Expert: Follow follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule

[guyver01]

Tips on keeping your car longer

One auto-repair guru who has seen a .. boost in repair biz is Tom Torbjornsen, AOL Autos maintenance expert and host of "America's Car Show", which airs on Stars Two Sirius 108 and XM 139 at 10 p.m. on Sunday nights.

"To make sure you don't end up spending more money down the line than you need to, you definitely need to follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule," Torbjornsen said. "I know that sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people ignore that sort of thing and end up getting hit with bigger-ticket repairs in the long run

 

[zerocool84]

 

[deftron]

I know it sounds obvious, but when you're trying to make fun of people just for being obvious, you are obviously trying too hard.

 

[guyver01]

Originally posted by: deftron
I know it sounds obvious, but when you're trying to make fun of people just for being obvious, you are obviously trying too hard.

i'm not trying to make fun of people for the obvious...

i'm making fun of CNN for making a whole huge article on how following scheduled maintenance reduces long term repair costs on a vehicle.

must be a slooow news day.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Slooooooooooooow.

 

[paulney]

Obama has figured it out a long time ago: properly inflated tires can avert energy crisis.

 

[Farang]

I refuse to believe replacing differential fluid does anything. I mean, really.. those mofos are gonna keep on spinning as long as I own it.

 

[guyver01]

Originally posted by: Farang
I refuse to believe replacing differential fluid does anything. I mean, really.. those mofos are gonna keep on spinning as long as I own it.

Every vehicle that operates on solid pavement or concrete has a differential of some type to prevent driveline bind when turning a corner. A differential allows the inboard drive wheel/tire to rotate more slowly than the outboard drive wheel/tire. Why? Because the outboard wheel/tire has to rotate faster to cover more distance on a larger radius as the vehicle negotiates a turn.

From what i've read, the differential and transmission share a common sump, meaning you need to flush/change only the transmission fluid.

The transmission flush, which adds fluid as the old is pumped out by the transmission's hydraulic pump, does a better job of exchanging a higher percentage of the old fluid.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Front-engine, rear wheel drive vehicles generally have a separate differential and gearbox. FWD vehicles have a differential and gearbox combined into one casing. Most 4WD vehicles have a separate rear differential and a transfer case (center differential) which may or may not be integrated into the gearbox.

 

[skace]

It may sound obvious, but the regular maintenance plans on vehicles often look like ways to bleed you out of money on a new car purchase.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

My truck is on 125K miles and I have had a handful of repairs done. Not a single one that would have not occurred with regular maintenance. 125K miles and I have done nothing but oil changes and the occasional lube job. Oh, and I do top off that blue stuff for my windshield when needed.

Most of the maintenance is a waste of time and money.

Oh, I do rotate my tires, on my own.

 

[geno]

Anyone got a link to the other article they published today? "The sky is blue"

It's around here somewhere..

 

[grrl]

Does anyone here rotate their tires every 5k or flush their cooling system every two years? I never have.

 

[tyler811]

Hmmmm Thought this might be parked in The Garage.

 

[guyver01]

Originally posted by: grrl
Does anyone here rotate their tires every 5k or flush their cooling system every two years? I never have.

I have my tires rotated when i have my oil changes done... which is every 5k.. give or take 250 or so miles...

my cooling system.. no idea... haven't had my car 2 years.. (well.. will be 2 years this month)..

gotta bring it in for the 50k scheduled soon.. im at 49,400 and change..

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: grrl
Does anyone here rotate their tires every 5k or flush their cooling system every two years? I never have.

I've never owned a car for more than 2 years But I have flushed coolant from my cars before. Routine / preventative maintenance is key and too many people ignore it.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

<-- getting ready to replace the transmission fluid, gear oil, engine oil, and coolant. my 50,000 mile service, will be the second time I've done it

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: skace
It may sound obvious, but the regular maintenance plans on vehicles often look like ways to bleed you out of money on a new car purchase.

On the contrary! Auto repair shops often push maintenance items MORE frequently than specified by owner's manuals. The most common ripoff is oil changes--every 3000 miles . . . Really?! :roll:

The repair shops and dealers exploit the consumers' fear of costly repairs. "Do this . . . or else!"

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
<-- getting ready to replace the transmission fluid, gear oil, engine oil, and coolant. my 50,000 mile service, will be the second time I've done it

you replace the trasnmission fluid at every 25k?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
<-- getting ready to replace the transmission fluid, gear oil, engine oil, and coolant. my 50,000 mile service, will be the second time I've done it

you replace the trasnmission fluid at every 25k?

No, every 50,000. I'm past 99,000 now.