Most overlooked auto maintenance items. By Stan Creech owner Creech Import Repair

I’ve compiled a list of the 6 most overlooked maintenance items based on our experience here at our shop.  Because car manufacturers are constantly trying to reduce the collective cost of maintenance over the expected life of a vehicle, somethings tend to get left off their schedules.  Consider these items legit the next time your shop recommends one of these services.

1)  Engine coolant should be changed at intervals as recommended by the mfg.  If left unattended the PH changes and the coolant becomes corrosive, which can cause leaks to occur as well as damage to metal components in the engine.

2)  Drive belts.  99% of car manufacturers don’t recommend a time or mileage interval to change the accessory drive belt(s).  We recommend inspecting them every oil change.  The average service life of a belt is 40 to 50,000 miles.

3)  Water pump.  Again most manufacturers don’t recommend a time or mileage interval to change this important item, and in most cases it’s impossible to visually inspect because of location.  If your vehicle is equipped with a timing belt, the prime opportunity to replace the pump would be at the timing belt service interval.  The average timing belt replacement is around the 100,000 mile mark.

4)  Power steering fluid.  This fluid overtime becomes dirty and contaminated from normal use.  Over time that dirty fluid can cause various seals to leak that can be expensive to repair.  Items such as the steering rack and power steering pump are not  cheap to replace, and can be avoided by changing out the fluid every 50,000 miles, or as recommended by the mfg.

5)Fuel Injectors.  Over time injector nozzles get dirty and restricted from fuel contaminates and this affects the spray pattern, which in turn can affect engine efficiency and performance.  Having a professional fuel injection cleaning every 50,000 miles keeps engines running smooth and at peak performance.

6)  Throttle body cleaning.  Most all cars today have a component called a “throttle body”.  This controls the air flow into the engine.  All throttle housings will “gum up” over time causing the throttle to stick off idle or be hard to depress.  By nature of design, the crankcase vent system is the culprit and the buildup is unavoidable.  A good time to have your shop physically clean it is at the major service intervals like the 60,000 mile service.  On most vehicles this is a simple service.