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Certainly, cars are one of the biggest investments that anyone makes. Critical for getting to work on time, getting children to school, and completing all the errands that make homes run smoothly, preventative maintenance is one of the key components to making sure that the investment you have made in your car lasts as long as possible. Consider these recommendations for the timing of preventative maintenance for the cars you own:
• Oil filters. The oil filter is a key component in the engine system as it sifts out contaminants than can cause damage to a variety of parts in the engine. While many manufacturer’s manuals suggest that changing the oil filter at every other oil change is the minimum, there is no reason not to replace it at every oil change.
• Oil. Nothing creates so much discussion as when to change the oil in your car. Most manufacturer’s recommend changing the oil every 3,000 to 7,500 miles – or at least once a year. The lower range of mileage – usually 3,000 miles – is for what is considered “severe” driving conditions. What may surprise you is that most of us drive this way. Trips of less than seven miles, dust, cold or pulling a trailer are all factors that are considered “severe.” If that fits your car driving habits, then ask your West Park or Parma car mechanic to complete an oil change every 3,000 miles.
• Transmission fluid. Transmission fluid maintenance is a bit tricky. If you can have it changed every 25,000 miles, that is preferred, but if you haven’t, many expert auto mechanics say to leave it alone. Why? Deposits in the transmission may break loose with the addition of new fluid and cause the control values to jam.
• Radiator maintenance. Keeping your engine cool and preventing freezing is important to making sure that your car is drivable in all types of weather. Radiator coolant levels should be checked regularly and changed every three years or 30,000 miles. There are some types of coolants that can last five years and up to 150,000 miles. Check with your car mechanic to see what type of coolant is best for your vehicle and driving practices.
Taking the time to care for your car can extend it’s life for years. By regularly following a preventative maintenance schedule, you can expect that your car will perform flawlessly and easily carry you and your family wherever you need to go.