ZR
04-06-2019, 08:20 AM
Almost that time to wake up yer summer ride, no matter the make, be sure your up to date with maint and safety service.
-changing oil n filter enough, using correct grade of oil?
-transmission and diff, so the cars several years old but has very low miles, trans n diff should still be serviced.
-brake fluid, no it's not a lifetime fill.
-speaking of brakes, so you replaced the tires because they got old, hard n cracked, did you know brake flex hoses are also subject to the same issue? If it's previously seen winter duty, look closely at the steel lines as well, can look 99% mint but be so rusty under a chassis clip or bracket that the next time you need to stand on the brakes, it bursts. Be sure to inspect rotor n pad condition, if it's been a few years or yours see's winter service, remove the calipers, check pistons slide back freely and service the slides. Also be sure park brake cables move freely.
-did you have the steering and suspension properly inspected? Many times, wear happens so slowly you may not notice that extra play in the steering wheel or extra bounce when you go over bumps. Good time to see how many years old those tires are and check for cracking or damage.
-have you given the cooling system an A to Z look over? While radiators n hoses n thermostats last a ton longer vs not so many years ago, they and the water pump n coolant still need attention from time to time. Don't forgot to check the serp belt condition while your there, also good idea to loosen it off n check bearings in all pulley's n idlers plus alt and AC compressor. Crappy way to spend a beauty summer day stuck waiting for a tow on the side of the road with a boiled over or even worse, damaged engine.
-tune up items, yes your manual says 100 or 150,000 kms for spark plugs, you still want those suckers to come out when the time comes. Money well spent to cut that number way way back and replace regardless. While most don't run night n day better on a fresh set, all run at least some better.
-fuel filter (if equipped), grossly overlooked. Hard as hell on your fuel pump as it gradually becomes clogged and is sure to fail long before it's time. Shot of SeaFoam from time to time will help keep both it and rest of your fuel system cleaner longer. It's a must have for those with a screen in the tank only.
-look your tires over for any signs of cracking, a cut or bruise that could be a future failure plus of course how much tread is remaining along with the tires production date. Alarming how many we are seeing at upwards of say 10 years old but due to ultra low miles still have original rubber showing excellent tread on them. High tread does not necessarily mean safe. With cars starting to come out from hibernation, keep in mind how poorly high performance tires grip at lower temps, especially if the roads dirty or wet, even worse, a hint of snow or ice. Wheels, must must must be torqued every time, good idea to check a time or three over the season as well. If your "tire guy" doesn't use a torque wrench, you need a new one.
With so many now using their rides for summer only, lots n lots that are getting old but with very low miles on the clock, while less stuff is going to be worn out, basic maintenance still applies.
-changing oil n filter enough, using correct grade of oil?
-transmission and diff, so the cars several years old but has very low miles, trans n diff should still be serviced.
-brake fluid, no it's not a lifetime fill.
-speaking of brakes, so you replaced the tires because they got old, hard n cracked, did you know brake flex hoses are also subject to the same issue? If it's previously seen winter duty, look closely at the steel lines as well, can look 99% mint but be so rusty under a chassis clip or bracket that the next time you need to stand on the brakes, it bursts. Be sure to inspect rotor n pad condition, if it's been a few years or yours see's winter service, remove the calipers, check pistons slide back freely and service the slides. Also be sure park brake cables move freely.
-did you have the steering and suspension properly inspected? Many times, wear happens so slowly you may not notice that extra play in the steering wheel or extra bounce when you go over bumps. Good time to see how many years old those tires are and check for cracking or damage.
-have you given the cooling system an A to Z look over? While radiators n hoses n thermostats last a ton longer vs not so many years ago, they and the water pump n coolant still need attention from time to time. Don't forgot to check the serp belt condition while your there, also good idea to loosen it off n check bearings in all pulley's n idlers plus alt and AC compressor. Crappy way to spend a beauty summer day stuck waiting for a tow on the side of the road with a boiled over or even worse, damaged engine.
-tune up items, yes your manual says 100 or 150,000 kms for spark plugs, you still want those suckers to come out when the time comes. Money well spent to cut that number way way back and replace regardless. While most don't run night n day better on a fresh set, all run at least some better.
-fuel filter (if equipped), grossly overlooked. Hard as hell on your fuel pump as it gradually becomes clogged and is sure to fail long before it's time. Shot of SeaFoam from time to time will help keep both it and rest of your fuel system cleaner longer. It's a must have for those with a screen in the tank only.
-look your tires over for any signs of cracking, a cut or bruise that could be a future failure plus of course how much tread is remaining along with the tires production date. Alarming how many we are seeing at upwards of say 10 years old but due to ultra low miles still have original rubber showing excellent tread on them. High tread does not necessarily mean safe. With cars starting to come out from hibernation, keep in mind how poorly high performance tires grip at lower temps, especially if the roads dirty or wet, even worse, a hint of snow or ice. Wheels, must must must be torqued every time, good idea to check a time or three over the season as well. If your "tire guy" doesn't use a torque wrench, you need a new one.
With so many now using their rides for summer only, lots n lots that are getting old but with very low miles on the clock, while less stuff is going to be worn out, basic maintenance still applies.