Ignoring vehicle maintenance can mean bigger expenses

FALLBROOK – Car owners may be tempted to balance their household budgets by delaying or ignoring regular vehicle maintenance in tough economic times. This could lead to more expensive breakdowns in the future, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“There is vehicle maintenance that motorists can’t afford to ignore,” said Dave Skaien of the Auto Club’s Approved Auto Repair Program. “As consumers look for ways to cut their budgets, it may seem easy to delay maintaining a vehicle. However, keeping a vehicle regularly maintained is the best way to avoid major repairs down the road that are far more costly.”

“Proper maintenance is also critical to safe operation of a vehicle as well as the safety of the driver, and passengers,” Skaien said.

For example, ignoring replacing the vehicle’s timing belt – about a $500 expense – can easily turn into a rebuilt engine costing thousands of dollars. Thinking that a vehicle can be driven until the battery dies is faulty as well, said Skaien.

“So many vehicle computer systems rely on a properly functioning battery that if you operate your car until the battery dies, you could end up paying for a new battery and the cost of reprogramming the vehicle computer systems.”

Below is a list of maintenance items that motorists should stay on top of even during difficult financial times, according to the Auto Club.

Tire pressure

Over-inflated tires ride roughly and suffer premature wear at the center of their tread. Under-inflated tires decrease fuel economy, cause imprecise handling, suffer premature wear at the edges of their tread, and can overheat and fail at highway speeds. Tires typically lose about one pound of pressure per month through normal seepage.

Engine air filter

A vehicle’s air filter prevents dust and dirt from entering the engine. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow and will reduce engine performance and fuel economy while increasing exhaust emission levels. Air filters should be checked every six months or 7,500 miles.

Battery cables

When battery components and connections become corroded or loose, a car won’t have the power needed to start the engine and operate other systems. These items should be inspected at every oil change. If there are signs of corrosion or other indications of electrical problems (such as slow engine cranking or dim headlights at an idle), have a repair shop test the battery.

Brake fluid

The fluid in a car’s brake hydraulic system transfers the driver’s foot pressure at the brake pedal into stopping power at the wheels. An adequate supply of clean brake fluid is absolutely essential for safe vehicle operation. Old, moisture-contaminated brake fluid, or a low fluid level that allows air to enter the system, can lead to brake fade or a complete loss of braking power. Brake fluid should be inspected at every oil change.

Engine oil

Without an adequate supply of clean oil, an engine will wear more rapidly and could even seize or be destroyed. Oil doesn’t freeze like water, but its viscosity, or thickness, does increase as the mercury drops. Lighter grade oils reduce the load on a car’s battery and starter, allowing more rapid cranking and starting. Lighter oils also reach critical engine lubrication areas much quicker than heavier oils, greatly reducing wear. It is important to change a car engine’s oil and oil filter at the specific interval by the manufacturer. Using the correct type and weight of motor oil is essential as oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Not maintaining the proper levels, using the wrong oil or not changing it frequently enough can destroy a engine.

This information is courtesy of the Automobile Club of California.