This and That, Automotive Service Fall Maintenance Reminders!

What are the requirements car manufacturers have for severe service?

Many customers wonder why their owner’s manuals list two service schedules for their vehicles and which one they should follow.  Typically they are called ‘regular service’ or Schedule 1 or ‘severe service’ or Schedule 2.  Usually the difference is the ‘severe service’ interval will recommend doing oil changes, tire rotations, air filters, and transmission services more often: either in fewer miles or in a shorter time span.  Each vehicles service interval is separate and distinct to itself, and repair facilities are able to download these schedules off their shop computers through information services such as Mitchell One, All Data, and Identifix.
The following driving conditions would typically require a ‘severe service’ schedule:

• Most trips are less than 5 Miles.
• Most trips are less than 10 miles and temperatures are below freezing.
• You drive in very hot, very dusty, or very muddy conditions.
• You drive at slow speeds in stop and go driving conditions.
• You tow a trailer or carry heavy loads in your vehicle.

Today, very few people drive their vehicles in a ‘regular service’ type of environment, so the ‘severe service’ schedule would be right for most consumers, but if you’re not sure, consult your owner’s manual or talk to a service advisor at your favorite Approved Auto Repair facility.

What is a cabin air filter and why is it important that it be changed?

The cabin air filter cleans the outside air entering the cabin through the car’s HVAC system before it enters the passenger compartment.  It can remove all sorts of allergens, dust, pollen, exhaust fumes, and odors.  These filters are extremely good at removing contaminants smaller than a grain of sand.  Cabin filters are a relatively new improvement and not all vehicles come with one but if your vehicle has one it needs to be changed on a regular basis just like your car’s engine air filer.  If it becomes blocked it can slow down the flow of heat and cool air coming into your vehicle and if it is too dirty, it can leave in smelly odors.
The recommended change interval for the cabin air filter is about every 12,000 miles or more often if you drive in very dusty conditions.  

How often should I change my wiper blades?

This is a very common question asked by consumers today, the easy answer here in Pennsylvania, twice a year is the most recommended replacement interval. When you do it is, before summer, because the ice of winter has worn the rubber blades and before winter, because cleaning bugs and dirt off the windshield, will ruin the blades for a second time.  But do it more often, if the vehicle lives in an extremely dirty environment

For more information on AAA's Approved Auto Repair program go to AAA.com/autorepair or call 717-657-2244 x 1004 or email bphillips@aaacp.com.