Preventive Maintenance System

Today's automobiles are very expensive and costly to maintain.  But with a PMS (preventive maintenance system) you will realize the benefit of low cost repairs.  Even though today's autos are sophisticated and complex, an ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure.  PMS can be done by anyone.  All you need is an hour or two once a week to do your tests and checks.

Let's get started!  Before we get into the nuts and bolts we will need some basic tools.  We will need:

Several clean rags,

windshield washer fluid,

small can of brake fluid,

a tire air tester,

belt dressing spray,

WD 40 spray,

a two way screwdriver (this is one with both a standard blade and a Phillips head.)

You can find these things at you local auto parts store.

For those who want to do extensive maintenance  you will need some other things we will cover later.

You will need some blue, red, and white model paint, a small paint brush and some paint thinner.  These you can find at the grocery store.  Why these colors?  They represent certain conditions the engine needs to be in in order to do your testing and checking.

Red = hot and running

Blue = cold with engine off.

White = warm with the engine off.

You will need to know the color of the fluids in you auto's different systems.

green = antifreeze

brown or tan = motoroil

red = automatic transmission fluid.

blue or pink = windowwasher solution.

Pretty easy so far,  right?  The next step may require a visit to that auto parts store again.  Here is where we identify several "dip sticks."  Not behind the counter under the hood.  Most parts houses will be happy to show you these things as it promotes sales.  We need to find the oil and automatic transmission "dip sticks"  (4 and 5 speeds do not have a transmission "dip stick")

In addition you will need to find the radiator cap, brake fluid reservoir, and windshield washer bottle.

Before we go on some words of warning.

NEVER STICK YOU HAND INTO A MOTOR THAT IS RUNNING.

NEVER CHECK THE WATER IN THE RADIATOR UNLESS THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR THREE HOURS OR MORE; ONLY THEN DO YOU SLOWLY REMOVE THE CAP.  This is done in two steps, first turn the cap to first lock and jiggle it to make sure there is no pressure in the radiator.  Second you push down and turn at the same time. Then up slowly pull it up and away.  You will be looking for the antifreeze to be to the top of the neck.

Common sense should always be used around you car to prevent accidents and injuries.

Let's get to our preparation.  If you engine is covered with oil and dirt, have it steam cleaned before you start.  This can be done at the self-serve car wash, or if you are not sure how to do this take it to your mechanic.  This does three things, one, it helps you find new leaks quicker; two, it will prevent the deterioration of the rubber parts, and three it will cut down the risk of fire.  We have Identified the sticks and caps.  Now  WITH THE MOTOR OFF AND COLD.   Locate the oil stick and power steering cap. Paint them WHITE.  Paint the automatic transmission stick RED.  The radiator, brake and windshield washer bottle caps you  paint BLUE.  Getting the idea??  That’s all you have to do to  prepare.

Now each week you can test the levels of you oil, water, transmission, brake, and washer fluid.  This will take you 15 minutes a week but save you hours and dollars in repair.

Try to park your car in the same place every day.  That way you  can look for fluid on the ground as part of you maintenance.  If you see green fluid it means you have a water leak.  If it is at the front of the car it usually means the leak is from the radiator hoses or waterpump.  If you find it mid way back this means you have heater hoses, heater core, or freeze plug problems.   If you see red oil in the front of the motor that usually means a power steering leak; the area midway back means a transmission or rack-and- pinion steering leak.  If you find black or tan oil on the ground near the front of the car this could be front seals, valve cover or oil pan leaks.  If you find black oil near the rear of the car that usually means (on rear wheel drive cars) rear end leaks.  If you do not know how to do the maintenance on them take them to a QUALIFIED mechanic.  I will cover the "tightening of the nuts and bolts" in a later PMS page.

A word to the wise.  If you want your car to last have your technician do the mileage maintenance. 10,000,  20,000, 30,000, etc.  Change your oil between 3000 miles (cheap oil) and 6000 miles (premium oil.)  Repair the small leaks.  They don't cost as much and will save you money in the long run.

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