Service Manual Recommendations: How Important Are They?

It’s quite the dilemma … do you spend time reading one of the top 10 on the New York Time’s bestseller list or read 800 pages of a car owner’s service manual?

                                                                                             
Believe it or not, one does have more urgency than the other. The bestseller can wait but keeping and maintaining your car’s performance at its optimal level cannot.
Let’s start by locating the car manual. Do you know where it is?
For those fortunate people who have a brand spanking new car, try looking in the glove compartment and “Voila,” we bet you’ll find it there!

If you own a used car or gave away the service manual or you’re a pack-rat and it’s lost in the pile of papers stacked in your hallway, all is not lost. You can order the manual from your local dealer or download a copy online through the manufacturer’s website. If you download a copy, be sure to bookmark it on your computer for easy accessibility when you get the urge to read it.
The car's service manual is the best way to learn how to maintain and extend the life of your car. The manufacturer’s manual was written by handsome factory designers who built your vehicle. These are not just any tech geeks but really, really smart ones. They loaded the manual with valuable instructions, information and warnings just for you, the car owner.

These engineers have tested the various systems and components to meet durability and safety standards. To make it easy for you, they include recommended maintenance schedules specifically designed to achieve those standards.
The maintenance schedule is generally given in mileage intervals. A lot will depend on how you drive. Do you drive at the speed of sound pretending you’re on the German autobahn? Or do you drive as slow as molasses like your grandmother/grandfather? How far you drive and the climate also impact the maintenance schedule.
Generally the manufacturer’s recommendations include checking the brakes, tire pressure, all fluid levels, making sure the engine is running correctly and replacing any parts that have become worn and less effective.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle:

• Oil Changes – The best weight, grade and type of oil that will make your engine purr is specified in your owner’s manual under viscosity recommendations. Standard oils are any that meet the American Institute “SH” rating. For the ultimate in high performance durability and all-round performance you’ll want to use synthetic oils. Clean motor oil contains detergents which protect your motor from friction and heat. Over a period of time the oil gets nasty dirty causing it to clog the engine. Not changing the oil and fluids is a death sentence for your car. You don’t want to kill your ride, do you?

• Brake Service – Have your brakes inspected to be sure they’re working properly. You’ll need to replace any worn discs before you start doing a “Fred Flintstone” by putting your feet through the floorboards to stop your car. The average person drives anywhere from ten to fifteen thousand miles per year and uses their brakes about 75,000 times … unless you live in my neighborhood. Brake fluid's boiling point drops when it’s contaminated by moisture so it's important to change it regularly to keep water out. Evacuate the brake fluid, clean out the system and replace it with fresh fluid. A tire pressure check should be included with this service.

• Fuel Injector System Cleaning - The fuel injector is a valve that delivers the gas / diesel fuel to the right place, in the right amount, at the right time. These calculated amounts of air and fuel are typically mixed together before being sucked into the combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. You’ll know it’s time for a fuel injector systems cleaning if your car has lost it’s ‘get up and go,’ your wallet is lighter because you’re buying more gas or you’re hearing a knocking sound as you accelerate. Cleaning will remove fuel varnish build up, reduce intake valve/cylinder head deposits, improve your vehicle’s performance, increase gas mileage and reduce emissions. Don’t forget the fuel filter – it’s an important part of a comprehensive fuel system cleaning.

Bottom line: put your Kindle down and get acquainted with the service manual for your car and follow the recommendations to keep your vehicle in safe, reliable condition.
Schedule your next service appointment with the knowledgeable and certified technicians at Eco Lube!