When they've just been acquired from a dealership, new vehicles
usually run very smooth, the engine giving everything it has throughout
the RPM range, shocks are nicely absorbed by the struts and coils
wrapped into the suspension mechanism, and fuel consumption sticks to
the data found on the brochure. However as years pass, cars tend to grow
old just like we do; components start to gain wear and perform with
reduced efficiency.
Still, in the same way we take care of our
bodies in order to live past the average life expectancy number, proper
maintenance can keep a vehicle rolling the tarmac for years and
thousands of miles. Here are 4 key maintenance elements to consider if
you want your vehicle to run more than 100,000 miles.
1. Oil, Fluids and Filters
In
order to run, a car needs fuel. Also, it needs to breathe and to
provide minimum friction for the inner dynamic components of the engine.
That is why replacing fluids and filters and respecting maintenance
intervals are a critical step in ensuring an extended lifetime for any
vehicle. Normally, the only fluid that must be changed on a regular
basis is motor oil. Others, such as gearbox oil, coolant or brake fluid
must be refilled to their optimum level if the level drops; otherwise,
there is no need to tamper with them. Don't try to be cheap when
replacing motor oil on your car! Go for a product that matches settings
written in your car's service manual. Other oils may be cheaper or work
better in other vehicles but may produce lower performance on yours.
Replacing
motor oil means you will also have to replace the oil filter. Again,
don't try to save a few dollars by acquiring a cheaper, low quality
product; you will save more on the long run with a performance oil
filter. Remember that your car also owns a fuel filter, an air filter
and a particle filter. Remember to replace those as well, according to
the service interval mentioned in your car's service manual.
2. Brakes
Once
you've ensured your car is running smooth and at full capacity thanks
to its new filters and oil, it is highly recommended to make sure you
can get to a full stop just as well as you can accelerate. Again, take
your car's service manual and check the indicated maintenance period
regarding the vehicle's braking system. If there's none, make sure to
check the wear level of your brake pads and replace them when they
become thin. Also, after a few tens of thousands of miles, it is highly
recommended to replace your brake rotors as well; they may take longer
to wear but they aren't indestructible either.
3. Timing belt
A
timing belt that ruptures while the engine is running at a high RPM's
is a mechanical nightmare. If it happens, chances are your intake and
exhaust valves will damage, pistons may crack and your engine may have
to undergo a very expensive repair process. If your car features a chain
drive, you don't have to worry about this. Still, since there are many
cars using a timing belt, replacing your old belt with a new timing belt
kit on a regular basis is highly recommended. Replacement intervals
differ between car brands and models, so you'll have to look up yours in
the service manual or online. The interval is measured in miles, so
check your odometer from time to time.
4. Tires
Your
car's enhanced braking system is useless unless the vehicle has a
strong grip with the ground. Given that the only elements able to
provide such grip are the tires, make sure you keep an eye on their wear
level. Use a cheap tread-depth gauge to measure how much tread your
tires have left. A low tread increases chances of aquaplaning and tire
failure. Depending on where you live, season-appropriate tires should be
used; you should own a winter as well as a summer set of tires if you
live in a climate with four seasons.
Finally, remember to inflate
tires to the appropriate pressure mentioned by the producer. This will
ensure it will use the whole treat surface and increase mileage as well
as grip.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Antonie_G_Vastinar/1447440
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9194009
