PM (preventative maintenance)
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
After nearly being caught out by a heater hose leak on an '85 Topaz, I have become reasonably thorough with preventive maintenance.
I check the motor oil every week, more frequently if I deem it necessary. I am very conservative with automatic transmission fluid changes, as I usually do those every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, even though I don't tow much of anything. Similar pattern with coolant--considering how deeply the heater core in my car is buried in the dash, I want it to last as long at it can!
I give all 4 tires a quick visual check on the first drive of the day. I caught a nail in a rear tire once doing that.
I also keep an eye out for spots underneath my truck. I noticed the beginnings of a pinion seal leak about a month ago. It was fixed two days later--the rear diff was just a little low on gear oil.
Doing these things has even gotten me into the habit of noticing things on other people's cars! Just among co-workers, I've noticed tire sidewall gashes, nails in tires, and loose exhaust components, among other things. All of them were very appreciative of me pointing those issues out.
In short, I'm pretty sure preventive maintenance has saved me some grief at least a couple times!
I check the motor oil every week, more frequently if I deem it necessary. I am very conservative with automatic transmission fluid changes, as I usually do those every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, even though I don't tow much of anything. Similar pattern with coolant--considering how deeply the heater core in my car is buried in the dash, I want it to last as long at it can!
I give all 4 tires a quick visual check on the first drive of the day. I caught a nail in a rear tire once doing that.I also keep an eye out for spots underneath my truck. I noticed the beginnings of a pinion seal leak about a month ago. It was fixed two days later--the rear diff was just a little low on gear oil.
Doing these things has even gotten me into the habit of noticing things on other people's cars! Just among co-workers, I've noticed tire sidewall gashes, nails in tires, and loose exhaust components, among other things. All of them were very appreciative of me pointing those issues out.
In short, I'm pretty sure preventive maintenance has saved me some grief at least a couple times!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
The BEST way to prevent maintenance is to loan a vehicle to a relative.
That having been said - SPEND a lot of money on an ex wives (or other significant others) machine, and watch the tires wear out....
The best way to prevent maintenance, is to give a vehicle (or assist in t the repair of a vehicle) on the behalf of someone who DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE (not the faintest foggiest).
The survey is in, people.
THEY NEVER WILL. PERIOD.
Do NOT have sympathy on those who treat things like junk. YOUR stuff will be treated like junk - and thats what you will get back.
Its a very short logical experiment.
NOW...
How closely do you wish to resemble them?
~Wolf (suggesting)
NEVER loan anything to a JACKASS - and believe me, they are known by everyone around them.
That having been said - SPEND a lot of money on an ex wives (or other significant others) machine, and watch the tires wear out....
The best way to prevent maintenance, is to give a vehicle (or assist in t the repair of a vehicle) on the behalf of someone who DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE (not the faintest foggiest).
The survey is in, people.
THEY NEVER WILL. PERIOD.
Do NOT have sympathy on those who treat things like junk. YOUR stuff will be treated like junk - and thats what you will get back.
Its a very short logical experiment.
NOW...
How closely do you wish to resemble them?
~Wolf (suggesting)
NEVER loan anything to a JACKASS - and believe me, they are known by everyone around them.
Last edited by Greywolf; Jul 24, 2005 at 12:47 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,680
Likes: 1
From: Montreal Canada
i have always had old cars so i'm always fixing one thing or another. usually when i'm doing something, i'll take the time to change the oil in all my vehicles, go around with the grease gun, check fluid levels.
the only thing i do keep records of is my engine oil. but i keep it simple. changed it at 155,000 so the next one's due at 160,000k
the only thing i do keep records of is my engine oil. but i keep it simple. changed it at 155,000 so the next one's due at 160,000k
