Preventive Maintenance at Excalibur Auto Repair
Preventive maintenance helps extend the life of your vehicle. It is always better (and cheaper!) to replace components before they break or wear out. Regular maintenance on your car or truck will save you money in the long run, and helps ensure that your vehicle is operating safely.
All Excalibur preventive maintenance visits include:
- Inspect brakes, tires, engine, suspension, cooling and exhaust system components
- Identify and repair items which require immediate attention
- Let you know near future mechanical concerns, so you can budget and prepare for them
- Answer ALL your questions about your vehicle, and its continued safe and reliable operation
The Excalibur Promise
Bring your vehicle to Excalibur Auto Repair twice a year.
With proper preventive maintenance, we can make your vehicle run reliably forever.
Interval Maintenance for Cars and Trucks: 3k/6k/9k/12k
At Excalibur, we follow manufacturer best practices and specifications for each individual vehicle. Following factory-recommended maintenance schedules will ensure your vehicle’s longest life and best operation.
Car & Truck Service Items
These service items need to be inspected and/or replaced on a regular basis.
Air Filter – Cabin: The cabin air filter is inside the passenger compartment. It remove allergens and dust from outside air to keep your ventilation system clean. This filter needs to be replaced annually, or more often in areas with heavy airborne contaminants. If your car or truck’s heater or air conditioner is not working as well as it used to, a clogged cabin air filter might be the problem.
Air Filter – Engine: Your engine’s air filter keeps dirt and dust out of your vehicle’s engine. Inspect the engine air filter at each oil change. Replace annually, or when torn, water or oil soaked, clogged, or showing other signs of wear.
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Check fluid level with engine running and transmission in park or neutral (according to manufacturer specification). If fluid is low, add the manufacturer-specified type of automatic transmission fluid.
Automotive Belts: We check all of your vehicle’s belts for looseness and condition. Belts need to be replaced when they are cracked, frayed, glazed, or showing signs of excessive wear – typically 40,000 – 60,000 miles.
Automotive Hoses: Automotive hoses are inspected at each oil change. A hose needs to be replaced when it is leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen, or clogged.
Battery and Cables: Your vehicle battery should always be securely mounted. The battery connections should be clean, tight, and free of corrosion. If your battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced, if necessary.
Brakes: The entire brake system should be inspected every year, including brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers and brake fluid. Brake fluid should be changed every 24,000 – 36,000 miles, or as specified by manufacturer.
Chassis Lubrication: Many newer cars are lubed for life, but some still require this service. Steering and suspension components may also require periodic lubrication.
Coolant (Antifreeze): Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cool. If the reservoir is low, add a 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. If the reservoir level drops again, your cooling system should be checked for leaks.
We replace the coolant according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, using their recommended coolant fluid.
Engine Oil and Filter: You should regularly check your vehicle’s oil level, and take prompt action if your dashboard Oil Level indicator light comes on. Your vehicle’s engine oil and filter need to be changed regularly, though industry recommendations about how frequently are evolving. Historically, the industry recommended oil and filter changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. But synthetic oils last longer, and can extend the life of your engine.
Exhaust System: We visually inspect your exhaust system for leaks, damage, and broken supports or hangers. If you hear an unusual noise, bring your vehicle in for service. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous, and must be promptly corrected.
Lights – Head Lights, Tail Lights, Turn Signals: You should frequently check your head lights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signal lights to make sure they are functioning properly. Burned out bulbs should be replaced immediately. Note that if several bulbs simultaneously stop functioning, the problem may be a fuse.
Power Steering Fluid: We check the power steering fluid when the engine is warm. If the level is low, we add the manufacturer specified fluid. If frequent topping off is required, your steering system needs to be checked for leaks.
Steering and Suspension: Symptoms that indicate your suspension might need repairs include: uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing, and unusual noises when driving.
Your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems should be inspected annually:
- Check wheel alignment, shock absorbers, struts, and chassis components (ball joints, tie rod ends).
- Replace loose or damaged mounting hardware.
- Identify and repair worn components.
Tire Inflation and Condition: At least monthly: check the pressure of all tires – including the spare.
Every 6,000 miles:
- Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear, and cuts or bruises along the sidewalls.
- Inflate all tires to recommended pressure.
- Rotate tires to ensure even wear.
- Replace worn or damaged tires.
Preventive Maintenance in Austin, TX
Preventive maintenance can stop small problems from turning into more expensive repairs. Contact the expert mechanics at Excalibur Auto Repair today to schedule an appointment.
