1. Vehicle Maintenance

2. Why is Maintenance Important?
Safety and Reliability
Increased Vehicle Lifespan
Support of Warranty Claims
Increased Resale or Trade-in Value

3. ‘Check Engine’ Lights Indicator that something is out of range
Gauges vs. Indicator Lamps
Computer Codes
Great for $ervice $tations and Dealer$
A good case for preventative maintenance!!!

4. Maintaining a Service History
Manufacturer’s Service Intervals
Vehicle Specific; covered in Owner’s Manual
Necessary for Warranty Claims
Online vs. Paper record keeping

5. Who Does My Service? Dealers, Independents, or Do-It-Yourself
Cost of time, labor, and parts
Value of experience and expertise
Satisfaction of ‘doing it yourself’

6. Who Does My Service? Develop a method and stick to it
What you can safely do
What you want to do
What you can learn to do

7. What we will be covering:
Its mostly about the ‘Fluids and Filters’
There’s also some ‘Lubrication’ needed
Its also about the ‘Wear Surfaces’
Don’t forget the ‘Battery and Charging Systems’, and ‘Fuses and Lights’

8. Fluids and Filters Engine
Engine Oil and Filter
Synthetic vs. Conventional
Air Filter
OEM Paper vs. Oiled Gauze
Coolant (what...no filter?)
Green, Pink, Extended Life, etc.
Fuel Filters
In-Tank, Frame Rail, Under hood

9. Fluids & Filters Transmission$...
Automatic transmissions
Fluids and Filter
Pan Drain vs. Complete Flush
Adjustments vs. Replacements
Manual Transmissions
Fluids
Clutch surfaces and adjustments

10. Fluids & Filters Differentials and Transfer Cases
Front Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive

11. Lubrication Steering controls CV (Constant Velocity) Joints (axles)
Pitman arms, Tie rod ends, ball joints
CV (Constant Velocity) Joints (axles)
U (Universal) Joints (driveshafts)
Sealed vs. greased fittings
Whatza zerk anywayz?
Wheel bearings
Most today are sealed; re-packing

12. Wear Surfaces Tires Maintaining Proper Air Pressure
Rotation and Monitoring Wear
Why Wheel Diameters are Important
Oversized Wheels and Tires

13. Wear Surfaces Brakes & Clutch Surfaces
Disc vs. drum brakes
Pad wear and replacement
Organic, ceramic, metallic, etc.
Rotors, drums, and resurfacing
Clutch surfaces – manual transmissions

14. Wear Surfaces Belt(s) Serpentine Belt When to replace – ‘CPI’ count
Tensioner replacement
Squealing or belt vibration
Other V-belt driven accessories
A/C, fluid pumps, etc.

15. Battery and Charging Systems
Maintenance free?
Lead/acid, gel, sealed
Battery life factors & warranties
Cold weather starts and jumping
Polarity matters!!!
Charging
Ampere/hours matters!!!

16. Battery and Charging Systems
Alternators
Effect of high draw accessories
Surging accessories, dimming lights
Battery and alternator? Testing
No crank vs. no start
Starter, battery, alternator? Testing

17. Fuses and Lights Fuses Signal Lights Head Lights Amperage ratings
Blown? What is the reason?
Signal Lights
Its not the policeman’s job!
Brakes, running lights, turn signals
Head Lights
The #1 ticket getter...
Halogen bulb vs. sealed beam
Proper handling

18. Severe Duty Operations
Extremes
Heat and Cold (...Minnesota!)
Long Distance traveling
Dusty conditions
Heavy cargo loads, boat towing, etc.
All require acceleration of certain service intervals

19. Where from here? Start with the basics Research and read... Questions?
Websites like
Car and Parts Magazines
Manufacturer websites and blogs
Questions?