Preventative Maintenance is regular maintenance of your vehicle that helps keep your automobile running efficiently and eliminates potential problems that may leave you stranded. Manufacturers know that a properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, last longer, and increase your satisfaction with their product.
Preventative maintenance includes:
Servicing Windshield Wipers
Tune-up or servicing/replacing spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor.
Replacing air filters
Engine oil change
Differential(s) gear oil change
Trans-axle oil change
Routine hose inspections
Battery servicing
Exterior drive belt replacement
Servicing/replacing transmission oil and filter
Timing belt replacement
Brake fluid flush
Power steering flush
Antifreeze replacement/flush
Rotate tires
Inspect exhaust system for leaks
Inspect brake linings brake rotor hydraulic lines calipers and wheel cylinders
Replace cabin air filter
Used car safety inspection
You may see your gas mileage decrease. Your vehicle may start running rough. If your check engine light comes on, that could also be an indicator that your vehicle needs a tune up. The owner’s manual that came with your vehicle may suggest a tune up at a certain mileage.
Prior to winter weather setting in, you should:
Check your antifreeze level and condition. Rust colored antifreeze means you may need to flush and refill the cooling system.
Check the level of your motor oil. If its been 3 months or 5,000 kilometers since your last oil change, it should be replaced.
Check your battery. Batteries that are weak can fail on a cold morning and your car won’t start.
Change your wiper blades to winter wiper-blades. These prevent ice build-up that can obstruct your view during operation in snow and ice conditions.
Check the condition of your tires. Tires that have worn tread can mean hydroplaning on road water and can lead to accidents.
Check your A/C operation. Your air conditioning will function in the defrost mode and is used to help defrost or remove moisture from the windshields - fogged up windows can be hazardous while driving.
Perform a brake inspection. A well operating brake system will help stop your car, especially during wet or snowy and icy conditions.
Prior to going on a trip, you should:
Check all lights. Check your headlights (high and low-beam), brake lights, turn signals, parking lamps and (if you have them) fog lights to make sure they are all operational. You should clean your headlights using glass cleaner to improve night visibility.
Check wiper blades. Inspect them for cracks or tears, and make sure they’re operational. If they’re in good shape, it’s still a good idea to clean the rubber blade with a little glass cleaner.
Check all hoses. Look for any cracks or holes in hoses, and replace any that are not in good shape.
Check all belts. Inspect all belts to ensure that none are worn, loose or frayed.
Inspect the battery. If there is corrosion on the terminals, you can clean it away with a toothbrush and a pasty solution of water and baking soda.
Check all fluids. Check the reservoirs to ensure that your coolant and wiper fluids are at the proper levels. Check your oil using the dipstick. Check transmission fluid, power-steering fluid and brake fluid. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for advice on checking all the fluids.
It is also a good idea to have a good set of basic tools and a emergency kit on hand. These can be purchased from most auto parts stores.
Remove any unwanted items from your vehicle and check tire pressures to save on fuel mileage.
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No, you don’t have to return to the dealership for maintenance or repairs. Summit Customs can perform all of the same routine maintenance that your dealer can. However, if you need warranty work done, Summit Customs will even contact the dealer for you to make sure the work is warrantable and then explain to you what needs to be done, so you can take it back to the dealer. Warranty work is generally free of cost, so it makes sense to get that work done at the dealer.
It is recommended that you get your oil changed every three months or every 5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. However some of the newer vehicles require frequent oil changes. Our helpful service staff can look into what the manufacturer states is appropriate for your vehicle.
The check engine light is one of the most vital components to a properly functioning vehicle. It alerts the driver of a potential problem on the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system (main computer). When the check engine light comes on, it means that a system in your vehicle - such as ignition, fuel injection, or emission control - is not operating efficiently, even though your vehicle seems to be running fine. If your check engine light comes on and it’s flashing, that indicates a more severe problem that should be checked out immediately to prevent damage to the catalytic converter (part of your exhaust system). When you experience a flashing light, minimize driving at high speeds, especially if you’re towing. When the check engine light comes on, there’s no need to panic, just make an appointment to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring your check engine light could severely damage engine components and cost you more money in the end.
- Will it hurt my engine if I drive my car when the check engine light is on?
- It is possible but not too likely. However, you do need to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. You may see a decrease in performance.
Brakes can squeak for a variety of reasons, but continuous squeals and grinding sounds may mean it’s time for new brake pads and shoes. Worn brakes can mean longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. Rotors and drums that are too thin may even become over-stressed and break. Remember, if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your brakes checked.
A brake job includes replacement of worn parts in order to restore the vehicle’s braking performance to new condition.
Brake components that should be replaced will obviously depend on the age, mileage and wear. During a brake job, all components should be checked and the replacement requirements will change from vehicle to vehicle. A brake inspection should include inspection of the brake lining, rotors and drums, calipers and wheel cylinders, brake hardware, hoses, lines, and master cylinder.
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6,000 miles - Whichever comes first. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.