The Citizen, 2019-04-25, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019.
Adhere to a maintenance schedule to cut costs
MS –The oft-sudden expense of
vehicle repairs can throw monthly
budgets into disarray. Maintaining a
routine service schedule is one way
to keep repair costs down.
The online automotive resource
Edmunds.com says many car owners
do not adequately prepare for
scheduled maintenance, and may not
give maintenance a thought until it’s
too late. The first step drivers take
upon purchasing a new or preowned
vehicle should be to familiarize
themselves with the vehicle’s
owner’s manual, which is filled with
valuable information and likely
includes maintenance interval
recommendations.
Next, drivers should learn about
their vehicle, which is particularly
relevant when buying a preowned
vehicle. Getting to know how the car
or truck rides, as well as any sounds
it may make, can provide drivers
with a solid foundation they can then
use to keep their cars running strong.
Routine service typically includes
tire rotation, oil changes and topping
off of fluids. So just how long
between service appointments can a
car go? Here are some generalized
estimates:
• Oil change:Oil chemistry and
engine technology have improved so
much that most cars can go well
beyond the once-recommended
interval between oil changes.
Drivers should err on the side of
caution if they do a lot of stop-and-
go driving and short trips. Other
drivers may want to invest in
vehicles that have oil change
maintenance minders built in. A
light or countdown will come on the
dashboard, indicating when the oil
has reached the end of its usefulness.
• Tire rotation:Rotating tires
helps prolong the life of the tires and
alleviates uneven tread and wear.
During the rotation, each tire is
removed and relocated to a different
position to ensure that all the tires
will wear evenly. Michelin Tires
states that tires should be rotated
around every six months.
• Vehicle fluids: Your best bet is
to see what the manufacturer
recommends in regard to fluids such
as transmission fluid, differential oil,
brake fluids, coolant, etc. Some
transmissions need regular
maintenance, while others can go
longer between changes, according
to the vehicle information site The
Drive.
For these types of changes, it may
be best to go to a mechanic or
service centre familiar with your
make and model rather than a quick-
lube center, as knowing when to
drain and refill can be more
complicated.
Service schedules can be designed
to adhere to manufacturers’
recommendations and drivers’
personal preferences.
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Follow the plan
From oil changes to tires to winter and spring maintenance packages, sticking to a scheduled
maintenance plan can not only extend the life of a vehicle dramatically, but can also avoid
untimely breakdowns that can throw budgets, plans and schedules into chaos. Regular fluid
checks and tire rotations can keep a car on the road longer. (MS photo)
See histories and
historic photographs
online at
stopsalongtheway.ca