Filters

It is best to follow the severe service maintenance schedule found in most new car owner's manuals, with few exceptions:

· AIR FILTERS: need to be inspected regularly and replaced as often as needed, regardless of mileage or time. Dirty filters can increase fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

· FUEL FILTERS: should be replaced yearly or at every tune up, especially on fuel injected cars. The fuel filter in a vehicle with electronic fuel injection passes a much larger volume of fuel than it's counterpart in a carbureted engine. If the tank is dirty or rusty, constant fuel recirculation can pick up lots of debris that ends up in the filter. If the filter plugs, the engine is starved for fuel or unfiltered fuel is allowed to bypass the filter. Bypassing the filter can damage injectors.

· OIL FILTERS: need to be replaced at every oil change. (every 3 months or 3,000 miles in most cases) despite the advice in many owner's manuals to only change the filter at every other oil change. A New filter is cheap insurance against major engine damage, so why take unnecessary risks?

· AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FILTERS: few owners' manuals have a suggested change interval for the automatic transmissions fluid (ATF) or fluid filter unless the vehicle is used for towing. Most transmission specialists say the best preventive maintenance for prolonging automatic transmission life is to change the fluid and filter every two years or 30,000 miles.

· ATF Follow the manufactures recommendations on the specific type of ATF to use. The type of ATF should match the specs required for the application.

· BRAKE FLUID: operates at extreme temperatures. The owner's manual, of most import vehicles, recommends replacing the fluid during the 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 mile maintenance intervals. This service should apply to all vehicles. It drastically improves the life of the hydraulic brake system.

· POWER STEERING FLUID: is much like the brake fluid, operating at higher temperatures the power steering fluid, like all lubricants, will breakdown causing damage to your power steering pump or gear. Replacing this fluid every 30,000 miles will also help prolong the life of your power steering components.