Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Vehicle maintenance intervals are now more broadly spaced, but even the newest cars require scheduled servicing to stay in top condition. Whether your car is the most up-to-the-minute model or you paid it off a long time ago, the key is to give your car the maintenance it is supposed to receive.

Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner’s manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle’s needs. A few minutes learning the requirements for your car will help you steer clear of the following frequent car-maintenance pitfalls.

Tune-Ups

There are no more “tune-ups.” Newer cars have changed a lot, and valves no longer have to be adjusted, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with.

About all that’s left of the old tune-up are the spark plugs. Since these are frequently fine for 100,000 miles, don’t change parts just to change parts. Instead, set aside the money for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.

Gas Octane

Higher must be better does not apply to octane in gasoline. Here the rule is to use whatever octane the engine of your car is rated for and that’s all. Using octane that is higher than required by the engine doesn’t give you more power or mileage, it just costs you more money.

Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular. In that case, run regular gas if meandering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your every day routine.

Dirty Air Filter

Semi-clogged air filters impair fuel economy - the issue is, when is your filter dirty? Grimy city surface streets or a short dirt road can be enough to overcome air filters. It comes down to road conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for.

Oil Changes

Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required. These days, improvements in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be completed when the schedule calls for it. Some cars require 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-miles. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

Don’t Ignore Your Brakes

If you notice anything unusual about your brakes — sound, feel or response — visit a mechanic. Today.

Windshield Wipers

Fall is the perfect wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking heat and before the fall and winter rough weather. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual chore in the Southwest to a biannual chore in colder parts of the country.

Tire Care

Tires leak over time and require the occasional check. Under-inflated tires suck up gasoline. Either under- or over-inflated tires wear out quicker, and deliver mushy handling in an emergency situation. Check tire pressures at least twice a year.

In addition, front and rear tires wear at different rates and ought to be rotated to even that wear. Check your owner’s manual for recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.

Time for New Tires

Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire industry says tires are no good after five years, but they’re promoting tire sales. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There’s little argument that after seven years they’re dried out and no longer safe. If you’re not certain how elderly your tires are, a tire shop can check the date code stamped into the sidewall.

Tighten Your Gas Cap

Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is screwed on securely before calling the dealer. This is one of the most frequent ways of setting off your car’s diagnostic system, since a loose-fitting gas cap defeats the fuel system’s venting system.

Park in the Garage

Since your car is probably your second most expensive investment, why are you storing empty cardboard boxes, broken toys and plastic holiday wreaths in the garage? Get rid of that junk and put your car in the garage!