The Facts About Scheduled Maintenance

What is Scheduled Maintenance?

Just the same way we need to go to yearly physicals and take our vitamins; our vehicles need check-ups and the fluids changed.  We need to make sure all is well and that the vehicles have the proper fluids to function.  This is a HUGE preventative step to help avoid costly repairs down the road.

What are the main fluids I need to replace?

1. Transmission Fluid

2. Power Steering

3. Brake Fluid

4. Coolant

How often?

This will depend on what the owner’s manual says for your vehicle.

Why is it necessary to have scheduled maintenance? 

The fluids much like oil are only good for a certain period and that affects the performance of the vehicle.

Basic Examples

If you don’t replace the transmission fluid (also known as “automatic” transmission fluid) frequently, you could end up with a $3000 transmission replacement or repair, on average. 

After awhile, if Coolant is not changed, it can corrode the inside of the engine and destroy other parts like water pumps, hoses, and radiators.

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air, after a certain percentage of water is absorbed, the brake fluid becomes ineffective.  For your brakes to work properly, you have to replace the brake fluid (also known as “hydraulic” brake fluid) typically every 30,000 miles.

I can’t stress enough the importance of the owner’s manual for your vehicle.  It is the guide for how often your vehicle will need these fluids changed.  If you don’t have your manual or want help determining the right schedule for your vehicle, give Universal Tire & Auto a call at (407) 636-4033 and we’ll help you through the process. 

Talk to you soon, Mike