The benefits of proper maintenance

The automobile is a truly amazing machine. It is expected to function under a wide range of weather conditions and other adverse conditions, yet it often is subjected to careless hard driving and indifferent maintenance. Recommended service intervals are often ignored by the same car owners that wouldn't let a week go by without vacuuming all the rugs in the house.

Today the automobile is an integral part of our life. We have come to rely on the proper functioning of the family car and seldom, if ever, make a time allowance in case the car should fail to start. We expect it to start and move every time, and fortunately, most of the time it does. However, the rare instance that it doesn't, causes the owner to forget the thousands of times it started without a problem. The irony is that, chances are, the car failed to start because of neglect.

A periodic maintenance program such as the one in this book can keep the car owner more aware of the condition of his or her car and will save money in three important areas - fuel economy, emissions and performance.

But the owner’s manual is different?
See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

We have provided a maintenance interval chart which is based on general industry standards. The time and mileage given are the most conservative figures (low end recommendations), and therefore should be sufficient to meet or beat most manufacturer's warranty requirements. If you have an owner's manual for your car, we would still recommend that you consult it and see what the manufacturer specifically recommends (there may be some odd or atypical components on your car that require special attention).

Because this chart is designed to cover all cars, we may have included items which are not applicable to your exact model (for instance, many cars use hydraulic valve lifters, making periodic adjustment of the valve clearance unnecessary). So when looking at items on the chart, remember to check if they are applicable to your car (using an owner's manual or a Chilton manual written specifically for your model).

Also, keep in mind that we may have included items which we believe are very important, even if your particular manufacturer does not. Brake fluid is one item of which not all manufacturers require periodic replacement in order to keep in warranty. But, that doesn't change the fact that brake fluid is hydroscopic meaning that it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. Over time moisture in the brake system will lead to corrosion and damage to internal parts. Also, a sufficient level of moisture in the fluid can dramatically lower its boiling point. Should temperatures during hard braking (mountain driving, trailer towing, racing, etc) allow the brake fluid to boil, you could experience a sudden and complete loss of braking ability. So if you plan on keeping a car for any length of time, and/or you use it under harsh conditions (such as towing or racing), you would be wise to follow our fluid replacement guidelines.

But the replacement part is different?

Another thing to remember is that maintenance intervals may vary with the type of replacement parts which are used. Spark plugs and synthetic oils are two good examples of this. Although we have suggested changing your oil and filter every 3,000 miles, use of a synthetic oil may allow you to lengthen or even double this mileage, IF your usage fits the proper patterns (highway miles, above freezing, with little stop - and - go and no excessive speeds . . . ). The recommendation we give for spark plugs is based on conventional plugs with an electronic ignition system, which probably covers most cars on the road. If you have an antique that uses a points ignition, well then you will probably have to replace the plugs more often. But, if you use special plugs, like the increasingly popular long - life Platinum plugs, you may easily be able to double the recommended replacement interval.

Is my driving "normal" or "severe"?

Sometimes we are puzzled at how manufacturer's chose the term "Normal" for the style of driving which most refer to in their maintenance charts as the opposite of "Severe." Check your owner's manual and you will likely see that you are NOT normal. Sorry to be the one to tell you, but it's probably true.

You see, to be "Normal" according to most manufacturer's driving and maintenance recommendations you would have to: Drive the car for more than 10 miles or so (to make sure it properly warms up) almost every time you start it (never under freezing conditions, but not in excessive heat, dry or dusty conditions either). Most miles would have to be on the highway, NOT stop - and - go (few red lights or stop signs), with no excessive idling (in traffic or curbside), but NOT at excessive speeds. Well, some of you reading this will find that this applies . . . but most wont.

If ALL of these conditions apply, then most manufacturers call your driving style "Severe" and lump it in with trailer towing, racing, cab or delivery driving or even police or fire car usage. The truth is that most usage probably falls somewhere in between. Actual severe usage, such as those that we have just listed, should require a LOT of attention to all of the various systems of a car (including early replacement of all fluids). But, the average person, who does not race or tow, will be fine with the 3,000 mile/3 month engine oil change and most of the other recommendations we have given. If you compare those recommendations with your manufacturer, you will probably find that they have listed those intervals for "SEVERE" usage and not "NORMAL." Maybe it is just a play on words. Just remember that it is your money (that you are driving around every day) and possibly even your life (kept safe by tires and brakes . . . ) so remember the general rule, maintenance is cheaper than repair. Don't be afraid of not being "Normal." Go ahead and admit that your driving is "Severe" and maintain your car to match.

Back to top of page

Return to iCARumba Car Care Encyclopedia index