 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
• Engine oil and filter: Change both every 3,000 miles. If you drive less than 12,000 miles a year, we suggest that you change your oil and filter every 90 days (3 months) to prevent acidic impurities, created by stop and start driving, from causing damage to bearing surfaces. See our Oil Change Time Calculator for time information. If the color of the oil is dirty and dull, it is time to be changed no matter how long or how many miles since the last change. A burned odor to the oil is a good indication of extreme heat at the bearing surfaces. Check the cooling system and change the oil and filter! Regular oil changes are cheap insurance against damage from oil breakdown and offer visual information that the Engine Internal Lubrication process is working as it should.
• Tire and wheel inspection: Every 7,500 miles minimum; look for cuts, bruises, proper inflation, normal wear (uniform) and improper wear that would indicate possible attention to the front end of your car. Rotate the tires. Change them if needed. See our U.S And Metric Tire Size Information Calculator for more information. • Chassis, steering, suspension inspection and lubrication: At each oil change, if vehicle is equipped with grease fittings. See our Extreme Caution Warnings and Early Problem Detection for more information. • Transmission fluid and filter: Complete flush of fluid change every 60,000 miles, though perhaps more often here in the desert due to the heat. The filter and any gaskets or seals required should also be changed to prevent leaks. Transmission fluid is generally translucent and bright red in color if it is new and clean. (New transmission fluid is actually clear but there is a dye in it to differentiate the appearance from motor oil.) It normally turns darker in color all the way to tan or brown with age and use. If it gets to a very dark brown or muddy appearance and has a burned odor to it, it is without a doubt, time for a change! It is best not to wait that long. A pink color usually indicates water or other contaminants in the fluid and might be a good indicator to carefully inspect the transmission for further damage. • Cooling system flush and fill: Every 30,000 miles, regardless of the type or brand of antifreeze. See our Cooling Systems and Extreme Caution Warnings pages for more information. • Transfer case, differential and manual transmission: Change fluid every 30,000 miles; change the gaskets and seals if leaks are apparent. • Drive train supporting components: Check universal joints, drive shaft, CV joints, differential or transaxle every 12,000 miles. • Spark plugs, tune-up and engine performance check: Standard plugs every 25 to 30,000 miles, platinum plugs every 50 to 75,000 miles (especially in our desert environment, even if they say good for 100,00 miles). Spark plugs MUST be properly gapped and the appropriate size and type for the vehicle and your type of driving. Proper engine tuning will assist in fuel economy and better performance. Other appropriate tune-up parts should be checked and replaced if needed. See our Gas Mileage Calculator to calculate your mileage. • Oxygen sensor: Follow the owner's manual recommended interval, or at least every 75 to 100,000 miles. • Air filter: Change once each year or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first; more often if vehicle is operated on dirt roads or in dusty conditions. For every gallon of gas your engine burns, your air filter cleans 10,000 to 12,000 gallons of air. That's a lot of cleaning. As a general rule, the air filter being dirty does not cause your engine to run poorly until it is almost completely blocked but does rob you of fuel mileage that pays for the filter many times over with the current price of gas. Change your filter regularly here in the desert! • PCV valve: Change once each year or every 60,000, whichever comes first. • Fuel filter or filters (it is possible more than one is installed): Every 30,000 miles; more frequently if impurities or condensation are detected. • Serpentine belt: Change when there are more than three cracks per inch across drive surface of belt, or at 75,000 miles. • Friction belts: Fan, A/C, alternator, oxygen pump, power steering, and other external belts should be changed as cracks appear on any part of the belt, or as a glaze appears on the friction area, or at about 40,000 miles. • Radiator cap, thermostat and cooling system hoses: Inspect every 15,000 miles, change when obvious degeneration, swelling or leakage is noted or at every second or third cooling system service, between 60 to 90,000 miles. • Battery, battery cables and connections: Inspect at each oil change or 3,000 miles; disassemble and clean at least once per year. See our Extreme Caution Warnings for more information. • Windshield wipers: Install new refills once per year; even though our rainfall is infrequent in the desert, the extreme heat often causes the blades to crack, brake or adhere to the windshield. • Brakes and brake fluid: Bleed and flush every 30,000 miles or at least every two years. Most brake fluid is generally clear to amber in color. If upon inspection, the fluid is very dark or brown in color, it is time for a change. If there is obvious water in the fluid, service the brakes and look for the source of the moisture. Service the brakes at the first sign of a leak. If parts are needed, replace them. See our Brake Service page for more information. • Power steering system: Flush and fill every 50 to 60,000 miles or at any sign of reservoir or hose leaks. Power steering fluid is usually clear to amber in color if good. Very dark brown or black fluid colors are general indicators of fluid contamination from moisture, hoses or gaskets, and should be a warning to service the steering system soon. • Fuel injection cleaning: From manufacturer to manufacturer, injector guidelines are very different. Follow the owner's manual unless a symptom of a fouled injector is evident. Add fuel system cleaner to a tank of fuel every 4,000 miles or at least three or four times per year. Poor injector performance yields poor fuel economy and robs the engine of power. See our Fuel System Information page for more information about injection. • Carburetor cleaning and adjustment: From manufacturer to manufacturer, carburetors are unique but all require periodic adjustment and cleaning. Follow the owner's manual unless a symptom of an obvious problem is detected. Add fuel system cleaner to a tank of fuel every 4,000 miles or at least three or four times per year. A dirty carburetor or one poorly adjusted, yields poor fuel economy and robs the engine of power. See our Fuel System Information page for more information about carburetion. • Exhaust system: Check every 12 months or 12,000 miles, or at the sound of unusual noise or visible exhaust gases. • Tire rotation: Every other oil change, 6 to 8,000 miles. • Tire balance and front end alignment: As needed, determined by wear observation and the feel of the vehicle while driving. Replacement is governed by the weakest place or worst wear location on the tire. • Front and rear brake adjustment (drum brakes only): Inspect and manually adjust at each tire rotation. See the Brake Service page for more information. • Front and rear disc brakes: Inspect at each tire rotation; replace as needed. • Door and window rubber gaskets: Spray and wipe with silicone aerosol four time per year, at the change of each season. • Door, hood and trunk hinges and latches: Spray with lubricant four times per year, at the change of each season. • Air conditioning condenser and radiator air surfaces: Clear debris from in front and between at least twice per year. Check the entire system at least once a year, perhaps more frequently in harsh environments such as ours. See our other Air Conditioning Service information, based on questions we hear often. • Cabin air filter, if vehicle is so equipped: Replace at least once per year; twice a year if driving in dusty conditions. • Wash the vehicle, including the vehicle underside, all wheelwells, the bottom of doors, jams and other unseen areas: Twice per month in winter, frequently in summer. This is particularly important in salt air areas and snow conditions. |