Service Advice

It is vitally important to maintain your car properly. A well maintained car generally has less break downs and less costly repairs because during the maintenance procedures problems are often caught and corrected before they can become major problems or more costly repairs because of a failure. The last way you want to find out you have a problem is when you are driving your car and you end up on the side of the road or worse.

Car advice

At 3,000 miles, it is important that you check your oil and all fluids. Check your wiper blades. Check tread dept on all four tires and adjust tire pressure to manufacturer's specs. Proper maintenance will give you more trouble free miles and save you money in the long run. You can get help with this and all your vehicle maintenance at your local Aamco Center.

However be aware of what is becoming known as the 3000 Mile Myth. Although oil companies and quick lube shops like to promote the idea that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, advances in car engines and oils have made that obsolete. Synthetic oils, because of their advanced properties, need to be changed even less often. Motorists should check their car manufacturer's guidelines, which may recommend much longer intervals between changes based on driving conditions.

"Ford motor company generally recommends getting an oil change every 5000 miles or every six months, which ever comes first." - www.ford.com

"I remember my first car and how my father told me it was important to change the engine oil every 3000 miles. A lot has changed since then. For the vast majority, 5000 mile oil changes will help your engine last to a ripe old age." Angelo, host of  In the Garage, on KLSX FM.

15,000-Mile Maintenance Schedule

At 15,000 miles, engine parts and accessories begin to show wear and tear. Having your vehicle thoroughly inspected and checked at your local AAMCO Center can help stop potential problems before they get serious. It's also important to get the standard oil change as well as tire tread and air pressure checks. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

• Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
• Check under-hood fluid levels
• Check wiper blades
• Check tread depth on all four tires
• Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer's specs
• Check alignment
• Lubricate transmission control linkage
• Inspect CV joint boots
• Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
• Lubricate steering and suspension components
• Complete tire rotation
• Evaluate brake condition
• Inspect cabin air filter (not applicable to some vehicles)
• Fuel Injection Maintenance

30,000-Mile Maintenance Schedule

At 30,000 miles, daily wear begins to take its toll. A bumper-to-bumper inspection – along with an oil change and check of all other fluids and moving parts – means worn parts get replaced and your vehicle is returned to tip-top shape. Take your vehicle to your local AAMCO Center for service, and always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

• Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
• Check under-hood fluid levels
• Check wiper blades
• Check tread depth on all four tires
• Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer's specs
• Inspect rotors, linings, pads, drums
• Lubricate caliper slide rails
• Inspect brake lines and hoses
• Complete transmission fluid flush (automatic transmissions)
• Lubricate transmission control linkage
• Inspect CV joint boots
• Inspect drive belt
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
• Replace engine air filter (most vehicles)
• Inspect spark plugs
• Lubricate steering and suspension components
• Change engine coolant (except extended-life antifreeze)
• Replace cabin air filter (not applicable to some vehicles)
• Fuel Injection Maintenance

45,000-Mile Maintenance Schedule

Similar to the 15,000-mile inspection, at 45,000 miles it's important to keep to your scheduled maintenance. Depending on how often you drive your vehicle and under what conditions, taking your vehicle to your local AAMCO Center every 15,000 miles helps ensure that you have a properly running, reliable car every time you need it. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals.

• Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
• Check under-hood fluid levels
• Check wiper blades
• Check tread depth on all four tires
• Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer's specs
• Check alignment
• Lubricate transmission control linkage
• Inspect CV joint boots
• Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
• Lubricate steering and suspension components
• Complete tire rotation
• Evaluate brake condition
• Inspect cabin air filter (where applicable, most vehicles)
• Fuel Injection Maintenance

60,000-Mile Maintenance Schedule

Whether you plan to keep your car for another 60,000 miles or want to trade it in, maintaining your vehicle at regularly scheduled intervals not only keeps it running but helps you retain its value, as well. Schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Center when your vehicle reaches 60,000 miles. And always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for a recommended maintenance program.

• Change engine oil & filter (up to 5 quarts)
• Check under-hood fluid levels
• Check wiper blades
• Check tread depth on all four tires
• Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer's specs
• Inspect rotors, linings, pads, drums
• Lubricate caliper slide rails
• Inspect brake lines and hoses
• Complete transmission fluid flush
• Lubricate transmission control linkage
• Inspect CV joint boots
• Inspect drive belt
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect fuel system connections, hoses and lines
• Replace engine air filter (most vehicles)
• Inspect spark plugs
• Lubricate steering and suspension components
• Change engine coolant (except extended life antifreeze)
• Replace cabin air filter (where applicable, most vehicles)  
   

More car advice

Batteries

These are common indications that you may need a new battery or battery connections. If you experience any of these problems, schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Retailer.

• Your vehicle won't start.
• The vehicle is silent when you turn the key in the ignition.
• Your vehicle makes a clicking noise but won't start.
• The battery keeps running down.
• The battery seems weak and fails to crank your engine normally.

Brakes

Here are some common signs that you should take your vehicle to your local AAMCO Retailer for brake service.

• Your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes.
• The brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained.
• You hear or feel a scraping or grinding sensation during braking.
• You hear a high-pitched, piercing metallic sound while the vehicle is in motion.
• The "brake" light on the instrument panel lights up.

Engine

If your vehicle has any of the following symptoms, our technicians at AAMCO can properly diagnosis engine problems and make the proper repairs. Difficulty starting the vehicle or engine

• The "check engine" light on the instrument panel lights up
• Rough idling or stalling
• Poor acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Excessive oil use (more than one quart between changes)
• Engine continues running after the key is removed
• Your vehicle cranks over but won't start

Fluids

If you notice stains, puddles or drops of fluid under your vehicle, check them immediately, and call your nearest AAMCO Retailer.

• Yellowish green, pastel blue or fluorescent orange colors could indicate an overheated engine, or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, faulty water pump or leaking radiator.
• Dark brown or black oily fluid usually means the engine is leaking oil. This could be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
• Red oily fluid indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
• Clear water isn't usually a problem. It's probably normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner.

Mufflers & Exhaust

Here are some signs that your vehicle may be experiencing muffler or exhaust problems. If you notice any of the following, schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Retailer.

• You see blue smoke in your exhaust when you start your engine.
• You hear a loud, low-pitched rumbling.
• Your vehicle fails its emissions test.

Suspension Systems

Suspension problems can cause a vehicle to become hard to control. If you experience any of the following problems, make sure you schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Retailer.

• You hit a bump and you notice your vehicle keeps bouncing for a while.
• It's more difficult to turn the steering wheel, or it feels like something is binding or dragging.
• The steering wheel moves too easily.
• Your vehicle pulls to one side while you're driving.
• You must constantly correct the direction of the car by turning the steering wheel when you're driving.
• Your steering wheel jumps or jerks when you're idling or driving slowly.
• Your steering wheel begins to vibrate.
• The steering wheel wobbles side-to-side when you're traveling at steady speeds.
• When you turn a corner, you hear a knocking, clunking and/or squeaking noise.
• When you turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction, you hear a whining or moaning sound.

Tires

Keep an eye out for these common signs that you may need new tires or service. If your vehicle exhibits any of these symptoms, take it to your local AAMCO Retailer.

• When driving, your car pulls to one side or the other.
• You notice rhythmic vibrations.
• Your tires are wearing unevenly.
• Your tires won't maintain proper air pressure.