Preventive Maintenance

Every car manual comes with a recommended maintenance schedule. Consulting this schedule is a valuable reference point for determining the best maintenance plan for your specific vehicle. However, driving habits vary, and certain climates subject cars to what’s known as “Severe Driving Conditions.” To establish a more precise maintenance plan for your vehicle, it’s essential to combine your car’s specific maintenance schedule, a comprehensive inspection by a trusted professional, and an assessment of your personal driving habits.

Below are general guidelines and brief descriptions of common fluid flushes:

Brake System Flush: Typically, every 30,000 miles.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. Eventually, it reaches its moisture-absorbing limit. The excess moisture lowers the brake fluid’s boiling point, resulting in reduced brake pressure, deteriorating seals, increased corrosion, and diminished brake performance. Regularly changing the brake fluid prolongs the life of the brake system, eliminates harmful deposits, and enhances brake performance.

Coolant System Flush: Typically, every 30,000 miles.
Maintaining the engine at an appropriate temperature is essential for safe operation. The cooling system’s role is to prevent motor oil from overheating in hot weather or freezing in the cold. To function effectively, the radiator and entire cooling system must remain clean. Overheating can lead to costly engine damage. This flush service helps prevent engine failure by maintaining proper cooling.

Power Steering Flush: Typically, every 30,000 miles.
Neglected, contaminated power steering fluid can compromise your car’s performance and damage the steering system. Failure to flush contaminated fluid may result in steering difficulties, reduced effectiveness, leaks, and accelerated wear. A power steering flush improves performance, enhances car safety, provides adequate lubrication, reduces system noise, and extends the power steering system’s lifespan.

Fuel Injection Service: Typically, every 15,000 miles.
Over time, lower-grade gasoline can cause the accumulation of wax, dirt, and impurities that clog fuel injectors, disrupt airflow, and reduce fuel efficiency, leading to decreased gas mileage and performance. The fuel injection service cleans the entire fuel system, removing deposits, and restoring optimal engine performance.

Transmission Fluid Exchange: Typically, every 30,000 miles.
Transmission fluid plays a critical role in lubricating, cleaning, and cooling the automatic transmission, ensuring smooth operation. Heat gradually degrades the fluid’s lubricating properties, resulting in slipping transmission, burnt clutches, and ultimately transmission failure. A fluid exchange prevents costly transmission repairs, promotes smooth shifting, extends transmission life, and maintains compliance with your manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid voiding your warranty.

Allow the skilled professionals at University Auto Repair help you establish an accurate maintenance schedule tailored to your car and specific driving habits. Creating and tracking this plan in our computer system will provide peace of mind, knowing you’re doing everything possible to care for your car and your budget. Schedule an appointment with us today!