Also change the thermostat every few years. Its important that the engine run at its intended temp. Thermostats are cheap and fail or react slowly over time.
Clean the EGR system every few years.
Clean the EGR system every few years.
Key Things For Keeping A Car In The Best Shape?
- Thread starter lancerplayer
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Change out a radiator at 7-10yrs of age; replace coolant hoses at least every 7yrs; auto tranny fluid should be done every 15-20k for partial fluid swaps; synthetic or regular fluid can be used for all needs just pay attention to necessary changes.
I've been running regular fluids in my vehicles for a long time, have taken several vehicles past 200k, even a few past 300k with normal dino fluids in engine and auto - just have to pay attention to fluid change intervals.
I've been running regular fluids in my vehicles for a long time, have taken several vehicles past 200k, even a few past 300k with normal dino fluids in engine and auto - just have to pay attention to fluid change intervals.
Excellent advice, and you got the one I was going to mention: Don't loan your car to anyone, ever.
I agree, a lot of it is playing a mind game on yourself. Keep you car in excellent condition with no known festering problems or NFGs (non-functioning gadgets). Then when a problem crops up, it's only one problem to fix on a car that is otherwise in excellent condition.
If you let the car turn into a pig pen with a 1/2 dozen little things that need fixed, it's easy to decide to junk it when a medium to large size problem crops up.
The factory maintenance schedule is a good starting point. factory recommended OCI is probably OK if you use good oil. Lifetime fluid recommendations like gear oil, brake fluid are ----, don't believe them. Establish your own change intervals for those and stick to them.
Focus on fluids and parts that fatigue from fluids!
Change coolant more often than recommended and don't believe long-life lasts 5 years or +100k. Every 3 years best. Check hoses and thermostat at same time.
Good quality oil and filter always with a UOA once a year minimum to look for problems.
Trans filter and oil at least as often as the manual, more often is better. Don't forget the differential.
Keep the engine clean on the outside too so you can see problems when they start like leaking head gaskets, manifolds, valve covers, water pump, CV joints, engine seals, power steering hoses/pump, ...
Avoid starting up below -15C without plug in if you don't use synthetics (0W?). Consider a circulating heater.
Learn what to routinely check like brakes, front end, belts, etc.
Let oil pressure come up for at least 1 minute before driving / revving engine.
Expect a standard battery to last not much more than 5-7 years, usually less.
Get it hot once a week to boil out water condensation in your oil.
Take good care of the paint using good quality sealer / polish and wax.
Change coolant more often than recommended and don't believe long-life lasts 5 years or +100k. Every 3 years best. Check hoses and thermostat at same time.
Good quality oil and filter always with a UOA once a year minimum to look for problems.
Trans filter and oil at least as often as the manual, more often is better. Don't forget the differential.
Keep the engine clean on the outside too so you can see problems when they start like leaking head gaskets, manifolds, valve covers, water pump, CV joints, engine seals, power steering hoses/pump, ...
Avoid starting up below -15C without plug in if you don't use synthetics (0W?). Consider a circulating heater.
Learn what to routinely check like brakes, front end, belts, etc.
Let oil pressure come up for at least 1 minute before driving / revving engine.
Expect a standard battery to last not much more than 5-7 years, usually less.
Get it hot once a week to boil out water condensation in your oil.
Take good care of the paint using good quality sealer / polish and wax.
Fix EVERYTHING that breaks, AS SOON AS it breaks.
Don't fall into the trap of... "Well... the computer's throwing a code, but it's just something with the emission system, so I'll ignore it and fix it 'later.'"
As soon as you start letting things go, it's a downward death spiral.
Don't fall into the trap of... "Well... the computer's throwing a code, but it's just something with the emission system, so I'll ignore it and fix it 'later.'"
As soon as you start letting things go, it's a downward death spiral.
Look around the engine bay every time you change the oil. That way, you'll notice as soon as something is leaking, cracking, etc.
Keep the car clean, too. A clean and waxed car makes you proud to own the vehicle and can go a long way to keep it looking new 10 yrs. down the road. This can greatly affect your choice as to let the car go and buy a new one, when tempted by a new car.
Trust your ears and feet. Be sensitive to how YOUR car drives, feels, and sounds when it's operating normally. Then you'll know when something is not right.
Keep the car clean, too. A clean and waxed car makes you proud to own the vehicle and can go a long way to keep it looking new 10 yrs. down the road. This can greatly affect your choice as to let the car go and buy a new one, when tempted by a new car.
Trust your ears and feet. Be sensitive to how YOUR car drives, feels, and sounds when it's operating normally. Then you'll know when something is not right.
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