once A Week, Do The Following: 

• Check your car's tires for holes, belts showing through, air pressure, and wear. Do the “penny check” in the tire grooves. Have Lincoln's head facing the tread as you place the penny in the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then the tread is worn and the tires should be replaced. Check all the way around the tire because one side can be okay and the other side be worn. Inflate tires to the proper pressure – it will save you unnecessary wear and give you better gas mileage!  

3. Once A Month, Check These Vital Car Components:

Your car battery is of utmost importance to your car’s overall health. Use a high-quality battery tester, such as a Pro Circuit Products professional grade battery tester to keep an eye on your battery health and performance.

Also check the following car components for functionality:

• · license plate light
• · interior lights
• · side marker lights
• · headlights and high beams
• · parking lights
• · tail lights
• · brake lights
• · turn signal lights
• · reverse lights
• · instrument panel lights
• · hazard warning flasher.

If any lights are not working, replace the bulbs right away. Defective lights, particularly faulty turn signals or brake lights, can fetch you a ticket or worse, an accident.

4.    The Important 3000 Miles Checkup And Maintenance: 

Change your oil!

Car manufacturers generally recommend that you change your engine oil and filter every 3,000 miles.

Rotate your tires. At this time it is also a good idea to rotate your tires. While you have the wheels removed, you should check the brake systems.

          Inspect The Following:

•  Lines and hoses for proper installation, binding, leaks, cracks, and chafing.
• Disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface wear.
• Drum brake linings for wear and cracks.
• Parking brake adjuster for the need to tighten the cable.
• Check transaxle fluid. Fluid loss may indicate a serious problem, so check the system and repair as necessary.

2.     Bi-annual Car Maintenance: 

• Check window wipers. Replace all of the blades at the same time.
• Review your on-hand fluid inventory (oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc.) and replenish what you may need to fill vital fluids in your car. Brakes without brake fluid are NO GOOD! Keep a good stock of fluids your car needs.