Vehicle Maintenance
Driving costs also are affected by how well your vehicle runs. Performing regular maintenance not only ensures more efficient vehicle operation, but
can help prevent costly repairs down the road.
Here are some things to keep an eye on to make
sure your vehicle stays in tip-top shape. Before performing
any maintenance, read your owner’s manual to
become familiar with your vehicle’s specific requirements
and take proper safety precautions.
Fluids
- Engine oil: Lubricates and cools the engine while
cleaning internal parts. Running your car when it’s
low on oil can cause serious engine damage.
Check the oil level at least once a month.
- Coolant: Also known as antifreeze, this fluid
prevents engine freeze-up in winter and boil-over
in summer while protecting the cooling system
from rust and corrosion. Check the coolant level
at each oil change.
- Brake fluid: Critical to proper performance of the
vehicle’s braking system. Check at each oil change.
- Transmission fluid: Helps transfer engine
power to the wheels, lubricates internal parts,
maintains seals and acts as a coolant. Check the
level at each oil change.
- Power steering fluid: Transfers hydraulic
pressure to reduce driver steering effort. Check
at each oil change.
- Gasoline: Follow vehicle manufacturer octane
rating recommendations to ensure maximum fuel
efficiency and prevent damaging engine knock.
Air Filter
Your vehicle’s air filter captures dirt
and dust particles and ensures proper airflow to the
engine’s combustion chamber. For maximum performance
and efficiency, inspect the filter at every oil
change and replace as needed.
Belts
Most vehicles today use a single serpentine
belt to operate under-hood accessories such as the
air-conditioning compressor. However, V-belts still are
used in some applications. Inspect all belts at every oil
change and replace when you spot signs of wear such
as glazing or cracking.
Hoses
Hoses circulate vital liquids such as
transmission fluid, engine coolant and power steering
fluid. Inspect hoses at every oil change and repair or
replace any that show signs of wear or leakage.
Battery
The battery supplies power to the starter
motor, acts as a voltage stabilizer and makes up for any
shortfall when the alternator can’t meet the vehicle’s
electrical needs. Inspect battery cable connections at
every oil change and clean as needed. When inspecting
a battery, always wear eye protection and gloves.
Tires
As the only part of your vehicle in contact
with the road, tires are integral to safety and ride comfort.
For optimum performance, tires must have adequate
tread depth and proper inflation. Inspect tires and check
inflation pressure at least once a month.
AAA encourages regular vehicle maintenance
and offers several resources to complement information
found in your owner’s manual. They include:
- AAA.com: Provides a variety of automotive maintenance
and operating tips in addition to those covered
in this publication. Site content varies by AAA club.
- AAA ShopLocator: Available in most areas, this
AAA.com search tool helps users locate nearby AAA
Approved Auto Repair facilities. Shop information
includes types of vehicles serviced, repair services,
hours of operation, online appointment requests and
maps/driving directions.
- AAA AutoManager: This free AAA.com program
sends users e-mail reminders of scheduled vehicle service
requirements and due dates for vehicle payments
and insurance premiums. It also provides vehicle recall
notifications and helps owners track service histories.
Online content varies by club.
- AAA Approved Auto Repair: The Approved Auto
Repair network includes more than 8,000 shops across
North America that are visited regularly and inspected
annually to ensure they meet AAA’s rigorous quality standards
and deliver exceptional service and value. AAA
members who use AAR facilities benefit from written
repair estimates, free maintenance inspections, a minimum
12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor warranty
and AAA arbitration in repair disputes.
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