The Car care Council has developed a service interval schedule with general guidelines for the regular maintenance of passenger cars, mini vans, pickups and SUVs. Below is a breakdown of the vehicle systems that require regular maintenance.
STARTING, CHARGING AND BATTERIES
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
TRANSMISSION
What is it?
You car’s belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging
systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and
leave you stranded.
What does it do?
The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain
engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from
the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system and fans.
Radiator and heat hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator and heater core.
Typical Wear and Tear
Key items that affect the replacement interval for belts and hoses:
• Vehicle
age
• Electrolytic corrosion
• Mileage
• Oil contamination
• Belt
tension
• Failed hose clamps
Symptoms
• Squeaking noise from under the hood during start-up or operation
• Coolant
leaks
• Dashboard light will illuminate
What is it?
Your car’s brake system is its most critical safety system and you should check it
immediately if you suspect any problems. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation
under a wide variety of conditions.
What does it do?
When you push the brake pedal, the force generates hydraulic pressure in the master
cylinder. This pressure flows through the hydraulic lines and hoses to the wheel cylinders and calipers, forcing the shoes
against the drums (drum brakes) and the pads against the rotors (disc brakes). The resulting friction slows the vehicle and
is relative to the amount of force applied at the brake pedal.
Typical Wear and Tear
Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going
to need replacement. Avoid letting your brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means accelerating
expensive rotor or drum replacement. Several factors that affect wear include:
• Driving habits
• Operating
conditions
• Vehicle type
• The quality of brake lining material
Symptoms
• Car pulls to one side during braking
• Brake pedal pulsates when
you apply the brakes
• Brake pedal feels “mushy”
• Noise when you step on the brake
pedal
• Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder
What is it?
Your car’s emission system keeps the engine running cleanly and efficiently in all
sorts of operating conditions. If your car’s engine isn’t performing up to par or the “Check Engine”
light goes on, have it inspected immediately. Failure to do so can reduce your mileage per gallon of fuel or cause your vehicle
to pollute.
What does it do?
Your car’s emission system controls the emissions, exhaust and pollutants using
an array of sensors, computerized engine controls and the exhaust components. The emission system substantially reduces harmful
gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and prevents harmful gasoline
vapors from escaping at the fuel tank.
Typical Wear and Tear
Some factors affecting the emission system include:
• Driving and
atmospheric conditions
• Mileage
• Vehicle age
• Type of spark plug electrode material
• Maintenance
history
• Poor spark
• Bad fuel
• Damaged or worn sensors
Rebuilt Engine
When a car or truck suffers major engine damage, the first reaction of most vehicle
owners is to buy a new or used car or truck. This makes sense in some cases, but often, it isn’t necessary. Repowering
your car or truck’s worn out engine with a rebuilt/remanufactured engine can also be considerably less expensive than
buying a new or used car. A rebuilt engine is one that is remanufactured to prescribed standards and specifications by highly-skilled
machinists using state-of-the-art equipment and components. During this process, many of the new components installed meet
or exceed original equipment performance standards. Frequently, rebuilt engines are superior to new car engines because better
parts are used, or design changes in parts correct problems with the original engine. Rebuilt/remanufactured engines are dependable,
reliable and backed by warranty programs. A rebuilt engine gets better gas mileage than a worn-out engine and emits fewer
pollutants. Engine repowering also saves energy related to processing discarded engines and cars. The savings from engine
repowering is notable when compared to the prices of new cars and trucks. A rebuilt/ remanufactured engine purchased and installed
at an average cost of $2500 - $3500 is a sound and attractive investment. Typically, a professionally rebuilt engine comes
with a one-year or 12,000-mile warranty but some of these warranties can be as long as 36 months or 36,000 miles. Check with
your local repair shop for information on their rebuilt engines and warranty programs.
What is it?
The engine cooling system affects your car’s overall dependability and engine longevity.
Cooling systems have advanced over the years with new coolant formulations and new radiator designs and materials. If you
suspect a problem with your cooling system, you should check it immediately.
What does it do?
The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission
and dissipate heat to the air outside. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs heat and
returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated. The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent
for efficient engine operation.
Typical Wear and Tear
Factors that affect the replacement of cooling system parts include:
• Driving
habits
• Operating conditions
• Type of vehicle
• Type of coolant
• Frequency
of regular maintenance such as coolant changes
Symptoms
• Overheating
• Sweet smell
• Leaks
• Repeatedly
need to add fluid
What is it?
Your car’s exhaust system has come a long way from the old days of exhaust pipes
and mufflers. Today, the exhaust system is safety and emissions control rolled into one. Have your car’s exhaust system
inspected regularly and check it immediately if you suspect any problems.
What does it do?
The exhaust system routes dangerous exhaust gas from the engine out and away from
the car to keep from affecting the occupants. Next, the exhaust system reduces exhaust noise from the engine. The catalytic
converter reduces the level of harmful pollutants in the exhaust. Finally, the oxygen sensors mounted in the exhaust system
monitor the level of exhaust gases to maintain efficient engine operation and to monitor the converter’s operation.
Typical Wear and Tear
Maintain a safe car with regular exhaust system checks. Factors that affect replacement
requirements include:
• Driving habits (short trips take their toll on exhaust system life)
• Road
conditions (salt, road spray, bumps)
• Vehicle type
• Age of exhaust system parts
Symptoms
• Loud noise
• Rattling noise when starting, accelerating or braking
• Drowsiness
while driving
What is it?
Your car’s filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort.
Maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly.
What does it do?
The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted.
The fuel filter separates harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors or intricate fuel injectors. The air
filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air filter also
plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars). The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria,
dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a car’s ventilation system.
Typical Wear and Tear
Filters are normal wear items that require regular checks and replacement. Factors
that affect replacement intervals include:
• Mileage
• Driving habits
• Driving
and road conditions
• Type of filter
• Vehicle type
Symptoms
• Poor gas mileage
• Hesitation while accelerating
• Musty
odor in the cabin
What is it?
You car’s fuel system works with the rest of the engine control system to deliver
the best performance with the lowest emissions. Check your car’s fuel system regularly or immediately if you smell gas
or suspect a problem.
What does it do?
The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel tank and passes it through a fuel filter for cleaning
before it arrives at the injectors. A pressure regulator controls fuel pressure to ensure good engine performance under a
variety of speed and load conditions. Fuel injectors, when activated, spray a metered amount of fuel into the engine. Some
vehicles use a return line system to return unused fuel back to the tank.
Typical Wear and Tear
Intervals for fuel system maintenance may be influenced by:
• Fuel
quality
• Vehicle age
• Mileage
• Operating conditions
• Maintenance
history
Symptoms
• Clogged or worn fuel injectors
• Poor fuel economy
• Vehicle
won’t start
• “Check Engine” light is illuminated
What is it?
Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving – the chances for accidents increase
if you can’t see or be seen. Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers. If you detect
any problems with your car’s lights or wipers, have them checked out at once.
What does it do?
The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow or dirt from building up on the windshield
and removes them to maintain clear visibility through the windshield. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility, signals
and alerts other drivers, and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.
Typical Wear and Tear
Lights and wipers are normal wear items that require periodic replacement. Factors
affecting replacement intervals include:
• Operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades)
• Frequency
of use
• Material and type of lights and wipers
• Sunny weather – wiper blades can deteriorate
faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states
Symptoms
• Chattering or streaking wiper
• Rapid signal blinking
• Dimming
lights
STARTING, CHARGING AND BATTERIES
What is it?
Your car’s starting and charging systems, and the battery help ensure dependable
vehicle operation whenever you drive your car and in all sorts of driving conditions. Make sure to check these systems regularly.
What does it do?
The battery stores electrical energy and the starter converts that energy into mechanical
force to turn the engine for starting. The alternator produces electric current to replace what the starter used during start-up
and to support electrical loads when the engine is running. An ignition module turns the low-voltage supply to the ignition
coil on and off, and the coil produces the high voltage for the ignition system. This creates a spark at the spark plugs and
ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. A belt transmits power from the front of the engine to the alternator’s
pulley, along with other accessories.
Typical Wear and Tear
Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on
the starter than a simple trip back and forth to work. Other factors include:
• Driving and weather conditions
• Mileage
• Vehicle
age
• Excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems
Symptoms
• Headlights and interior lights dim
• “Check Engine”
and/or battery light may come on
• Accessories fail to operate
What is it?
Like your car’s brake system, the steering and suspension systems are key safety-related
systems. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have your car’s steering and suspension
systems checked regularly, at least once a year and usually with a wheel alignment.
What does it do?
The suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody.
The suspension system interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, the suspension
system helps absorb the energy from road irregularities such as potholes and helps to maintain vehicle stability. The steering
system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear and other steering components to control the car’s
direction.
Typical Wear and Tear
Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement.
Regular checks are critical to maintain a safe car. Factors that affect wear include:
• Driving habits
• Operating
conditions
• Vehicle type
• Type of steering and suspension system
• Frequency of
regular maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment
Symptoms
• Pulling
• Uneven tire wear
• Noise and vibration
while cornering
• Loss of control
What is it?
The transmission works with the engine to provide power to you car’s wheels. Whether
automatic or manual, the transmission plays a major role in the overall dependability of your car. Make sure to check it at
the first sign of problems.
What does it do?
A transmission/transaxle keeps the engine’s output optimally matched to the
speed and load conditions. The torque converter, connected to the automatic transmission/transaxle input shaft, connects,
multiplies and interrupts the flow of engine torque into the transmission. Universal joints connect to the driveshaft to transmit
output power from the transmission to the rear axle on rear-wheel-drive cars. Universal joints also allow the driveshaft to
work at an angle. Automatic transmission fluid serves a multitude of purposes. It cleans, cools, lubricates, transmits force,
transmits pressure, inhibits varnish buildup and continually protects the transmission. There are several different types
of automatic transmission fluid. Reference your owner’s manual for how they should be used.
Typical Wear and Tear
Wear and tear on the transmission can be influenced by:
• Driving
habits
• Towing or excessive loads
• Operating conditions
• Condition of the transmission
fluid
• Frequency of regular maintenance
Symptoms
• Slipping
• Hesitation
• Bucking
• Grinding
gears
• Difficulty shifting