Routine car maintenance prevents damage

Preventive maintenance on a car can make the vehicle run properly for a longer period of time and save the owner money by avoiding major breakdowns. 

Although a car will need to be inspected periodically by a professional, the owner can help maintain a vehicle's health by regular inspection. 

A good first step is getting familiar with the owner's manual. It contains specific information pertaining to different features of the car as well as self-maintenance information.  

For instance, different temperatures require a different viscosity, or thickness, of oil. Knowing which one to add, and when, will ensure that all parts of the car are properly lubricated. 

As a rule of thumb, oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles. 

Car owners should also refer to the manual to learn the proper procedures for checking and filling fluid reservoirs. The automatic transmission fluid tank, for example, must be checked on a level surface while the engine is running. 

Purchasing quality tires, preferably all the same brand, is important as well. Tire rotation and proper inflation are vital to avoiding a blowout. 

"Tires should be rotated every six-to-eight thousand miles," said Bill Hanseman, president of B & B Tire Town, located at 4275 Spring Grove Ave. 

Hanseman suggested that an easy way to check the wear of tire treads is inserting a penny head-down between the grooves of the tread. If they do not cover all of Lincoln's head, it is time to replace the tire.  

"Wheel alignment is one of the things that cause tires to wear out fast," said Hanseman. While hitting a pothole or getting in an accident may knock a car out of alignment, Hanseman pointed out this also can happen from the vehicle simply sitting for a long period of time. 

Watch out for acid corrosion around battery terminals as well. A white substance around the nodes indicates a leak that could damage other parts of the car and weaken the battery. 

Checking the belts and hoses on a car can be done by simply looking at them and noticing any cracks, kinks or fraying. 

Spark plugs need to be changed as well, according to Rick Grout, owner of The Shop, located at 3209 Jefferson Ave.  

"Most people think [a car] is maintenance free, but it's not," Grout added. Grout suggested that a car be brought in to a licensed mechanic every six months for a tune-up and inspection.  

Randy K. Rice, owner of University Auto Service at 2218 Clifton Ave, agreed. "I would say 25 percent of my business comes from lack of maintenance," Rice said. "But people pay for that. If you don't change the oil, you're going to be replacing the engine." 

The air filter, which traps dust and debris before it reaches the engine, should be changed about every 9,000 miles.  

A regularly changed filter will help to avoid premature wear on an engine. 

Finally, in addition to washing a car, a coat of wax should be applied at least twice a year to help resist scratches and lengthen paint life. Remember to always wear proper safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, while performing any maintenance on a vehicle. 

A proactive attitude regarding car maintenance can result in a more reliable vehicle and peace-of-mind for the owner.