Important Facts about Vehicle Maintenance

Your Automatic Transmission

Nearly nine out of ten transmission failures are due to overheating and fluid
contamination, according to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders
Association. Just like the oil in your car’s engine, automatic transmission fluid
(ATF) suffers from heat, friction and additive breakdown. Once this process
starts, your transmission’s vital parts can begin to accumulate sludge and
varnish deposits, leading to clogged filters and poor lubrication and cooling of
the transmission. You can add years of life to your transmission by having all
the fluid replaced with an approved fluid exchange machine and replacing the
transmission filter.

Your Power Steering System

At one time or another, most drivers encounter a power steering problem with
their vehicle. Anything from fluid leaks, stiff steering when cold, to noise when
turning the wheel. When you turn the steering wheel all the way to one side,
high pressure builds in the steering system, causing the power steering fluid
to overheat over time. Power steering fluid starts out clear and will turn dark
from heat, age, and additive breakdown, reducing the cooling and lubrication
qualities of your power steering fluid and possibly lead to costly repairs such
as pump, rack and seal failures. By changing the power steering fluid every 2
years, you reduce the chances of a major repair bill and add dependability to
your vehicle.


Cooling System

Whenever a fluid comes in contact with metal, electrochemical degradation
occurs, resulting in a higher than normal level of acid. This higher acid level, if
left unchanged, can result in costly repairs. For most cars with standard,
ethylene-glycol-based antifreeze (green in color), your car’s cooling system
should be flushed every 2 years or 30,000 miles. This helps reduce the acid
level and extends the life of key cooling system parts like the water pump,
radiator, hoses, heater core, and more.

Other Preventive Maintenance Tips

• Inspect windshield wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield
  smearing.
  
• Check tire inflation monthly. Underinflated tires waste fuel and cause
  uneven tire wear. Underinflated tires can lead to tire overheating and
  complete tire failure.    
  
• Inspect drive belts every time the oil is changed and replace when they
  show any signs of cracking or wear.
  
• Check battery cables and connections for corrosion and clean if needed.
  
• Check all vehicle lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals,
  parking lights, license plate lights and marker lights.
  
• Keep a file for each of your vehicles so you have access to what work
  was done although most shops will keep all your vehicle history for you.
  

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