Back in the day, semi-annual tune-ups were a way of life. But in our millennial universe, the tune-up seems to have gone the way of the landline. Although carmakers would like consumers to believe that their cars are maintenance free, that’s not the case.
There is a difference between a car being able to be emissions compliant for its first 100,000 miles, and maintaining like-new performance. While few of the parts on a new car require routine replacement, keeping up with fluid changes, tire rotation, and wheel alignment is still important.
As complex as today’s cars seem to be, routine maintenance is still relatively simple. Most of the following procedures are easy enough to do at home with a few hand tools. All will make a significant difference in your vehicle’s longevity.
1. Change the oil and clean the air filter.
Oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle because it prevents engine damage from extensive internal friction. Today oil change intervals are considerably longer than they used to be, so you may be able to get away with 5,000-mile intervals versus the 2,000 we used to recommend. Your owner’s manual will recommend the proper viscosity rating for your vehicle.
If you like to push the performance envelope, consider using synthetic oil that is less likely to break down under extreme heat. At the same time, check the condition of the vehicle’s air cleaner. Some air filters require replacement while others can simply be cleaned. If you live in an area such as the Southwest where there’s a lot of dust in the air, it’s important to make sure that the air filter can do its job to prevent dirt from making its way into the engine.
2. Check tire pressures at least once a week and rotate the tires every other oil change.
A ten-degree change in ambient temperature will result in a one-pound change in air pressure inside the tire. Check tire inflation pressures at least once a week: more if there are severe temperature swings in your area or if you are driving up to altitude. Rotating the tires every other oil change will further extend tire life by preventing uneven wear. Consult your owner’s manual or a shop manual for tire rotation instructions if you have a vehicle with different size tires on the front and rear or a four-wheel drive vehicle.
3. Flush and refill the coolant every two years.
Coolant systems on new cars are closed, so your car won’t lose coolant unless there’s a leak. But the coolant itself has a lifespan of about two years, after which its chemical properties change. Flushing and refilling the coolant system every couple of years is cheap insurance against engine overheating. It also helps the car’s heating and cooling systems work at their best, since both depend on the radiator to help regulate temperature. At the same time, pressure check the radiator cap and do a visual inspection of coolant system hoses for signs of wear such as cracking or bloating.
4. Flush and refill brake fluid every two years.
Brake fluid can become contaminated by dirt and exposure to air, hence this recommendation. If you experience symptoms such as a spongy brake pedal (or the pedal drops to the floor), it may be the symptom of a bad master cylinder or a leak in the system. Brake pads have an audible sensor to let the vehicle owner know that replacement is necessary. Ignore the warning and you could score the rotors that are much more expensive to replace. Antilock braking systems work under very high pressures, so be sure to consult a shop manual about maintenance procedures before opening up the system.
5. Wax the exterior at least once a year.
A hard wax coating will prevent acid rain damage to the vehicle’s exterior. Keeping your car clean not only helps to maintain its appearance, it also extends fuel economy. You will never see an engineer bring a dirty car into the wind tunnel.
