Buying gas versus car maintenance

I know gas is sky high. With 6 or 8 cars in a business and family it can be quite a bill. But you would never neglect your physical health no matter what else you had to not pay. If you plan on keeping your car there are certain things that have to be done at certain times or your cars health will suffer. You know most of them but I going to go over the list anyway.

1) oil and filter – 4,000 miles (5,000 with synthetic oil)

2) tire rotation – every second oil change

3) fuel filter – 25,000 miles

4) transmission fluid and filter – 25,000 miles

5) air filter – use a bright flashlight – is light visible through the element? If is is totally dirty on the outside or oil residue – replace. Normal conditions would warrant replacement every other oil change.

6) Wiper blades – when streaking or at least every spring.

7) engine coolant – 3 years with extended (even if it says 5) – 2 years with regular green antifreeze.

8) serpentine belt – typically 45,000 miles or 3 years.

9) coolant hoses – every 5 years – includes heater hoses and radiator hoses

10) brake fluid flush – 4 to 5 years

11) pcv valve – 5 years

Now these are the typical replacement intervals for normal use. Severe duty will shorten these intervals. Email service@trucktechautoandrv.com if you think your vehicle use is in the severe duty category.

These are simple – inexpensive maintenance requirements that will greatly extend your vehicle’s life. Even if you are not planning on keeping the car it will sell quicker to someone if they know the maintenance that was performed on it. Keep good records whether you do the maintenance or whether a shop does the maintenance. This will help the car to sell more quickly.