Service Notes

Know Your Way Around Your Car

know your car | service intervals | find your way under the hood

Component diagram

1. Lights

Replace bulb immediately if light is out. Check fuses first.

2. Cleaning & Polishing

To prevent stripping the vehicle’s wax finish, use only automotive car wash products, not dishwashing liquids. Polish at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.

3. Brakes

Check the entire brake system every year, including brake linings, Rotors and Drums.

On cars with fuel injection, replace filter every two years or 30,000 miles or as recommended by manufacturer.

Inspect transparent filters at each oil change. Replace if restricted or water contaminated or once a year on cars with carburetors.
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5. Exhaust

Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and should be corrected without delay.
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6. Lubrication

Many newer cars have sealed, "lubed-for-life" chassis; others still require this service. Check owner’s manual.

There are still many areas that require lubrication in order to maximize their useful life and avoid costly replacements. These include all hinges and latches (hood, doors, trunk, rear hatches), radio antenna and engine mechanical components.

The most often neglected items are the rubber bushings, seals, dust boots and cushioning devices in the suspension, braking and cooling systems. A quality silicone/rubber lubricant applied at service intervals will greatly inhance the longevity of these components.
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7. Steering and Suspension

Inspect system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replace if leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware are found. Symptoms of worn suspension include uneven tire wear and excessive bouncing after bumps.
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8. Tire Inflation and Condition

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at every oil change. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts or bruises along the sidewalls. Inflate tires and maintain at recommended pressure. Replace tires if worn or damaged.
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9. Battery and Cables

Battery should be securely mounted. Battery connection should be clean, tight and corrosion free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
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10. Engine Air Filter

Inspect Filter at each oil change. Replace annually or when leaking, torn, water or oil soaked, dirty, or showing other signs of wear.
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11. Automatic Transmission Fluid

Check fluid level with engine running and transmission in park. If low, add the type of automatic transmission fluid specified in the owner’s manual and/or on dipstick. For maximum performance, change every two years or 24,000 miles, or as directed in owner’s manual
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12. Coolant (Antifreeze)

Check level at reservoir. Never open a hot radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. Change coolant annually on most vehicles.
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13. Engine Oil and Filter

Check level with engine off at every fill up. For maximum engine life, change oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles or as directed in your owner’s manual. Use specified oil grade and weight.
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14. Oxygen Sensor

Replace at interval as recommended in owner’s manual or when other conditions dictate, such as failing an emissions test. Some cars have an oxygen sensor replacement light that appears when oxygen sensor replacement is needed. 1996 and newer cars have more than one oxygen sensor.
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15. Hoses

Inspect hoses at each oil change and replace when leaking, brittle, racked, rusted, swollen or restricted.
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16. Windshield Washer Fluid

Check fluid level monthly. Some vehicles have two reservoirs. Do not use water. Use washer fluid only.
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17. Belts

Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition. Replace when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Replace timing belt per interval specified in owner’s manual. Typically this is 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Not replacing the belt as required could cause a breakdown or serious engine damage.
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18. Spark Plugs

Typical replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug. Always consult your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.
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19. Power Steering Fluid

Check the fluid with the car warmed up. Add correct type of fluid if low. If frequent topping off is required, inspect for leaks and replace if contaminated.
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20. Wiper Blades

Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.
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21. Check Engine Light On

If light comes on while driving or remains on, your vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be analyzed. If light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage.
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22. Cabin Air Filter

Replace annually, or more often in areas with heavy airborne contaminants or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced.
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* The Car Care Council has developed a service interval schedule to provide general guidelines for the regular maintenance of passenger cars, mini vans, pickups and SUVs. Intervals are built around an oil change every 3,000 miles, an accepted recommendation for the majority of motorists who are severe service drivers. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations by the car maker.

For a Dependable Motor Vehicle
DMV Clinic in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In

2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm