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What's New: Information from JASPER and the Car Care Council

We’re Not Yet Ready For The "Sealed Hood"

As the average age of a vehicle this year is expected to exceed 9.0 years, typically with over 100,000 miles on the odometer, the term preventative maintenance takes on a new meaning. With the right kind of care that aging vehicle could provide dependable transportation for another 9 years or more, according to the Car Care Council.

"However, the concept of a vehicle that's touted to be virtually maintenance-free for 100,000 miles causes most experts to cringe," says Car Care Council President, Don Midgley. "Results of our vehicle inspection lanes during National Car Care Month underscore the need for public awareness on this issue. Periodic checks and maintenance need to be done considerably more frequently than what many consumers are led to believe."

Among thousands of vehicles inspected in cities throughout the U.S.A. last year nearly 9 out of 10 needed some kind of maintenance or repair. Most of the discrepancies would not constitute a heavy financial burden on owners, but failure to correct the problem might create a heavy one.

Nineteen percent needed drive belts, 27% had low or dirty engine oil, 21% had low or dirty transmission fluid. "Any one of these conditions can cause expensive damage to an otherwise healthy vehicle," says Midgley.

He recalls the owner of a high mileage van asking what to do about replacing a bad radiator hose. Her mechanic had recommended having all of them replaced while the van was in the shop because they were all original. "That sounds pretty expensive," she complained, "especially when the others appear OK."

Most experts would agree with her mechanic. In fact, they might go even further to suggest that the belts should be replaced at this time too. Depending upon circumstances, it often is the most economical way to go in the long run. Further, this can save time and inconvenience later. Here's why, according to Car Care Council:

THE ARGUMENT FOR "PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT"

You can save labor costs by getting the whole job done at once vs. repeated trips to the repair shop. You may avoid having to do the replacing at an inconvenient time.

When one hose is in marginal condition, others may be too; the deterioration is not yet visible. A leaking or failed cooling system hose can cause an engine to self-destruct in a matter of a few miles.

As for belt replacement, consider that on most vehicles, one belt does the work of three or four, so failure can be serious.

What about other parts? After 9 years many components may already be replaced and if not, should be inspected with an eye toward replacement.

Marginal brake system parts or weak suspension parts may be ready for the graveyard at this point too. If the vehicle still has its original battery, it probably has outlived its usefulness. Normal life span for an original battery is four years.

Some auto service professionals, having the benefit of experience as well as available facilities, will replace certain components on their personal vehicles as a preventive measure. In addition to fuel, ignition and emission control parts, they may replace the fuel pump and/or alternator.

For a free pamphlet on giving one's vehicle as an "annual physical", send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Car Care Council, Department PK98-XI, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452.

Brought to you as a public service by Car Care Council. Visit their web site: www.carcarecouncil.org.