Most Impactful Preventative Maintenace

"Sam Payne" (sampayne)
09/28/2013 at 11:32 • Filed to: MAINTENANCE

Lifehacker recently posted an article that is a great starting point for researching preventative maintenance, but I thought it would be great if we could publish a write-up on the most impactful or important preventative maintenance that really makes a huge different down the road (think costs now versus future peril avoided).

Here's a short list I have right now, upon which I will elaborate once I finish the article:

Changing timing belts on an interference-type engine

Changing ATF and/or gear lube

Checking coolant level

Checking brake master cylinder fluid level

Replacing brake pads

Rotating tires

Having a four-wheel alignment performed

Washing the car on a regular basis

What items have I left-off or neglected? I'd like this list to be exhaustive and accurate, and I can't think of a better way to do that than to make sure all Jalops can weigh-in.

DISCUSSION (12)

6cyl > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 11:36

Having you headlights properly aligned, checking tire pressure

JGrabowMSt > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 11:36

Something about checking the 710 once in a while. A dipstick is not just a synonym for jackass.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 11:37

Serpentine Belts are a lot eraser to replace and check and wear out faster.

Oil

Filters, Air and Oil

Air levels, tread depth, and any signs of dry rot on tires

Weather stripping

Wiper blades and fluid

Union of Smog Techs of CA > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 13:27

Checking the levels is nice and all, but people need to understand that systems like coolant and brake systems are sealed. If fluid is low there is a reason. Cooling systems must have proper pressure. The radiator cap regulates that pressure, I test many cars that have bad caps, you can tell because the hoses are hot but can be squeezed; no pressure.

Brake fluid goes low primarily because the pads wear low and therefore there is more room for the fluid to expand, if you add fluid at this point you will make a mess if you forget to take the excess back out when the pistons are depressed.

Oil leaks are often caused by improper PCV system flow, the oil gets contaminated by unburnt combustion gases, crankcase pressure can build and blow out rubber seals, contaminated oil also breaks down rubber.

Bushings, bushings, bushings. They wear out. Fix them, you'll be happy and your car will hold its alignment.

Don't ignore warning lights. They are there for a reason. Don't take the advice of people that tell you otherwise. If you get used to one code tripping the MIL, you might not notice when something serious pops up.

Learning how cars work is really the best preventative maintenance.

trynthink > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 13:35

Good start. I'd add replacing tires. Tires are expensive, but they are the only thing touching the road, so if they are worn out, braking and steering don't work too well, especially in the wet. And tires are much cheaper than an accident.

Sam Payne > Union of Smog Techs of CA
09/28/2013 at 17:13

I totally agree with you about the fluids. I was going to write not that you should just add fluid, but that a low fluid level, especially in your brake master cylinder, is indicative of a leak or some other malfunction in your system.

I didn't, however, know that worn brake pads were the common cause of lower master cylinder fluid level - but the way you explain it, it makes perfect sense!

Almost forgot about oil leaks: that stuff isn't normal!

Sam Payne > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
09/28/2013 at 17:14

Thanks for the tip about accessory belts. If those fail though, will damage follow?

Sam Payne > trynthink
09/28/2013 at 17:15

So true. I forgot to list it because it's so obvious! It is "where the rubber meets the road," right?!

Sam Payne > JGrabowMSt
09/28/2013 at 17:16

Lol, 710, haven't heard that one in a while. Yeah, I forgot to mention oil level, thanks!

Sam Payne > 6cyl
09/28/2013 at 17:16

I think I'll just have a separate section devoted to tires. Something as simple as proper tire pressure means your tires wear-out that much more slowly!

Union of Smog Techs of CA > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 17:37

Here's some light reading material for further smartification:

http://www.autoshop101.com/autoshop15.htm…

http://www.thelostartof.net/gsellstr/ASE%2… (change the number after /bookA_.pdf to switch to a different book 1-8, some are missing)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Sam Payne
09/28/2013 at 17:40

You lose the alternator (so your car will die), power steering, a/c.