Vehicle Maintenance

Why is Maintenance Important? Safety and Reliability Increased Vehicle Lifespan Support of Warranty Claims Increased Resale or Trade-in Value

‘Check Engine’ Lights Indicator that something is out of range Gauges vs. Indicator Lamps Computer Codes Great for $ervice $tations and Dealer$ A good case for preventative maintenance!!!

Maintaining a Service History Manufacturer’s Service Intervals Vehicle Specific; covered in Owner’s Manual Necessary for Warranty Claims Online vs. Paper record keeping

Who Does My Service? Dealers, Independents, or Do-It-Yourself Cost of time, labor, and parts Value of experience and expertise Satisfaction of ‘doing it yourself’

Who Does My Service? Develop a method and stick to it What you can safely do What you want to do What you can learn to do

What we will be covering: Its mostly about the ‘Fluids and Filters’ There’s also some ‘Lubrication’ needed Its also about the ‘Wear Surfaces’ Don’t forget the ‘Battery and Charging Systems’, and ‘Fuses and Lights’

Fluids and Filters Engine Engine Oil and Filter Synthetic vs. Conventional Air Filter OEM Paper vs. Oiled Gauze Coolant (what...no filter?) Green, Pink, Extended Life, etc. Fuel Filters In-Tank, Frame Rail, Under hood

Fluids & Filters Transmission$... Automatic transmissions Fluids and Filter Pan Drain vs. Complete Flush Adjustments vs. Replacements Manual Transmissions Fluids Clutch surfaces and adjustments

Fluids & Filters Differentials and Transfer Cases Front Wheel Drive Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive Four Wheel Drive

Lubrication Steering controls CV (Constant Velocity) Joints (axles) Pitman arms, Tie rod ends, ball joints CV (Constant Velocity) Joints (axles) U (Universal) Joints (driveshafts) Sealed vs. greased fittings Whatza zerk anywayz? Wheel bearings Most today are sealed; re-packing

Wear Surfaces Tires Maintaining Proper Air Pressure Rotation and Monitoring Wear Why Wheel Diameters are Important Oversized Wheels and Tires

Wear Surfaces Brakes & Clutch Surfaces Disc vs. drum brakes Pad wear and replacement Organic, ceramic, metallic, etc. Rotors, drums, and resurfacing Clutch surfaces – manual transmissions

Wear Surfaces Belt(s) Serpentine Belt When to replace – ‘CPI’ count Tensioner replacement Squealing or belt vibration Other V-belt driven accessories A/C, fluid pumps, etc.

Battery and Charging Systems Maintenance free? Lead/acid, gel, sealed Battery life factors & warranties Cold weather starts and jumping Polarity matters!!! Charging Ampere/hours matters!!!

Battery and Charging Systems Alternators Effect of high draw accessories Surging accessories, dimming lights Battery and alternator? Testing No crank vs. no start Starter, battery, alternator? Testing

Fuses and Lights Fuses Signal Lights Head Lights Amperage ratings Blown? What is the reason? Signal Lights Its not the policeman’s job! Brakes, running lights, turn signals Head Lights The #1 ticket getter... Halogen bulb vs. sealed beam Proper handling

Severe Duty Operations Extremes Heat and Cold (...Minnesota!) Long Distance traveling Dusty conditions Heavy cargo loads, boat towing, etc. All require acceleration of certain service intervals

Where from here? Start with the basics Research and read... Questions? Websites like www.valvoline.com Car and Parts Magazines Manufacturer websites and blogs Questions?