Preventive Maintenance

Automotive breakdowns are minimized by an effective preventive maintenance program. Preventive maintenance is usually required for warranty purposes and extends the life of the vehicle. Preventive maintenance also helps keep operating costs low over the life of the vehicle. Most warranties require frequent preventive maintenance. If preventive maintenance is done at scheduled intervals the warranty company rarely has to pay anything out. Not only does the warranty company benefit from good preventive maintenance, but the car owner will enjoy extended vehicle life. Today's cars and light trucks often survive 200,000 miles with no major powertrain repairs if preventive maintenance is performed regularly. Service intervals recommended by manufacturers are based on a normal service or severe service schedule.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Spark plugs need to be serviced at regular intervals. Spark plugs provide the fire that ignites inside an engine As plugs age the gap on the end of the plug grows. Heat kills batteries! Lights are another preventive maintenance item. Low and high beam head lights, brake lights, turn signal bulbs, marker lights, tail lights and daytime driving lights should be changed when necessary. Oil filters should be changed at each oil change. Oil filters reduce engine wear by cleaning engine oil that circulates through the engine. Engine oil should be at the proper levels at all times and changed at the recommended service intervals. Lastly engine coolant must be kept at proper levels to ensure the cooling of the engine and prevent major damage to the engine block. Drive belts are another preventive maintenance item. Brakes and tires should be checked at regualar intervals.