M otorists are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. A soft

economy and tight budgets mean many people are driving their vehicles as many miles as they can before they have to sell it, trade it or junk it. So are consumers taking better care of their aging high mileage vehicles? Not according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Car Care Council. According to these two groups, maintenance neglect is a serious problem. Here are some recent findings from vehicle inspections conducted by the Car Care Council:n 86% of all vehicles inspected had one or

more failures n 30% had low oil (down 1 or more quarts)

or extremely dirty oiln 26% had low coolant or worn out coolantn 23% had dirty air filtersn 23% had little or no windshield washer

fluidn 20% had corroded or loose battery cablesn 19% had low power steering fluidn 19% had worn beltsn 18% had low ATF (below the ADD line) or

worn out transmission fluidn 16% had one or more worn, damaged or

missing wiper bladesn 15% had low, contaminated or worn out

brake fluidn 13% had one or more hoses in need of

replacementn 12% had one or more burned out brake

lights or taillightsn 10% had a Check Engine Light onn 10% had worn out or damaged tiresn 3% had a burned out headlamp

Vehicle maintenance requirements can vary a great deal from one vehicle to another, so motorists should follow the

recommendations in their owner's manual to maintain warranty coverage, to keep their vehicle in good working condition and to prevent possible problems down the road.

Oil MaintenanceDirty oil reduces engine protection and increases engine wear, while a low oil level can lead to overheating or loss of lubrication. Loss of oil pressure due to oil starvation can cause severe and expensive engine damage. Sludge can clog valve lifters and cam followers, and prevent oil from reaching the bearings and other moving parts.

Regular oil changes based on the schedule suggested in the owner's manual and the type of driving the vehicle is subjected to

will extend engine life and save money in the long run. The problem is many motorists are pushing their oil change intervals too far, either out of ignorance or in an attempt to reduce maintenance expenses.

OEM recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles or longer are common today. The longer service intervals listed in many vehicle owner's manuals are for "normal" driving, which does NOT include extended idling time, frequent short trip driving (especially during cold weather), towing a trailer or prolonged high speed driving during extremely hot weather. Vehicles that are driven in such a

©2013 National Automotive Parts Association

Product Knowledge for NAPA AUTO PARTS Store Employees

Maintenance Neglect ISSUE 07.2013

}  Oil Maintenance

}  Cooling System Maintenance

}  Engine Air Filters

}  Cabin Air Filters

}  Transmission Maintenance

}  Belt & Hose Maintenance

}  Spark Plugs & Ignition Wires

}  Sensor Maintenance

}  Brake Maintenance

}  Related Sales

continued inside

Today's cars require much less maintenance than ever before, but that doesn't mean motorists can forget about maintenance altogether. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs.

manner should follow the "severe service" maintenance schedule, which usually calls for more frequent oil changes.

You can remind your customers that changing the oil every 3,000 miles provides the best all around preventive maintenance, especially for older, high mileage engines as well as hard-working turbocharged, supercharged and diesel engines.

Some newer vehicles don't even have published oil change recommendations. They rely on a "Service Reminder Light" to signal the driver when an oil change is due. The light comes on when the software algorithm that monitors engine speed, drive time, mileage, temperature and other operating variables estimates the oil is nearing the end of its service life. In some cases, the oil reminder light may not come on for up to 12,000 miles or more! What many motorists many not know is that these extended oil service intervals may require synthetic oil, not conventional oil, in the engine. The estimated oil life may also be overly optimistic, so some motorists may want to consider the benefits of changing their oil more frequently.

Oil viscosity recommendations are also important and should be followed. Most late

model engines use a fuel-saving 5W-20 or 5W-30 conventional, synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil. Some European cars specify 0W-20, and some European vehicles also have their own oil specifications that go beyond viscosity or API service ratings. Always check the OE's oil requirements.

More traditional viscosities such as 10W-30 are primarily for older vehicles. Thinner oils reduce friction to improve fuel economy, and allow the oil to reach overhead cams more quickly following a cold start. Many late model engines also use cam phasers for Variable Valve Timing (VVT). If the oil viscosity is incorrect, it may upset the normal operation of the cam phasers and set a fault code and/or result in engine damage.

The amount of ZDDP (zinc & phosphorus) anti-wear additive in motor oil has been reduced in recent years to prolong the life of the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. Most late model engines do not require as much ZDDP because they have low-friction roller cams or overhead cams with followers. However, older modified pushrod engines that have performance flat tappet cams and stiffer valve springs may require a performance oil to prevent cam lobe and lifter wear.

Premium oil filters typically offer higher filtering efficiency and/or increased dirt trapping capacity for extended service intervals, and are recommended for vehicles that use a Service Reminder Light or have an extended oil change interval of 7,500 miles or more.

Cooling System MaintenanceToday's long life coolants don't require much maintenance other than checking the coolant level to keep it between the FULL and ADD marks. The coolant should also be changed every 5 years or every 100,000 to 150,000 miles depending on the coolant. But many motorists seldom check their coolant levels, and some have NEVER changed their coolant!

The Organic Acid Technology (OAT) corrosion

inhibitors in today's long life coolants last a long time, but they don't last forever – especially if the cooling system becomes contaminated by topping it off with tap water that contains dissolved salts or minerals, or by adding a coolant that does not contain long life additives.

Coolant that is dirty, contaminated or worn out should be changed to protect the engine and cooling system against internal corrosion. Such corrosion can damage the heater core, radiator and engine itself.

The coolant should also be changed if a customer is replacing a water pump, radiator or heater core. The coolant can be the same type as the original, or a "universal" coolant for all makes/models. New hoses and clamps are also recommended, and should always be replaced if cracked, leaking, bulging or damaged.

Engine Air FiltersMost air filters are relatively easy to check, so there's no excuse (other than forgetfulness) for not checking the air filter periodically. A good time to inspect it is when the oil is changed.

Factory recommended service intervals for air filters can vary from 30,000 to 50,000 miles or more. A few vehicles even come factory-equipped with a "lifetime" air filter – which can last a long time under "normal" driving conditions but not forever. Driving on dirty, dusty gravel roads can clog any air filter very quickly.

©2013 National Automotive Parts Association

Nearly one out of four vehicles has a dirty air filter that needs to be replaced.

Many engines require a specific oil viscosity, and some require synthetic oils for extended oil change intervals.

Maintenance Neglect

The air filter is the engine's first and only line of defense against airborne contaminants. The filter protects the piston rings and other internal engine parts against abrasive wear. A clogged air filter can also restrict airflow, causing a decrease in performance and fuel economy. The engine management system can compensate for a dirty air filter up to a point, but eventually the filter must be replaced.

Poor fitting air filters are another common problem. Installing the wrong filter or failing to install the right filter correctly may leave air gaps between the filter and housing that allow unfiltered air to enter the engine. Warpage in some plastic air cleaner housings can also allow air leaks and engine contamination.

Cabin Air FiltersMany late model vehicles have a Cabin Air Filter, or in some cases, a slot where such a filter can be installed. In spite of considerable effort to educate motorists about cabin air filters, many still don't know whether or not their vehicle has one, let alone where it might be located or how to replace it. To add to the confusion, cabin air filters are sometimes mistakenly listed for applications that don't actually have one. Even owner's manuals can be wrong on this one.

If a vehicle does have a cabin air filter, it will usually be located under or behind the glove box in the HVAC unit, or in the cowl area at the base of the windshield (passenger side). Access to the filter may require

removing the glove box or a cowl access panel cover.

The recommended maintenance interval for most dust-trapping cabin air filters is 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on operating conditions. For carbon impregnated odor-trapping cabin air filters, the recommended change interval is typically once a year or 12,000 miles.

A clogged cabin air filter can restrict airflow through the HVAC system reducing both heater and A/C output as well as windshield defrosting.

Transmission MaintenanceMany of today's automatic transmissions have no recommended service interval for the fluid or internal filter for normal driving. But ATF doesn't last forever. It can oxidize (burn) if it gets too hot, especially in servere service applications. Changing the transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for preventive maintenance can reduce the risk of transmission failure and prolong the life of the transmission.

Most late model transmissions have very specific ATF requirements, and using the wrong fluid can cause shifting problems and may even lead to transmission failure. Use the type of ATF that meets the OEM specifications and is listed on the transmission filler tube or dipstick, or in the owner's manual.

Belt & Hose MaintenanceSerpentine belts on late model engines that are made of EPDM synthetic rubber are often capable of lasting upwards of 100,000 miles or more versus 50,000 to 60,000 miles for older style V-belts or serpentine belts made of neoprene rubber. Any belt that is badly cracked, obviously worn or contaminated with grease or oil should be replaced without delay to prevent a belt failure and breakdown.

It's difficult to judge the condition of an EPDM serpentine belt by its appearance alone because EPDM rubber doesn't crack as it ages (unlike ordinary belts). Consequently, a high mileage belt may still

look like new but have considerable wear. A special gauge can be used to measure wear in the V-grooves on the underside of the belt. If the belt is worn, it can slip and squeal. A slipping belt may allow the engine to overheat and/or prevent the charging system from keeping the battery fully charged.

Belt slippage can also be caused by a worn or defective automatic belt tensioner. For this reason, replacing the tensioner is recommended when changing a high mileage serpentine belt.

Spark Plugs & Ignition WiresMost late model engines have 100,000 mile platinum or iridium spark plugs. The exotic metals in the electrodes reduce erosion so the plugs can last a long time. Even so, long life plugs don't last forever and may not even make it 100,000 miles if the engine is using oil and the plugs become fouled and misfire.

Misfiring spark plugs should not be ignored not only because of their adverse effect on fuel economy, performance and emissions, but also because of the possible damage misfires may cause to the catalytic converter.

Replacement spark plugs don't have to be the same brand or type as the original, but they must have the same thread diameter, pitch, length, reach and heat range as the original plugs. Less expensive standard spark plugs should never be substituted for long life plugs, but platinum

©2013 National Automotive Parts Association

continued on back

Cabin air filters are usually located in hidden locations. Many motorists are unaware their vehicle has such a filter, and many have NEVER been changed!

A simple plastic gauge like this can be used to check serpentine belt wear. If the top of the gauge is flush or below the top of the grooves, the belt is worn and needs to be replaced.

©2013 National Automotive Parts Association

Product Knowledge for NAPA AUTO PARTS Store Employees

or iridium plugs can be recommended as an upgrade over standard spark plugs.

On older engines that have spark plug wires, changing the plug wires when new spark plugs are installed is often recommended to restore like-new ignition performance. If an engine has a coil-on-plug ignition system, replacing the insulating boots when the spark plugs are changed is recommended.

Sensor MaintenanceMost engine sensors require no maintenance, and are only replaced if the sensor has failed or is not operating within normal parameters. Most sensor failures will set a fault code and turn on the Check Engine Light (but not always).

Oxygen sensors, for example, can become sluggish and slow to respond to changes in the engine's air/fuel mixture. The loss of performance may not be bad enough to set a code, but it can cause a noticeable drop in fuel economy. The only fix for a contaminated or sluggish O2 sensor is to replace it. If contamination is the problem the source of the comtamination should be identified and eliminated. If one O2 sensor has failed, replacing all of the O2 sensors at the same time may be recommended to prevent further troubles down the road.

The same thing can happen with a dirty Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor. O2 and MAF

sensor problems are a common cause of emission inspection failures. MAF sensor performance can often be improved by cleaning with electronics cleaner, but this is seldom a permanent repair.

Brake MaintenanceBrake pads are a wear item and are not covered by new car or extended warranties for that very reason. Average pad life can very greatly from one vehicle to another and from one driver to another, and may be anywhere from 25,000 to 60,000 miles or more.

When pads are replaced, the entire brake system should be thoroughly inspected to identify any other parts that may also need to be replaced. On high mileage vehicles, new rotors, calipers, brake hoses, drums, drum hardware and wheel cylinders are often needed.

A few auto makers publish service intervals for brake fluid, but most do not. Even so, brake fluid should always be changed when new pads or other brake parts are installed, or every four to five years depending on the fluid's condition.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time. This causes the corrosion inhibitors in the fluid to break down and also lowers the boiling temperature of the fluid (increasing the risk of pedal fade in prolonged braking situations). The condition of the fluid can be determined by chemical test strips or by

special test equipment that measures the fluid's moisture content or boiling temperature.

Related Salesn Wiper bladesn Windshield washer fluidn Fuel additives (fuel injector and engine

cleaners)n Coolant additives (sealers, corrosion

inhibitors, etc.).n Body care products (waxes, polishes,

cleaners, etc.).n Lamps and fusesn Chassis grease, brake grease and other

lubricants

Q. I don't want to spend a lot of money on maintenance if I don't have to. So what needs to be serviced now?

A. It depends on the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. You should follow the recommendations in your owner's manual to maintain warranty coverage, to keep your vehicle in good working condition and to prevent possible problems down the road.

Q. My Oil Reminder Light didn't come on for just over 12,000 miles. Is that right?

A. The oil reminder system looks at various variables to estimate oil life. In some cases the estimate may be overly optimistic. It may also require using synthetic oil rather than conventional oil. You might want to consider more frequent oil changes depending on the type of driving you do.

Q. I don't know if my truck has a cabin air filter or not. Can you help me?

A. I'll look it up for you, and if your truck does have a cabin air filter we'll see where it is and how to replace it.

Review Questions July 2013

Answers: 1. d, 2. b, 3. c

1. Motor oil should be changed how often?

a. 3000 milesb. 5000 milesc. 7500 milesd. Varies depending on the application

and type of driving.

2. The percentage of vehicles with a dirty air filter?

a. 50%b. 23%c. 12%d. 5%

3. Which of the following is NOT true?

a. Maintenance neglect is a serious problem.b. Many motorists don't know if their vehicle

has a cabin air filter.c. Standard spark plugs can be substituted

for platinum or iridium spark plugs.d. Different transmissions require different

types of ATF.

Questions a Customer Might Ask About Maintenance Neglect:

A chemical test strip can revel worn out brake fluid that needs to be changed.