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Belts
There are two common types of belts on vehicles. The belts are
required to operate various accessories and the engine.
The accessory belt (often referred to as the serpentine belt) is
usually easy to inspect. HQ Automotive recommends inspecting
this belt and the tensioner at least twice a year and replacing as
necessary. However the difference between common minor
imperfections and a real potential problem requires expertise. It's
often replaced unnecessarily when it gets recommended
prematurely. HQ Automotive will advise you properly.
The timing belt
Some vehicles also have a timing belt. This belt is generally not
easy to inspect and severe engine damage can immediately occur
if it fails. There will be a recommended service interval by the
manufacturer usually every few years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
There are two common types of belts on vehicles. The belts are
required to operate various accessories and the engine.
The accessory belt (often referred to as the serpentine belt) is
usually easy to inspect. HQ Automotive recommends inspecting
this belt and the tensioner at least twice a year and replacing as
necessary. However the difference between common minor
imperfections and a real potential problem requires expertise. It's
often replaced unnecessarily when it gets recommended
prematurely. HQ Automotive will advise you properly.
The timing belt
Some vehicles also have a timing belt. This belt is generally not
easy to inspect and severe engine damage can immediately occur
if it fails. There will be a recommended service interval by the
manufacturer usually every few years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Brakes
An inspection of brake components should be done at least twice
a year and components replaced or adjusted as necessary. The
life of the brake pads or shoes can vary significantly depending on
the type of vehicle, driving habits, and the quality of replacement
components. A small car that gets a lot of highway driving may
be able to go 100,000 miles or more with very little brake work.
Larger vehicles or more severe driving circumstances may require
replacement in as little as 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
An inspection of brake components should be done at least twice
a year and components replaced or adjusted as necessary. The
life of the brake pads or shoes can vary significantly depending on
the type of vehicle, driving habits, and the quality of replacement
components. A small car that gets a lot of highway driving may
be able to go 100,000 miles or more with very little brake work.
Larger vehicles or more severe driving circumstances may require
replacement in as little as 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
Battery
The battery has a limited lifespan and can contribute to failure of
other expensive electrical components. The starter, alternator and
battery cables can be damaged by a defective or poor quality
battery. It is ideal to get as much life as possible out of the
battery without extending this past the point of poor performance.
Just because the car will still start does not mean it's a good
battery. HQ Automotive can help you achieve this. If your
battery is 4 years old it's time to get it tested. If it's 5 years old
and still working it's time to consider replacing it to help prevent
being stranded and other damage. If your battery is 6 or more
years old it's probably on borrowed time.
The battery has a limited lifespan and can contribute to failure of
other expensive electrical components. The starter, alternator and
battery cables can be damaged by a defective or poor quality
battery. It is ideal to get as much life as possible out of the
battery without extending this past the point of poor performance.
Just because the car will still start does not mean it's a good
battery. HQ Automotive can help you achieve this. If your
battery is 4 years old it's time to get it tested. If it's 5 years old
and still working it's time to consider replacing it to help prevent
being stranded and other damage. If your battery is 6 or more
years old it's probably on borrowed time.
Filters
Fuel filter:
As the fuel filter gets restricted the fuel pump must work harder to
pump through it. Replacing it every 2 years or 30,000 miles helps
a great deal in avoiding premature fuel pump failure. This saves
you money and helps avoid breakdowns. HQ Automotive will
install a premium filter because a cheap filter may be so poorly
constructed as to completely defeat the purpose of installing a filter
at all costing you more in the long run.
Cabin filter:
This filter is similar in function to the filter in your furnace for your
home. It helps to keep dust and pollen out of the cabin of the
vehicle. After about 2 years this filter is usually dirty and
restricted. As it gets restricted dimenished AC/heater performance
will occur and increased wear and tear on the blower motor.
Yearly maintenance is recommended.
Engine Air filter:
Did you know? If you had 100 pounds of gas in your fuel tank
(and you very likely have this much or more) to burn that tank of
gas almost 1500 pounds of air will be used. A LOT of air goes
through your engine. A good quality air filter typically lasts 1-2
years or about 30,000 miles. If your car is regularly operated in a
dirty environment such as gravel roads plan on replacing it more
frequently.
Fuel filter:
As the fuel filter gets restricted the fuel pump must work harder to
pump through it. Replacing it every 2 years or 30,000 miles helps
a great deal in avoiding premature fuel pump failure. This saves
you money and helps avoid breakdowns. HQ Automotive will
install a premium filter because a cheap filter may be so poorly
constructed as to completely defeat the purpose of installing a filter
at all costing you more in the long run.
Cabin filter:
This filter is similar in function to the filter in your furnace for your
home. It helps to keep dust and pollen out of the cabin of the
vehicle. After about 2 years this filter is usually dirty and
restricted. As it gets restricted dimenished AC/heater performance
will occur and increased wear and tear on the blower motor.
Yearly maintenance is recommended.
Engine Air filter:
Did you know? If you had 100 pounds of gas in your fuel tank
(and you very likely have this much or more) to burn that tank of
gas almost 1500 pounds of air will be used. A LOT of air goes
through your engine. A good quality air filter typically lasts 1-2
years or about 30,000 miles. If your car is regularly operated in a
dirty environment such as gravel roads plan on replacing it more
frequently.
Spark Plugs
Yes, if your vehicle runs on gas you still have spark plugs. Many
cars have plugs that will last up to 100,000 miles. However, many
vehicles have shorter service intervals such as 30,000 miles or
60,000 miles. Some people are aware they last up to 100,000
miles and are under the impression their car will go this long too.
This is not necessarily the case. If the plugs are not changed for
several years they stand a chance of seizing up in the head making
replacing them potentially a serious problem. HQ Automotive
uses OE (original equipment) plugs. Whatever was originally
installed will be put back.
Yes, if your vehicle runs on gas you still have spark plugs. Many
cars have plugs that will last up to 100,000 miles. However, many
vehicles have shorter service intervals such as 30,000 miles or
60,000 miles. Some people are aware they last up to 100,000
miles and are under the impression their car will go this long too.
This is not necessarily the case. If the plugs are not changed for
several years they stand a chance of seizing up in the head making
replacing them potentially a serious problem. HQ Automotive
uses OE (original equipment) plugs. Whatever was originally
installed will be put back.
Spark Plug Wires
Many auto repair places attempt to sell you plug wires at the same
time as plug replacement. HQ Automotive disagrees with this
policy. It does not appear to be in your best interest and reduce
overall cost. Rather, we recommend replacing them as necessary
based on testing, inspection, and experience. Occasionally you
will find the auto manufacturer has recommended replacing them
at regular service intervals, in which case doing so would be
appropriate.
Many auto repair places attempt to sell you plug wires at the same
time as plug replacement. HQ Automotive disagrees with this
policy. It does not appear to be in your best interest and reduce
overall cost. Rather, we recommend replacing them as necessary
based on testing, inspection, and experience. Occasionally you
will find the auto manufacturer has recommended replacing them
at regular service intervals, in which case doing so would be
appropriate.
Fluids/Lubricants
If it is a fluid or Lubricant it is healthy for the proper operation of
your vehicle to keep it maintained. This includes fluids you may
not normally think to change. ie; power steering fluid, brake
fluid, manual or automatic transmission fluid, differential oil,
transfer case oil and of course your engine oil and coolant.
Brake Fluid:
Brake fluid absorbs moisture and gets other contaminates in it
over time. This reduces the effectiveness of the brake system
and contributes to corrosion/damage to other brake components
(and is a potentially dangerous). HQ Automotive can perform an
inexpensive test to determine the percentage of water in the
fluid. Without the ability to test for water content figure about
every 3 years the brake fluid should be flushed.
Engine coolant
The engine coolant plays a big role. Consequently, keeping it in
good condition plays a big role in the overall health of your
engine and heater system. Many modern vehicles have a coolant
installed that will last several years and around 100,000 miles.
Once the coolant has aged and due for replacement do not
expect the new coolant to last as long. For example Ford
recommends flushing the cooling system every two years for
green anti-freeze and 3 years or 36,000 miles for extended life
anti-freeze even though the original coolant may have lasted
60,000-100,000 miles.
If it is a fluid or Lubricant it is healthy for the proper operation of
your vehicle to keep it maintained. This includes fluids you may
not normally think to change. ie; power steering fluid, brake
fluid, manual or automatic transmission fluid, differential oil,
transfer case oil and of course your engine oil and coolant.
Brake Fluid:
Brake fluid absorbs moisture and gets other contaminates in it
over time. This reduces the effectiveness of the brake system
and contributes to corrosion/damage to other brake components
(and is a potentially dangerous). HQ Automotive can perform an
inexpensive test to determine the percentage of water in the
fluid. Without the ability to test for water content figure about
every 3 years the brake fluid should be flushed.
Engine coolant
The engine coolant plays a big role. Consequently, keeping it in
good condition plays a big role in the overall health of your
engine and heater system. Many modern vehicles have a coolant
installed that will last several years and around 100,000 miles.
Once the coolant has aged and due for replacement do not
expect the new coolant to last as long. For example Ford
recommends flushing the cooling system every two years for
green anti-freeze and 3 years or 36,000 miles for extended life
anti-freeze even though the original coolant may have lasted
60,000-100,000 miles.
What may happen if it fails?
- Severe engine damage
- Overheating
- Power steering failure
- electrical system failure
- high pitched noise (prior to
complete failure) - engine dies or will not start
- other symptoms
Possible additional expenses if it fails:
- Tow bill likely/vehicle not driveable
- Many other components may be
directly or indirectly damaged
causing additional expenses
sometimes significant additional
expenses. - Lost time
What may happen if neglected?
- Severe engine damage
- engine dies
- The engine will not start
- Rarely, a problem will occur
that will allow the engine to still
run but runs poorly.
Sometimes due to previous
repair work to the vehicle. - Additional expenses to repair
Possible additional expenses if it fails:
- Tow bill likely/vehicle not drivable
- Many other components may be
directly or indirectly damaged
causing additional expenses often
significant additional expenses. - Lost time/additional time required
to make repairs
What may happen if neglected?
- Damage to additional components
- vehicle becomes unsafe to drive
- personal injury or death