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Ahhh, that new car smell!
Few things match the feeling of getting that key for the first time and driving off with your new ride. As you know, ownership involves more than the acquisition cost. Some consideration will have to be given to register and insure your car. Gas or electricity will need to be replenished as needed. You’ll occasionally have to pay for parking or even to garage your car. Another important set-aside will be some budget and time allotted to routine maintenance for the safe operation of your automobile.
Deciding on routine maintenance intervals vary by make and depends on the current condition your car is in. Many owners use miles driven as an indicator. Some owners base it on the calendar, such as at the end of Summer. Others still, keep track of guarantees. Another option available at Fred's would be BG Fluid Lifetime Guaranty
ANNUAL or MULTI-ANNUAL MILESTONES
Probably the two most basic maintenance routines are oil changes and New York State inspection. Older cars should expect to change oil once a quarter or every 3,000 miles. Some newer models could drive in excess of ten thousand miles before needing an oil change. Given the eventual breakdown in the compounds of even the toughest synthetic formulas, drivers should expect to change their oil once a year, even on low mileage automobiles. New York State inspection is mandated annually and is meant to ensure the road-worthiness and emission discharge of your car. In addition to passing an emission test, steering, brakes, tires and lights are assessed during an annual inspection.
PERIODIC TASKS NORTH OF 30,000 MILES
Sometime between three and five years of ownership and somewhere north of 30,000 miles, certain parts and systems in your car should be assessed annually. Tires, brakes, shocks/struts, and suspension are among the systems most crucial for the safe operation of your car and the most exposed to the elements. As a result, they are most prone to mechanical failure and should be monitored more consistently when conditions are harsh, such as extreme temperatures, dusty roads, pot-hole damaged pavement, heavy towing, and even snow salt, which could be corrosive.
SYSTEMS TO CHECK BETWEEN 5-10 YEARS OR 50,000 to 100,000 miles
Over time, you may notice that the road ahead is not as well illuminated as it used to be and then you should consider headlight restoration. Your car mileage may decline or your acceleration might seem slower than usual. If so, a tune-up might be warranted. You may notice your car drifts off-center when you drive and that might indicate the need for an alignment.
AS NEEDED SERVICES AND OTHER PERFORMANCE DECLINES
When the discharge from your engine is too noxious, you may begin seeing a persistent Check Engine Light. When your climate control fails to cool your car sufficiently on a mild summer day, your Air-Conditioning / Heating system may need repair. As your car logs more and more mileage, you’ll need to have your timing belt serviced. Other lubrication services – power steering, brakes fluid, chassis, bushings, etc. - should be performed every few years or when you notice more squeaks than usual.
Cars nowadays are essentially a sophisticated computer that nevertheless has moving mechanical parts that wear down with usage and exposure to the elements. Whereas some cars have lasted for decades and logged million of miles, figure that certain systems and parts will require more frequent repair or replacement to safely operate your car. At Fred’s, we’ll keep your car calendar and service your car.
