Newsletter - January 2005

From the Mechanical Shop

Preventative maintenance and why do I need it?

Today's cars seem to be more dependable. Just fill them up with gas every so often and off you go. Many of the manufacturers claim to have cars that require very little, if no maintenance. As with any machine, normal maintenance is required.

So what about the commercials saying this car doesn't need a tune up for 100,000 miles, or the one that says the coolant is good for 5 years? As consumers have become savvy in regards to the operating costs of a vehicle, the manufacturers have structured their maintenance schedules (you know, the one in your owner's manual) to be able to claim, “Our car requires less maintenance than the competition”. Keep in mind the car manufacturer has a vested interest in your car not lasting forever. There are several items that almost never show up on a maintenance schedule. Alignments and fuel filters often are omitted from a maintenance schedule and many specify inspection of the coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid or other items that should be replaced and guess what? After the dealer inspects them, they recommend replacement. This allows them to quote a lower price and add to it after you have the car in.

At Addison Auto Center, we will help you keep your car in top condition and recommend maintenance based on the maintenance schedule AND our experience. For example, by replacing your fuel filter at least every 30,000 miles, your fuel pump will last longer because it doesn't have to work as hard to pump the fuel through a clogged filter.  By servicing your transmission regularly (also every 30K), the fluid stays cleaner and the internal parts wear less. This is exactly why you should keep your vehicle's maintenance up-to-date. While flushing the brake fluid may not seem important, flushing the system removes moisture that can accelerate wear and corrosion of brake system hydraulics causing premature failure.

While some vehicles seem to get by with little or no maintenance, you still run the risk of substantial repairs due to lack of maintenance. One of the more recognized maintenance items is the timing belt. Many of today's cars have them and most consumers know they require replacement at specific intervals. Neglecting this part can often result in a costly repair or even ruin an engine. As a rule of thumb, you should schedule your vehicle's maintenance, rather than letting your maintenance schedule you! It is proven that a car is less expensive to maintain than it is to repair. Taking into consideration budgeting, rental car expense, tow bills and the lost sale because the car quit on the way to an important client, you can see how the incidental expenses increase quite quickly.