| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | miles. Neglect it and face costly repairs and |
| Regular maintenance of your vehicle will extend its | | | | potentially fatal [to the car] consequences. |
| life perhaps well beyond what you or others may | | | | Drain the radiator — Periodically draining the |
| think is its normal lifespan. Today’s cars | | | | radiator and replacing the antifreeze will help flush |
| can easily top the 100,000 mile mark with many | | | | out rust and dirt particles that can clog up your |
| cars on the road exceeding 150,000, 200,000, | | | | cooling system. When the coolant’s rust |
| even 250,000 miles. Ask owners of high mileage | | | | inhibitors get used up then corrosion will show up |
| cars how they got to that point and most will | | | | within the radiator as well as in the engine block |
| point to their own rigorous and disciplined | | | | Change the spark plugs — Some |
| maintenance schedules as being the chief factor. | | | | manufacturers have installed long life spark plugs |
| By carefully and diligently following a maintenance | | | | meaning that changing spark plugs once every 60 |
| schedule, you can extend your vehicle’s life | | | | or even 90 thousand miles or more is a possibility. |
| too. Let’s take a look at several important | | | | Keep in mind that the longer your spark plugs sit |
| maintenance steps you must take in order to | | | | in place, the more difficult it may be to remove |
| avoid costly repairs and to help you hold onto | | | | them later. Optimally, replacing your spark plugs |
| your vehicle longer. | | | | once every 30 thousand miles is ideal. |
| Regular oil changes — The 30 minute oil | | | | Examine your exhaust system — Your |
| change specialists recommend that you change | | | | muffler, catalytic converter, and remaining |
| your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, while | | | | exhaust system parts can wear out. A poorly |
| some manufacturers state you only need to | | | | functioning exhaust system saps your engine of |
| change your oil once every 7,500 miles or six | | | | needed power. |
| months. Opt for more frequent changes than | | | | Wash and wax — Yes, your car may |
| lengthy manufacturer recommended intervals, but | | | | mechanically run well, but if the body falls apart, |
| change your oil [and oil filter] every 3,000 miles if | | | | then what do you have left? Regular washings |
| your car is subject to hard driving. | | | | and a once a year wax job should do the trick. |
| Change your air filter — Your engine will | | | | Other stuff — Replace your battery, fuel |
| run better and cleaner if you change your air filter | | | | filter, PCV valve, belts, and hoses as needed and |
| at least once per year; more so if you do a lot of | | | | every other part that wears out. Sensors come |
| stop and go driving or put on many more | | | | and sensors go; usually you will only have to |
| miles per year than average. | | | | replace your knock or oxygen sensors if and |
| Rotate your tires — Evenly wearing tires | | | | when a problem arises. |
| will help ensure that your car stops properly and | | | | Ultimately, refer to your manufacturer’s |
| stays on the road. Have your brakes and shocks | | | | repair book for guidelines as to when to perform |
| inspected too to avoid potential handling and | | | | maintenance. The key to extending your |
| control issues. | | | | vehicle’s life is in doing the maintenance |
| Transmission fluid — Your transmission | | | | when needed to head off costly repair bills. |
| isn’t guaranteed to run forever. Change | | | | Otherwise you will be neglecting your car to the |
| your fluid at manufacturer recommended | | | | point where it dies prematurely. |
| intervals, generally once every 30 or 60 thousand | | | | You can extend the life of your vehicle. |