Mechanics Suggestions To Minimize Auto Repairs

With proper maintenance, you can double and even triple your car's life . This check list tells you what to do.

Every two weeks:

  • Check engine oil. Add oil if needed. Use correct viscosity.
  • Check radiator coolant level. Add water or anti-freeze if necessary.
  • Check paint for deep scratches, chips, rust. Repair any damage.

Once a month:

  • Check air pressure in all FIVE tires. Add air if required.
  • Check battery fluid (in UNsealed batteries). Add water if necessary.
  • Check fluid in power-steering pump reservoir. Add fluid if needed.

Every 3 months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first):

  • Change entire oil.
  • Change oil filter.
  • Check automatic-transmission fluid level and condition. If necessary add additional fluid.
  • Check all drive belts (fan belts) on engine. Replace any if needed.
  • Adjust drum brakes with manual adjusters.

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles:

  • Check carburetor. Replace or make adjustments if necessary.
  • Check pollution-control equipment. Make any adjustments if needed.
  • Replace spark plugs.
  • Check clutch free play. Adjust if required.
  • Check oil in differential and manual transmission. Add oil if needed.
  • Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir. Add brake fluid if necessary.
  • Rotate the tires.
  • Have headlights aimed.
  • Check air condition sight glass (if any). Add refrigerant if required.
  • Lubricate all locks and hinges.
  • Grease all chassis fittings.
  • Wax car body.

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles:

  • Inspect brake linings. Replace if necessary.
  • Time for major tune-up. Replace points, plugs, filters, plus adjustments to carburetor, ignition system and pollution-control equipment.
  • Repack wheel bearings.
  • Replace all air filters.
  • Replace all fuel filters.
  • Flush radiator and heater core. Replace antifreeze.
  • Have front-end alignment checked and corrected if needed.
  • Replace windshield wiper blades.
  • Clean crankcase breather cap.
  • Tighten bolts on engine manifolds.
  • Have automatic transmission bands adjusted (if possible).
  • Adjust valve clearance (if required on your car).

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles:

  • Replace PCV (positive crankcase ventilating) valve.
  • Bleed brake system and replace brake fluid.
  • Replace automatic transmission fluid and filter.

Every 3 years or 30,000 miles:

  • Replace all cooling system and heater hoses.
  • Replace oil in differential and manual transmission.
  • Test ignition cables and replace if needed. Every 50,000 miles:
  • Replace catalytic converter (on cars so equipped).