You hear the term preventative maintenance all the time, but what does it actually mean. We all know what maintenance is. The dealers tell us when we buy the car, write it in the owner’s manual, and hang signs in the service departments. We know to change our oil every 3000 miles. To change out spark plugs and transmission fluid when they say. But what is this preventative maintenance??
Preventative maintenance equates best to brushing your teeth. You brush twice a day to help prevent tooth decay and rotting. It’s the same principle with vehicle preventative maintenance. This includes checking and changing your brake pads and shoes before they wear out, so as not to cause damage to calipers and rotors. Changing air filters and cleaning fuel injection systems, so that no problems occur with fuel injectors, idle control motors, mass air sensors and many other expensive parts that keep your car running, and malfunction when clogged or dirty.
Other parts that can benefit from preventative maintenance are any lubricated sealed system. Differentials, power steering systems, brake hydraulic systems are prime examples. The lubrication in these systems can weaken, and get moisture inside, causing wear and lead to breakage of expensive parts. We have seen the commercials from the warranty companies, explaining the expense of replacing power steering pumps, air conditioning compressors and transmissions. All of these parts can have their respective life span increased by keeping them clean, well lubricated and moisture free.
The old adage “if it aint broke don’t fix it” is fine to adhere to if you don’t mind, a) paying to fix it, b) paying for a rental car or taxi to get around and , c) having the possibility of you or a loved on breaking down at night or in an unsavory situation.
In short, preventative maintenance is spending a minimal amount of money to avoid a severe expensive repair later. Like the old filter commercial said ”you can pay a little now, or a lot later”.
