.......... RECOMMENDED SERVICE SCHEDULE ..........
Check Monthly ...........................................................
Check engine light onCleaningLightsTire inflation and conditionWindshield washer fluid
Check Every 3 Months/3,000 Miles ..............................
Automatic transmission fluid
Battery and cables
Belts
Check engine light on
Engine air filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power steering fluid
Tire inflation and condition
Windshield washer fluid
Check Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles ..............................Automatic transmission fluidBattery and cablesBeltsChassis lubricationCheck engine light onPolishEngine air filterEngine oil and filterExhaustFuel FilterHosesLightsPower steering fluidTire inflation and conditionWinshield washer fluidWiper blades
Check Every 9 Months/9,000 Miles ..............................Automatic transmission fluidBattery and cablesBeltsCheck engine light onEngine air filterEngine oil and filterExhaustFuel filterHosesLightsPower steering fluidTire inflation and conditionWindshield washer fluid
Check Every 12 Months/12,000 Miles ..........................
Automatic transmission fluidBattery and cablesBeltsBrakesCabin air filterChassis lubricationCheck engine light onPolishCoolant (antifreeze)Engine air filterEngine oil and filterExhaustFuel filterHosesLightsPower steering fluidSpark plugsSteering and suspensionTire inflation and conditionWindshield washer fluidWiper blades>>>>> GO BACK TO MAIN MENU >>>>>
What Does It Do?
Critical parts of your engine are lubricated, cleaned and cooled by your car's oil and filter. Other specifically formulated fluids are used for the operation and protection of systems and components such as brakes, power steering, automatic transmissions, and cooling and axles. Your car may also be equipped with a variety of filters including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation.
Why Do I Need This Service?
Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside. Dust, metallic shavings, condensation and even antifreeze can contaminate motor oil. Additives, which break down over time, are also subject to contamination. Other car fluids may require periodic replacement. For example, the majority of automatic transmission failures are heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid breaks down rapidly when subjected to high temperatures. Your car owner's manual may specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system because contaminated brake fluid may lead to erosion and other problems in the hydraulic system, especially, on cars with antilock brakes (ABS).
What is a Typical Service?
Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles or three months. Many car manufacturers recommend extended oil drain intervals for some drivers.
If you regularly make short trips in your car, drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air conditions, tow a trailer or live in a cold-weather region- stay with the 3,000-mile/three-month schedule.
For automatic transmissions, brakes, power steering and axles, vehicle-specific fluids should be used.
Coolant should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles on cars with ethylene glycol antifreeze.
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What Does It Do?
The brake system is your car's most important safety system. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair so that your car can continue to operate as designed.
Why Do I Need This Service?
Brakes are a normal wear item for any any car. Eventually, they're going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Planning can also save you money - your brakes won't get to the "metal-to-metal" point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement.
Your car owner's manual might specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system. Contaminated brake fluid may lead to erosion and other problems in the hydraulic system, especially on cars with antilock brakes (ABS).
What is a Typical Service?
Brake linings, drums and rotors, and brake fluid should be inspected at each oil change.
It's always best to be able to plan ahead for brake work by knowing the brake condition as your car ages.
A typical brake job consists of brake pad and/or shoe replacement, along with related hardware. Depending on the condition or thickness of the drums or rotors, machining or replacement may be necessary.
The parking brake should also be checked for proper operation and adjustment. In some cases, the parking brake shoes/pads may need replacement.
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What Does It Do?
A proper and routine tune-up allows your engine to work hand-in-hand with the rest of your car's powertrain. This is how optimum car performance is achieved.
Why Do I Need This Service?
A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. Modern engines compensate for worn parts to a degree, giving you the sense that everything is fine with your car. A routine tune-up will restore your car to its normal operating state, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the engine and emissions system.
What is a Typical Service?
Based on spark plug type, the replacement interval can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
Replace any other ignition system and/or emissions system parts that may be needed or recommended.
Replace the fuel and air filters.
Adjust ignition timing and idle speeds (if applicable).
Ensure the onboard computer control system is working properly.
Did you know?
Routine tune-ups and engine performance checks can be your best assurance of good performance and fuel economy. A healthy running engine maximizes the life of expensive emission system components.
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Whatever your travel plans may be in the summer (the beach, wine country, fishing, boating, camping, etc.) or in the winter (ski trip, family get-together, shopping) you should take a few minutes of your time to do a vehicle check to make sure its ready to get you there.
Battery and Battery Cables
Ask your technician to test the battery. Check the cables for signs of corrosion, cracks and dirt.Brake pads and linings
The brake system is the car's most important safety system. Have the brake pads, linings, drums, rotors and fluids fully checked by a qualified technician.Cooling System
Flush and refill the radiator according to the manufacturer's specifications. This service should include replacing the pressure cap and adding anti-freeze if necessary. A quality repair shop has a tool that can check your car’s antifreeze/coolant to make sure that it will provide adequate freeze protection.Engine Light
A "Check Engine" ligh on is a sign of a problem and should never be ignored. The light tells you there may be a problem with your car's engine and powertrain control system. Make sure to have a qualified technician inspect your vehicle as soon as it turns on.Fluids
There are several fluids, in addition to antifreeze, that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.Heater and Defroster
Have a qualified technician to perform a complete heating system inspection including the belts and hoses.Hoses and Belts
A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.Lighting
Test all the lights including brake lights, turn signals and fog lights to make sure they are working properly.Tires
Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.Tire Chains (Winter)
Weather and road conditions can change suddenly if you are traveling in the mountains or the foothills. Always keep chains handy and learn how to install them.Wipers
Although climates vary, wipers generally need replacing every six months. An easy reminder is to change wiper blades in the spring and fall when you change your clock. Be sure the windshield washers are working properly, too, and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.In addition to have your vehicle inspected, remember to:
1) Keep your gas tank at least half-full, especially when driving at night or in bad weather conditions.
2) Carry a cell phone with a fully charged battery in case of an emergency.
3) Carry a safety/emergency kit in the trunk of your car with the following itemsFirst aid supplies
Jumper cables
Flashlight and extra batteries
Tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, wrench, etc.)
Windshield ice scraper
Battery-powered radio with spare batteries
Bottled water and non-perishable food
Highway safety flares in good condition
Blanket and warm clothing
Replacement electrical fuses
You should plan ahead and make an appointment to perform a safety inspection to make sure your vehicle is in good traveling condition. A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable, it also provides peace of mind.
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What Does It Do?
Your car's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps your car interior comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. The HVAC system also helps improve defroster operation.
Why Do I Need This Service?
Proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting. The HVAC system will work as designed when you need it if you perform this service.
What is a Typical Service?
A through inspection of your car's HVAC system should be performed annually.
A service technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.
If the system is found to be low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak.
Refrigerant may be added if necessary to "top off" the system (some states do not allow "topping off").
A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross-contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.
A/C service should also include a check of the compressor's drive belt and tension.
What Does It Do?
The "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" orange light on your car's dashboard became standard on all car makes and models in 1996. The light tells you there's a problem with your car's engine and powertrain control system.
Why Do I Need This Service?
An illumninated "check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light indicates a problem detected by your car's onboard diagnostic system (OBD). The light cannot indicate the exact nature of the problem - only the right training and diagnostic equipment can do that.What is a Typical Service?
A flashing light indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate attention, whereas a steady light can be diagnosed at the first convenient opportunity. A technician connects a "scan tool" to your car's onboard diagnostic system to determine the problem. Further testing and diagnostics may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. Once the problem is pinpointed, repairs are made and the light is reset.Did you know?A loose gas cap can trigger the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light. Make sure the cap is secure and tight.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHEEL ALIGNMENTWhat Does It Do?
Maintaning your car's wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety.
Why Do I Need This Service?
Normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car's steering and suspension system. Hitting a pothole, a curb or going over railroad tracks can throw alignment settings out of specifications, can affect wheel alignment angles and can damage steering and suspension parts.What is a Typical Service?
Have your car's alignment checked at least annually. Make sure it's a four-wheel alignment, whether car, light truck or SUV. Your technician will make adjustments to the camber, caster, toe and thrust angle. Have the alingment checked at the first sign of abnormal tire wear or improper vehicle handling. A wheel alignment is a good service to request as an insurance policy when you purchase a set of new tires.
TIRE SERVICE
WhatDoes It Do?
Your car's tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety. Tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions.
Why Do I Need This Service?
To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and have the tires rotated and balanced. Tire replacement may be necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. Insome cases, tread punctures cannot be repaired.
What is a Typical Service?
Check inflation pressure at least once a month (including the spare). Have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Rotation time also serves as a good opportunity to have the tires balanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts, and wheel balance can chage as a result of normal tire wear. On full-time four-wheel drive vehicles, a difference of only 1/4 inch between the outside circumference of the front and rear tires can cause expensive damage to the transfer case or center differential. Rotating the tires to keep their sizes equal is critical on these vehicles, and replacing all four tires at the same time, rather than just the front or rear tires, is high recommended. Uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alingment problem. Have your car's alignment checked at least once a year.