Perform Your Own Automobile Maintenance

 by:

David Maillie

Today's cars can typically be expected to pass the 200,000

mile mark with consistent automobile maintenance. With the price of

automobiles, you will want to protect that investment by performing

regular maintenance. If you can do much of the work yourself, you will

save a lot of money in labor. Invest in a good set of tools and choose

quality parts when performing your own automobile maintenance.

If you have some skill, but want to learn more look for

courses in general repairs and maintenance. These can often be found at

your local community center, Community College or an automotive technical

school in your area. Consider investing in a good repair manual for your

car, such as a Chilton's manual. The internet is a good place to look for

articles and information. There are many sites devoted to auto repair and

maintenance.

You will want to keep track of all maintenance performed

on your car. You can do this in a log, a notebook or on your home

computer. There is software available to help you keep track of

maintenance. These programs track repairs, maintenance, replacement parts

used on the vehicle and fuel consumption. You can use the same software

for multiple vehicles.

Most software allows you to create a service schedule and

will remind you when it's time to perform maintenance tasks on each

vehicle in your household. The software contains a wide variety of tips

for car care. In addition, many have reference and diagnostic tools to

help you diagnose various problems with your cars. Many companies offer a

free trial that can be downloaded on the internet. This allows you to try

out the program before investing your money.

Your owner's manual will give you some basic information

about when certain maintenance tasks should be done. Most tasks will be

listed according to the mileage on the car.

3000 Mile Maintenance

Change the oil in your engine every 3000 miles. The filter

should be changed at the same time. Newer synthetic oils are said to last

longer without breaking down. When you change the oil, check the fluids,

the air filter, tires, hoses and belts. At this time check the battery

cables and terminals for corrosion. This can be removed with a wire brush

or sandpaper.

5000-10,000 Miles:

Have your tires rotated and balanced every five to ten

thousand miles. This helps the tires wear evenly and extends the life. The

best tires should be put in the front of the car. Check the tire pressure

regularly and check the tread for signs of uneven wear or damage.

15,000 Miles:

Change the air filter every 15,000 miles. A clean air

filter improves the fuel economy of your car. A dirty air filter can cause

the engine to run rough and stall. At this time you should also check the

pads and shoes on your brake system. Check the brake fluid and top it of,

as needed. The fluid should be clear. If you notice noise when the brakes

are applied or the steering wheel shakes or vibrates, this can be an

indication that the brakes need replacing. In this case, don't wait check

the brakes and replace as needed.

30,000 Miles:

Check the fluid level on your transmission. The owner's

manual will have information about the kind of fluid that should be used

in your car. The manual should have directions on how to drain and replace

the fluid. The pan gasket should be changed when the fluid is drained.

Also at this time, give the car a tune up. Replace all spark plugs and

wires.

50,000 Miles:

Change the coolant at 50,000 miles. See the owner's manual

for directions on how to perform this task.

Remember to take care of your car's finish. You want the

paint to remain in good condition for as long as possible. Wash the car

regularly, even in the winter when salt from the roads can ruin the

finish. Apply wax to protect the paint from the sun, salt and weather

conditions. Don't neglect the headlights, which can become cloudy and

won't operate as well. New Lite Headlight Cleaner and Restorer will return

cloudy headlights to like new condition. Learn more about this product at

http://www.mdwholesale.com

About The Author

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience

in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell

University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private,

and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his

recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be

reached at M.D. Wholesale:

http://www.mdwholesale.com

.