Nov 20, 2008 12:25 pm US/Eastern
Angie's List: Holiday Car Service
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Are you hitting the road this thanksgiving holiday? If so, how ready is your car?
In this weeks Angie's List report Jim Donovan reminds us before you head out, you want to make sure your car is in good working order.
When was the last time you changed the oil in your car?
"It used to be the general rule of thumb you change your oil every 3,000 miles, but with newer cars you can go much longer. Some cars might go 5,000 miles, 7,000 miles, even 15,000, so you're best bet is to look at your owner's manual and follow what the manufacturer suggests," said Angie's List Founder, Angie Hicks.
Regular car maintenance will not only save you from breaking down during a holiday trip. It could also save you money year round.
"I think if we asked people, they would honestly admit that they go longer on their oil changes than their manufacturer's suggests. But you need to keep in mind that keeping your oil changed is going to help you get better gas mileage. In today's times, we want to stretch those dollars as much as we can. Also, the oil changes are a reminder to check other fluids and parts of the car. If you are skipping that, then you're ignoring those other parts of the car as well," said Hicks.
More Advice from Angie:
If you'll be hitting the highway for an extended road trip, have your car checked by a professional a couple weeks before your departure - that will give you some time in case repairs are necessary.
Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations go a long way toward preventing breakdowns before they happen, not to mention they all help with getting good gas mileage! Proper care for your vehicle will dictate whether you keep it 10 or 20 years.
A nationwide Angie's List poll showed nearly half of respondents change their oil every three-thousand miles - but that may be too often. The standard for oil changes used to be every three months or three thousand miles. However, in the last few years with the introduction of synthetic oils - there is no set rule anymore - it varies by make and model, and your driving habits.
We talked to some highly-rated auto service companies on Angie's List and they recommend you check your vehicle's owner's manual, especially if your car is still under warranty. Most newer cars will fall between three-thousand and seven-thousand miles. But read the fine print, that recommendation is mostly for mild service. Most stop and go driving is considered severe - so it may need to be changed more often.
Ask a mechanic if you're confused about which service schedule to adhere to. A reputable one will ask you detailed questions about how you use your vehicle and help you decide what's right for you and your vehicle. Bottom line: Every car is different and needs to be addressed on a case by case basis.
The additives in the motor oil protect your car by keeping internal engine parts clean and free of build-up, but the additives eventually wear out and have to be changed. If you skip out on oil changes at your car's recommended interval, wear and tear increases and your fuel economy and dependability decrease. If oil changes are neglected - chances are other important vehicle maintenance will be neglected also. So while you may have skipped out on routine maintenance to save a few bucks - this could all add up - costing you more in repairs down the road.
While some consumers change their oil themselves, most take their cars to their dealership, auto shop or a quick lube franchise - the key is finding a reputable shop. We've heard from many Angie's List members who've had some bad experiences during an oil change - the most common - the technician forgot to put the oil plug back in and the oil leaked out.
A small mistake during an oil change could result in costly repairs. Make sure you are using the type of oil your car's owner's manual recommends. A recent Angie's List poll revealed nearly 70 percent did not know what type of oil their car required. It's important to know exactly what type of oil you should use to keep your engine running as designed - failure to use oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications can void your warranty and you could end up paying for costly repairs.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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