Car Maintenance Costs - The Real Story...

If you walked into your local car dealer and requested a 30,000-mile maintenance service, is it safe to assume that the dealer will follow manufacturer guidelines when servicing your car? Should the dealer "only" follow manufacturer guidelines? Can they bend the guidelines...?

Here's a recent and very common scenario that occurred at a local Toyota dealership....

A service customer called the dealer to schedule the manufacturer's recommended 30,000-mile service for his 2005 4-Cylinder Camry. However, the dealer added several services NOT included in the guidelines.

The additional services included a coolant flush (drain and refill), automatic transmission service (drain and refill), and a power steering fluid change.

According to the manufacturer, the coolant does not need to be replaced until 100,000 miles. The automatic transmission fluid can last until 120,000 miles. And there is no specific maintenance interval for the power steering fluid.

Now, before we throw the dealer under the bus, which, don't get me wrong, is always a blast to do, is there any legitimacy in recommending these extra services? Are there any circumstances where one may want to consider performing a coolant or transmission service 70,000 to 90,000 miles sooner than recommended by the manufacturer of the car? If we assume that we're not driving the vehicle beyond its limits, such as racing, off-road, or a high-speed police chase, the answer is no - not in this case.

There are times, however, when it is ok to venture outside manufacturer guidelines. The conditions include, but are not limited to: maintenance neglect, abuse, vehicle age, poor manufacturer design, and poor quality of fuel.

While each of the exceptions above are fun to explore, we should highlight fuel quality concerns. Poor gas quality often leads to carbon build up, which can be remedied by a professional fuel injection service. Aside from this fuel cleaning service (which no manufacturer recommends during regular maintenance), there is no service outside of the manufacturer guidelines that offers any real or lasting benefit.

So how can a dealer recommend services outside of the guidelines set by the manufacturer of the product that they sell and service?

The answer is that car dealerships (the majority anyway) are independent of the manufacturer. In other words, they're not bound to adhere to set guidelines. In fact, many dealers create there own maintenance schedules. This creative practice is increasing as manufacturers continue to extend maintenance services, stripping dealers of there usual high and comfortable profit margins.

Interestingly, in terms of service, a manufacturer and a dealer are in opposition of one another. Manufacturer's set vehicle maintenance schedules to keep vehicles maintained according to their standards; however, one of those standards is "low cost." Low maintenance costs net a positive image to the manufacturer. The service center in a dealership on the other hand, wants cars to be as "high cost" as possible to maintain.

Despite all this, there is another possibility worth exploring in this dealer versus manufacturer scenario. Given that the client called the dealer it's likely that he spoke with an untrained and under-qualified customer service representative. The representative may have misled the client, providing outdated maintenance recommendations, as the older Toyota's did in fact require the coolant and transmission services mentioned above.

In larger dealerships, telephones are usually answered by Call Centers. This is a group of people who know little about cars, but are generally pleasant on the phone. Call Center representatives are famous for providing misinformation and miss-reading a detailed automotive service menu, such as a 30,000-mile service on a 2005 4-Cylinder Camry. In other words, one of these representatives may have listed services which are NOT actually part of the service. This happens every day! Few notice...who actually remembers anything after: the service includes and oil and filter change, check fluids, belts, hoses, replace the air filter, set tire pressures....blah, blah, blah...

The owner of the Camry was quoted $450 - which - if the dealer was actually going to perform all that it stated, and the car actually needed it - would actually be a good deal.

The real and fair price according to manufacturer guidelines for a 30,000-mile service on a 2005 4-Cylinder Toyota Camry is $272.03 @ $100 per hour. To see the break down of FAIR charges visit: http://www.repairtrust.com/auto_repair_estimate_toyota_camry_4cyl_auto_2005_30k_serv.html

The service includes the following:

Inspections:

Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect brake hoses/lines
Inspect brakes, pads/discs/runout
Inspect and test traction control
Inspect CV joints and boots
Inspect coolant
Inspect automatic transmission fluid
Inspect differential fluid (A/T trans)
Inspect radiator/hoses
Inspect steering system
Inspect exhaust
Inspect fuel system/lines/hoses/gas cap/induction system

The only items that actually get or require replacement:

Engine oil and filter
Cabin filter
Air filter
Transmission fluid (manual transmissions only)

Other services:

Reset maintenance reminder light
Rotate tires
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis

The frequency of manipulating the guidelines with extra services is astounding. And it's only one tactic of hundreds. Stretching pre-determined guidelines expands across all makes, models - foreign and domestic, and occurs at dealers, local shops and franchises. It occurs because the automotive service industry has zero accountability in any tangible sense.

Thus the service customer has no true advocate, information, or resources in which to turn, that can provide sound, fair, and reasonable prices and advice. For this reason alone, rests the creation of RepairTrust.

Regular Car Maintenance

Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Just like the majority of mechanical items, regular maintenance is needed to keep a car running smoothly and safely. If a vehicle is well cared for and regularly maintained, the car has a drastically lower risk of a mechanical failure resulting in a car accident.

By performing the following "spot checks" every month, you can keep your car in good working order:

Every Month - Oil level, hoses, belts, tire pressure, coolant, air filter
Every 3 Months - Oil change, oil filter, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, battery life, battery cables
Every 6 Months - Wiper blades, all exterior lights, horn, breaks, spare tire, exhaust system, shock absorbers

It is important to check the particular needs of a vehicle. A detailed checklist of regular car maintenance for most vehicles can be found online. A mechanic will also provide you with information on what services they performed and when they performed them, making it easier to stay on top of this important checklist.

Adhering to this maintenance list will have two major benefits. First, it will save money. People who do not change their oil frequently are being financially irresponsible. A fast, cheap oil change is much less expensive than having to purchase a new engine.

The second benefit is it may prevent an accident. Brakes should be checked every 3 months. If a person fails to do this, their brakes may unexpectedly stop working. Not only is this putting a driver at risk of injury, it also endangers the lives of all others around them. Financially, this may take a toll. The irresponsible car owner will have to pay their deductible. They will consequently see a rise in their insurance rates.

Basic DIY Guide to Car Maintenance

Driving a car brings lots of convenience to the user, and beyond the selection and buying of a car, we also have to take care of the car and maintain it in good condition so that it will continue to serve us well for at least the next 5 to 10 years.

Today, I will be sharing with you the Basic DIY Guide to Car Maintenance and how you can also do it yourself and save the time and cost spent going to car mechanics!!

BASIC GUIDE TO DIY CAR MAINTENANCE

The first thing to do is to look under the car hood. It looks like a maze, isn't it? Essentially lying underneath that is the fuel system, ignition system, and the cooling system.

We are not going into details on how all these system works. Instead, we will look at how we can perform the simple weekly check on the car and what are the items to look out for when doing so.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE - Items to look out for

1) Fluids

- Engine Oil fluids

- Coolant fluids

- Windshield fluids

- Washer fluids

- Brake fluids

- Power steering fluids

2) Car tire pressure

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1a) - Engine Oil Fluids

TIP: Always check the oil level when the engine has been turned off for an extended period to avoid hot oil from scalding yourself.

Purpose of Engine Oil fluids:

To lubricate the car engine parts and to prevent wear out.

Steps to follow:

1. Wipe the engine oil dipstick clean which is provided by the manufacturer

2. Insert the dipstick into engine, then pull up and check the level. If the top edge of the oil is above the ADD mark, the oil level is acceptable, else you need to add oil immediately. Typically amount required is one quart of oil.

3. To add oil, open the engine oil cap, place a funnel over the opening, and slowly pour the oil into it.

4. Wait for a few minutes and then recheck the oil level to ensure that the oil level is now within the "ADD" and "FULL" marks. Be careful not to add oil beyond the full mark as it will reduce the oil's lubrication qualities and prove less effective.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1b) - Coolant Fluids

Purpose of Coolant Fluids:

Circulates throughout car engine to remove excess heat. Comprises of a mixture of antifreeze fluid and water, which collects the heat and and brings it to the radiator where air flow cools the liquid before returning back to cool the engine.

Steps to follow:

1) Ensure both engine and radiator are cooled down before checking coolant level.

2) Locate the radiator, and the corresponding coolant reserve tank which is holding the top layer of coolant from the radiator. Check and ensure that the coolant level is within the lowest and maximum levels.

3) When the need to top-up arises, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise by 1 quarter turn to release any built-up pressure remaining in the cooling system, before turning all the way to open the cap.

4) Add coolant as required until level is within the min and max marks.

5) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1c) - Windshield Fluids

Purpose of Windshield fluids:

To clean the wind screen as required.

Steps to follow:

1) Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It appears like a white plastic milk jug or jar and hold a small quantity of the windshield fluids.

2) In most cases, you can do a visual inspection of the fluid level, and as long as it is an inch or two below the top, it is considered full, and do not require topping up.

3) If it is too low, simply unscrew the cap and top it up with commercial windshield washer fluid or create your very own diy windshield fluid by adding few drops of dish washing detergent to water.

4) Replace cap and do a basic clean up.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1d) - Brake Fluids

Purpose of brake fluids:

Supports the hydraulic systems which enable the brake systems to function properly.

Steps to follow:

1) Locate the master brake cylinder

2) Clean the top of the reservoir before removing the cover with a wrench

3) Check and ensure that the brake fluid is up to the "FULL" mark. Do not compromise as this is a critical factor in car safety.

4) Top up with the brake fluid through a funnel carefully until the level is about one quarter inch below the top.

Note:

Brake fluids have different grades, so it is advisable to check the owner manuals for specific requirements.

Don't let the brake fluid touch on the car paint, you will be in for a nasty surprise.

5) Replace and tighten the cap when done.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (1e) - Power Steering Fluids

Purpose of Power Steering Fluids:

Required for cars enabled with power steering capability, without which it is very difficult to turn the steering wheel.

Steps to follow:

1) Locate the power steering reservoir

2) Remove the cap of the reservoir and check the current fluid level.

TIP: Perform the check only when the engine is cool, else the readings will be inaccurate since the fluid expands when hot.

3) Top up the power steering fluid as specified in the car owner manuals, and be careful not to overfill it.

4) Replace and tighten the cap when done.

DIY CAR MAINTENANCE (2) - Car Tyre Pressure Check

Purpose of Tire Pressure Check:

Regular pressure checks will help to maximize the lifespan of the tires since the wrong pressures can cause over contact with the roads reducing the lifespan, or under contact with the road causing safety issues. Under-inflated tires will also reduce fuel economy resulting in higher costs unknowingly.

Steps to follow:

1) Find out the recommended tire pressures required from the car manuals, measured in psi.

2) For ease of checking, go to any gas station, and insert their tire pressure gauge into your car tire valve stem. Push it until you hear a rush of air, and then release it. Observe the pressure reading immediately on the tire gauge machine.

3) If air pressure is not enough, add air with the air line, and double check pressure when done. If air pressure is too high, release a bit of air with the tire gauge and double check before releasing more air.

4) Replace the valve stem cap when done.

5) Repeat for all tires.

TIP: It is good to also perform a quick check on the tire for any wear and tear and replace early for better car safety.

Conclusion

To summarize, through better understanding on the essential items to look out for during your routine car maintenance, and steps to follow during maintenance, you are now able to keep your car in tiptop performance at all times, and maximize the enjoyment of the car rides for yourself and your family.

Car Maintenance Schedule - Get Rid of Car Payments For Good With This Car Maintenance Checklist

If you want to keep your current vehicle running in good shape for a long time, you need to read and follow the following three tips.

Get familiar with your car's recommended/required maintenance and upkeep.
Never ever skip or scrimp on your car maintenance.
Remember, maintaining your car is a lot cheaper than buying a new one
Second to owning a home, owning a vehicle is one of our most costly living expenses. Almost all of us are trying to keep our costs of living down, and especially in today's economic climate, keeping your current vehicle running in good shape makes good economic sense. Remember, car payments are not a necessity! Keep your current car running and you'll save a lot of money because maintaining your current car is a lot cheaper than buying a new one. And, following a good car maintenance schedule will definitely help your vehicle last as long as possible.

Most cars would last a lot longer if people would just maintain them, and good car care is not that hard. It may take some initial work and money to get your car maintenance on track, but remember, it's a lot more expensive to replace a blown motor, or having your car nickel and dime you to death because of lack of maintenance.

Following a car maintenance checklist is always cheaper than buying a new car! So, let's look at a sample of a typical car maintenance schedule.

Change your oil as a rule every three months, or three thousand miles, whichever comes first.

Rotate and balance tires along with a battery check every 7,500 miles or 6 months.

Now, in addition to the ongoing maintenance listed above, you're going to need to maintenance the following filters once a year, or every 15,000 miles:

Transmission, Air, Fuel, and Carbon canister filter. You should also look into having the transmission flushed and the PCV and breather element replaced. Finish up with servicing the brakes and checking your battery and your yearly maintenance will be complete.

For every two years, or thirty thousand miles you'll need to add having the coolant and brake fluids flushed out and replaced, change the distributor cap, wires, and rotor, change spark plugs, and change the differential or transfer case fluid in addition to the yearly list:

Finally, for long term maintenance, you'll need to add the following maintenance activities every five years, or sixty thousand miles in addition to the regular, yearly, and every two year maintenance duties: flush and replace power steering and change timing belt.

Perform this car maintenance schedule regularly and you're sure to keep your car running in tip-top shape.

Why Car Maintenance is Important

Car maintenance is usually not one of our favourite activities in life. Most of the time, when using our vehicles, we take for granted that they are in a proper driving condition and sometimes can forget the importance of keeping them well maintained. Vehicles require general and routine maintenance over time and emergency repairs may be needed if you have an accident or if something goes wrong when you're driving. General car maintenance can help to prevent the latter by ensuring that your car is in optimal driving condition at all times. A well maintained car may also mean you're less likely to claim on your car insurance, potentially resulting in lower premiums over time.

Among the general car maintenance tips, getting regular oil changes at the appropriate period of time or usage is at the top of the list of importance. Many people forget when the time comes to get an oil change. Regular oil changes can help ensure that your car runs efficiently and that your engine is well maintained. Old oil or not enough oil in your vehicle can lead to overheating of the engine or other major engine and motor problems that can be expensive to fix. It can also affect air flow and other operational areas that make your driving experience pleasant and safe.

Tyres

Even people that do remember to get regular oil changes might forget to periodically rotate tyres. It's a good idea to rotate your tyres consistently. Most car care experts suggest you get a complete tyre rotation at least once every couple times that you change your oil. Tyre rotations can help you prevent your tyres from developing uneven wearing of the treads which can cause your car to lean in one direction or another. Your tyres are the foundation of your car's base and its connection to the road, so worn or improperly maintained tyres could be a big safety problem.

Another often neglected and very simple car maintenance tip is checking and filling the air in your tyres. Tyre pressure goes down over time just from natural use, but it can go down more quickly if there's a leak or deficiency. It's important to have the right amount of pressure and to have an even amount of pressure in your tyres. Having too low pressure wears on your tyre as it's stuck between the road and the rims of your car. This can lead to expedited wear and ruining of the tread. Having your car tyres overfilled (not using a gauge to fill) with air can cause dangerous blowouts that could prove fatal.

Tune ups

Regular tune ups and check ups also help ensure that you're not caught off guard with a dangerous car problem and a major expense. Still, even with all of the proper care measures that we have talked about, you are still at risk of a potential issue or accident every time you get behind the wheel. This is why having adequate car insurance is so important. Whether it's protecting your car's value or the health of you and others (liability insurance), you need to be protected before you drive.

Remember these car maintenance tips:

Get oil changes.
Look after your tyres.
Get check ups and tune ups.
Adequate car insurance.

Preventative Car Maintenance in Summer Helps to Avoid that Sudden Breakdown

Preventative car maintenance in summer months is not much different from what it takes to maintain cars in winter. In summer, you have to regularly check and maintain the mechanical components of the car to tackle the rigors of the hot summer conditions. The following tips on preventative car maintenance in summer assures you trouble less rides:

The very first thing you need to take care is the cooling system. During the hotter months, the cooling system works more intensely to prevent overheating of the engine. For the mechanism to work effectively, the coolant and water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should measure to 50:50.

The next point about preventative car maintenance in summer is tire pressure. Tire pressure is important in all contexts - irrespective of whether it is for speed or for safety reasons. If you need your car's tires to last long and perform efficiently, you will need to inflate them properly. Properly pumped up tires help maintain the best possible contact with the road giving the vehicle steadiness and speed. Inflating tires improperly, on the other hand, leads problems like punctures.

Refer to your owner's manual for the ideal air-pressure for your vehicle's tire. Remember, summer heat causes the pressure within the tire to rise; hence, you will be required to check the air pressure when the tires are cold.

The subsequent preventative measure for your car's maintenance involves engine oil. The owner's manual specifically mentions the best engine oil for your vehicle during hot summers. Yet, the general rule for engine oil necessitates you to use a little thick, viscous oil, which lubricates the integral parts of the engine.

Next in order of importance is the car's battery. Car batteries hardly signal failure well ahead of time. It is advisable to leave all cares of car-batteries to professionals, especially in summertime when the excessive heat causes further damage to it. Changing your car battery every three years will save you a lot of trouble.

Beside these essential tips about preventative car maintenance in summer months, your cars need some lesser yet significant maintenance programs too. Replacing belts and hoses is one such car-care as is inspecting the wipers and wiper fluids.

Round up your preventative car maintenance in summer time by placing an emergency kit including basic tools like flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. inside your car. With your car ready to budge, you can hoard some rations if you are really thinking of a long journey. Placing a first-aid kit in the car will make your journey 100% safe.

Car Battery Care Tips - Battery Care and Maintenance Tips

For every vehicle on the road, the car battery is most important component. If the car battery has any malfunctions whatsoever, then you will not be able to start your car. Most car owners will be facing problems sooner or later because vehicle lead acid battery has a limited lifespan.

If you have a regular battery maintenance schedule for the health of your car battery, then you can have a smooth start each and every time you want to use your automobile.

Here are some tips you can use to take care of your vehicle battery to get it working properly. When you parked your car, you should avoid keeping car headlights and other lights on for a long period of time. This will definitely drain your battery.

When the air conditioning unit in your vehicle is not required, it is best to switch it off to conserve power. If your vehicle is using a weak battery, try restraining from unnecessary honking. All these electronic components in your car will be draining on your battery bank thus sending its charge level into a low state. When a lead acid battery is discharged to a very low level, it is almost impossible to bring it back to its maximum power efficiency.

Here's a simple battery checking step you can do on a weekly basis. Check on the battery to make sure that there is no corrosion or rusting on the battery terminals. Rusting or foreign residue accumulated will cause the problems of difficult start ups because there will be a loss of surface contact between the electrical cable connectors with the battery terminals.

To prevent residue from building up, you can use a battery corrosion glue and sprays it on the terminals of the battery. This is usually the root cause for all car ignition problems. If you find any bluish green or white powdery layers forming around the battery terminals, then you have to take certain necessary steps to remove it or it will cause additional damages.

Basic Car Care & Maintenance : Checking Car Radiator Coolant Level

Check the car's radiator coolant level to prevent it from dropping damaging levels; learn how from our expert mechanic in this free car-maintenance video. Expert: Jeff Wong Bio: Jeff Wong has a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has owned & operated an aftermarket automotive parts business for five years. He has been working on automobiles for 17 years. Filmmaker: Joshua Kidwell