Monday, November 03, 2014

Your new car comes equipped with lots of maintenance information and, most likely, a schedule for suggested trips back to the dealership. But how much of the manufacturer’s suggested upkeep is necessary?

Home maintenance experts at the popular Angie’s List website consulted with top auto repair shops to learn what consumers really need to do in order to keep their cars in peak condition:

Oil changes – Maintenance experts advise drivers to cut the manufacturer’s suggested oil change recommendation in half. Oil gets contaminated from unburned fuel. After 5,000 miles, only about 10 percent of your oil is diluted by unburned fuel. At 10,000 miles, the number goes up to 20 or 25 percent. That’s the optimal time for an oil change.

General maintenance – Preventative maintenance adds years of life to your car. Repair experts recommend changing air filters at 20,000 miles and rotating tires every 8,000 to 12,000 miles (or at every other oil change.) You should also check tire pressure every two months or so and check all other fluid levels besides the oil.

What to carry in your car – Besides the tire jack and any other tools you many carry, experts suggest carrying two quarts of oil, a gallon of antifreeze if you live in cold weather – and most important in case of emergency, a triple AAA or similar card.

Dealership or independent repair shop? – There are benefits to going to the dealership for service. Dealer mechanics have factory trained mechanics and loaner cars available. But dealer services can be considerably pricier than independents – and independent mechanics attend certification classes through parts manufacturers and factory schools. In general, it’s a matter of finding someone you're comfortable with. Word of mouth is usually the best advice – and if you see a shop that's always busy, it’s probably because they are good.

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