Routine Maintainance

[01SilverGAGT]

I was just searching through some of the new posts, and saw a few about when should I change this or when should I do that. I am pretty good when it comes to car related subjects. But there are a few things I am hazy on. If there is not already a list can we make one that has maintanance, and mileage on it. IE... oil approx. every 3k depending on driving conditioning, fuel and tranny filters, flipping rotars, belts, rotating tires, blinker fluid(when's the last time you replaced your blinker fluid?)... If there is a list can someone post a link, if not can we compile a nice long thorough list and make it a stick.... thanx, for the help -Nate-:thumbs:

[VaGT]

If you pick up a Haynes manual, they have a pretty in depth maintenance schedule including routine checks, trans, PCV, fuel filter, etc. It is much more than what is covered in your owners manual which is more of less a joke when it comes to this area.

[StarFire]

Did Haynes finally update for the 2k1 & 2k2s? Cuz I checked about 5 months ago and they still only had for the 2k1s.

I love looking through them...so informative!

[Molson]

I am low on blinker fluid.. Does Amsoil have a synthetic blend?

And where can I get the High Performance halogen fluid? I drive a lot at night and I don't want to run low..

[swordfencer]

this is off the mygmlink site:

At Each Fuel Fill
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if necessary.
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLŪ coolant mixture if necessary.
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.


At Least Once a Month
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play.


At Least Twice a Year
Make sure the safety belt reminders light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather, more frequent application may be required.
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.


Every Six Months
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication.
Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears, or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat buildup in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle.
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace as needed.
Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables.
Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.


At Least Once a Year
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant.
Lubricate all hood hinges, hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, door hinges, rear compartment, glove box door, console door and any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.


In addition (my own opinions):
Change oil at least every 3 months or 3000 miles
Change spark plugs, wires, and other stuff every 3 years
Change hoses every 3 years
Change battery every 3 years
Flush coolant every 2 years or so, depending on how it looks.

Oh yeah, here is a form that I found on mygmlink:

http://gaia.ecs.csus.edu/~hiratsuc/carpics/symptom.html

[red rocket]

I had my oil changed last week and asked my mechanic about doing a radiator flush and refill (I'm at 51K miles). He told me that the car has coolant that lasts 100,000 miles (Dex-Cool). But then I read here that I'm supposed to flush every 2 years if necessary.

What has everyone else been doing about their coolant?

[VaGT]

Originally posted by StarFire
Did Haynes finally update for the 2k1 & 2k2s? Cuz I checked about 5 months ago and they still only had for the 2k1s.

I love looking through them...so informative!


Not that I know of.. even their website only lists a book for 99-00 model years. The differences are pretty slight though. Things like the Fuel Filter clip have changed, but most is the same... still worth picking one up.

Maintainence schedule would not have changed.

[lrymal]

Originally posted by red rocket
What has everyone else been doing about their coolant?

Every 100,000 miles here with no problems, including an Olds Calais of ours with 240,000 miles. The motor has been clean. Dex-Cool works great for us. Visually, it looks nasty but the end result has always been good. Just follow the rules, keep the holding tank topped off with a Dex-Cool mix and you'll be ok at 100,000 miles. Just never let it go below the low level line, though.

Anyway, that has been the experience with five over 100k miles cars.