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You love your Ford Mustang, and want it to last forever. Does that mean you have to tuck it away, hidden from the road except for special occasions or Sunday drives? Not at all, says the The Automobile Club of Southern California. Club member Steve Moxley has tallied more than 260,000 miles on a 1985 Nissan he bought second-hand. And it already had 60,000 miles on the clock. His methods will work for you, and that means more wheel time in your favorite car. How does he do it?
"It's simply perfect fluid maintenance," said Moxley, of the Auto Club's AAA Approved Auto Repair Program. "I'm religious about changing the oil regularly and also keeping the brake and transmission fluids clean. Proper maintenance on a regular schedule is also critical to safe operation of a vehicle as well as the safety of the driver and passengers." Since this is Car Care Month, the AAA decided to share Moxley’s fluid maintenance list. Engine Oil Without an adequate supply of clean oil, your 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 your 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. Change your engine's oil and oil filter at the specified intervals, and follow the more frequent "severe service" recommendations if your driving habits meet any of the conditions described in your owner's manual. If you’re taking that pony out after the leaves change color, better check the manual again for the proper weight oil for the falling temperatures. Brake Fluid The fluid in your car's brake hydraulic system transfers your foot pressure at the brake pedal into stopping power at the wheels. An adequate supply of clean brake fluid is essential for safe vehicle operation. Water in the fluid or a low level that allows air to enter the system can lead to brake fade or a complete loss of braking power. Inspect the brake fluid level at every oil change. If the level has fallen below the "low" mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake wear or possible leak; have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Your brake fluid should be clear, if it's not, it’s likely best to flush the system and bleed the brakes. Again, check your owner’s manual for the proper type fluid. Transmission Fluid Most manuafcturers have made such great improvements in automatic transmission fluid that new cars don't need fluid levels checked or added for the life of the car. The owner's manual will have the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule, which often requires the replacement of a filter as well. Understanding the schedule protects your transmission from premature failure and also eliminates an unnecessary fluid change. In older Mustangs, the fluid level and condition can be checked with a dip stick, like the oil. Severe driving conditions such commuting in Southern California can shorten transmission fluid's life. A dark brown color, accompanied by a burnt smell, is an indicator that the fluid needs to be changed and/or flushed. Anti-freeze Anti-freeze contains additives that prevent corrosion in the cooling system. When these additives come to the end of their lives, wear and corrosion begin. Sediment builds up in the cooling system, causing a loss of cooling ability. Flushing is required for proper operation. Many new cars come with anti-freeze designed to last four or five years, but the ordinary product found in most auto parts stores is good for only a couple of years at best. It's important to know what type of anti-freeze you have so you can avoid spending money unnecessarily to replace it. Inspect the anti-freeze/coolant level and condition, making sure the proper mixture of water and coolant is used according to specifications in the owner's manual. Power Steering Fluid One system many drivers neglect to check is the power steering pump and lines. Inspect power steering fluid for proper level and condition. Low power steering fluid can cause damage to the system. Dirty and or burnt power steering fluid may be evidence of a hidden problem, and can lead to premature power steering failure. Windshield Washer Fluid Don't leave home without fresh windshield wiper blades and the "forgotten" fluid, windshield washer fluid. Fresh blades and windshield washer fluid will help to remove road dirt and insects from your windshield. Use pre-mixed fluid, not water from a garden hose. The pre-mixed fluid won't harm exterior vehicle paint. Simple stuff, and relatively inexpensive — especially when compared to the cost of replacing worn transmissions, blown steering pomps or seized engines. For more on the AAA Car Car Program, click on aaa.com to find your local chapter. — Ken Simmons |
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