Page 9 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – October/November 2020

Vehicle Maintenance Guide
How would you like a safer, more reliable vehicle without spending more money? It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not. You don’t need a
mechanic’s expertise to figure out what needs regular maintenance; all it really takes is a little organization and your vehicles owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, you can usually download one to your computer or even your phone.
Most owner’s manuals have a chapter on maintenance. In this chapter, you will usually find the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Typically,
in the form of a chart, it lists which items need to be replaced or inspected, based on vehicle mileage and/
or age. Some manufacturers even give you a second schedule for severe conditions. Following this chart is not difficult as it does not require any mechanical ability.
Helpful hint: Make a copy of the maintenance chart and keep it in a large envelope in your car’s glove box. You also can use this envelope to store all maintenance receipts.
This simple system provides a large number of rewards:
• Maintenance can now be planned and budgeted for
• Safer and more reliable vehicle
• Longer lifespan of a vehicle
• Avoid costly damage (from neglected maintenance)
• Ability to separate needed repairs from other
additional suggested maintenance
When you bring your car in for service, remember to grab your maintenance envelope with your checklist for guidance. When the shop calls you with an estimate,
Shutterstock: Michael Jung
they might suggest additional work. At this point, you can make educated choices. You also might run into things that you don’t see on the chart. Knowledge is still power. Ask the technician why the item is not listed as routine maintenance and if it is safety-related or not. Find out how time-critical they think it is and then you can decide whether or not to get a second opinion.
One common mistake is assuming that you don’t need to follow this approach if you drive newer vehicles. You take your car only to the dealer and blindly follow their advice. This is often done out of fear of violating the vehicle’s warranty. You don’t need to give up
that control. As long as you follow the maintenance schedule, and keep your receipts, you are all set. You now can feel empowered to prioritize and choose when and where you get the maintenance and repairs done.
Another common mistake is to assume that your annual state inspection will let you know what your car needs. This inspection is just a safety and emission check. A long-lasting, reliable car is your concern, not the state’s. However, since the vehicle will still require this safety check, you might add items from your maintenance schedule to avoid a separate service visit.
AAA is celebrating National Car Care Month in October and autumn is the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for winter. If you haven’t been keeping track of your maintenance, start now. Schedule an appointment with your dealer or a repair shop you trust. If you don’t have a preferred shop, visit AAA.com/AAR for a list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities near you.
Mike Sweeney is a Traffic Safety Educator at AAA Hudson Valley.
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CAR CARE HANDBOOK