Minimizing Vehicle Breakdown: Regular Maintenance Prevents Problems

Have you ever paid dearly for car repairs that could have been avoided because of neglecting your vehicle maintenance completely?

Remember that even if you have a brand-new vehicle you cannot be assured that you can avoid breakdown, that's why it's a must, that you practice preventive maintenance in order to extend the life of your vehicle at the same time minimize your visits to repair shops due to breakdowns. Also your vehicle must be properly maintained so that it will function as it should be.

The following advices are the most common and vital of a variety of preventive maintenance practices, it will cut down your visits to repair shop and to have an almost trouble free driving...

Perform common services (i.e. oil change, tune-up, and lube job) in routine intervals. If you neglect any of these crucial items, your engine will not make the most of its performance and you'll cause excessive wear on key components.

Once a month, check the engine cooling system components. This involves checking the radiator fluid level, radiator hoses for cracks, and clearing away any debris from the front of the radiator, by using pressurized water. The radiator/cooling system must be functioning properly in order to keep your engine from overheating. Also, while driving, occasionally have a glance at the engine temperature gauge to check that it's not reading within red zone.

Once a month, examine all belts for cracks and frays. If any belts look worn, have them replaced as soon as possible. If a belt breaks while you're driving, you'll generally be stranded.

Every month, check the tire pressure, it is estimated that there is a 5% loss in tire pressure monthly. By means of tire pressure gauge measure your tires if within the recommended pressure. Manufacturer's tire pressure rating is indicated on vehicle's user manual for the correct pressure reading. Tires within the correct tire pressure will extend its life.

Replace the air filter once a year or more often if you drive in dusty conditions. Air filters are very inexpensive and simple to replace. A clean air filter will keep contaminants from entering your engine. Such contaminants (e.g. dirt) will accelerate internal engine wear.

Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush, ones every two months. If your battery is not sealed, check the fluid level and if necessary, fill the cells with distilled water. The last thing you want is to not be able to start your engine due to a failed battery.

Every 80,000 km (50,000 miles) timing belt must be replaced. Why? Because, if the timing belt breaks while you're driving, the valves and the piston will be thrown out of synchronization and it will cause the engine to stop running. The pistons will slam into the valves - this generally ruins an engine. Replacing timing belt is absolutely mandatory.

If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, have the transmission fluid checked every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). By examining the color and smell of the transmission fluid, one can find out if the transmission is operating at too high a temperature (i.e. black or brown in color and having a burnt smell be a sign of this).

Examine the brake fluid level once a month. If it is low, most likely you have a leak in one of the brake lines or the master cylinder. Add brake fluid and take your vehicle in for a brake system check up at once.

Examine the power steering fluid level once every two months. If it is low, you probably have a leak in the power steering system and therefore should have it inspected as soon as possible. A failed power steering unit could spell disaster when driving at high speeds.

If you just purchased a new vehicle, make sure you break in the engine and transmission properly. Your dealer should have provided you with a guide for properly breaking in your new vehicle. By following this guide closely, you will set the proper pattern for reduced engine/transmission wear for the rest of the vehicle's life.

Maintain a records and receipts of all services performed. By making a conscious effort to document all services performed, you'll force yourself to stay up on various services that need to be done.

Finally, it cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to regularly change the oil. If you do nothing else in the way of preventive maintenance, at least do this. If you don't change the oil regularly you can be guaranteed your engine's life will be shortened.