Why Preventive Maintenance is More Important As Vehicles Age

If you own a vehicle, you probably know that regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly and safely. But did you know that preventive maintenance is even more important as your vehicle ages?

Preventive maintenance is the practice of inspecting, repairing, and servicing your vehicle’s parts and components before they cause problems or fail. It can help you avoid costly repairs, breakdowns, accidents, and violations in the future.

According to Consumer Reports, preventive maintenance can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. Some of the benefits of preventive maintenance include:

• Extending the lifespan and value of your vehicle
• Improving the performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle
• Reducing the risk of mechanical failures and malfunctions
• Enhancing the safety and reliability of your vehicle
• Preventing damage to the environment and other vehicles
• Complying with the manufacturer’s warranty and legal requirements

Some of the common preventive maintenance tasks that you should perform on your vehicle are:

• Changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s specifications and driving conditions
• Checking the tire pressure and tread depth every month and rotating the tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
• Replacing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as needed
• Flushing the coolant system every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or as recommended by your manufacturer
• Replacing the spark plugs and wires every 30,000 to 100,000 miles or as specified by your vehicle
• Inspecting the belts and hoses every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or as advised by your mechanic
• Testing the battery and charging system every year or as needed
• Checking the brake pads, rotors, and fluid every year or as required
• Replacing the windshield wipers and washer fluid every year or as needed
• Cleaning the exterior and interior of your vehicle regularly

These are just some of the general guidelines for preventive maintenance. You should always consult your owner’s manual and your mechanic for the specific maintenance schedule and procedures for your vehicle.

If you own a sprinter van, you may need to pay extra attention to preventive maintenance. Sprinter vans are popular vehicles for commercial and personal use, but they also have some unique features and challenges that require proper care and maintenance.

Sprinter vans are known for their durability and versatility, but they also have complex systems and components that can be expensive to repair or replace. Some of the common issues that sprinter van owners face are:

• Diesel engine problems, such as fuel injector failures, glow plug malfunctions, turbocharger issues, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve clogs
• Transmission problems, such as fluid leaks, shifting delays, and clutch failures
• Electrical problems, such as battery drain, alternator failures, and wiring harness damage
• Suspension problems, such as worn shocks, struts, and springs
• Brake problems, such as warped rotors, squeaky pads, and low fluid
• Body and paint problems, such as rust, corrosion, and dents

To prevent these problems from occurring or worsening, you should follow the preventive maintenance schedule and tips for your sprinter van. Some of the preventive maintenance tasks that you should perform on your sprinter van are:

• Changing the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or as indicated by the service indicator
• Replacing the fuel filter every 20,000 miles or as needed
• Replacing the air filter every 40,000 miles or as needed
• Replacing the cabin filter every 20,000 miles or as needed
• Replacing the transmission fluid and filter every 40,000 miles or as recommended by your manufacturer
• Replacing the brake fluid every two years or as needed
• Replacing the coolant every three years or as needed
• Replacing the differential fluid every 60,000 miles or as needed
• Replacing the power steering fluid every 60,000 miles or as needed
• Replacing the spark plugs every 100,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the belts, hoses, and clamps every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the tires, wheels, and alignment every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the brakes, rotors, and pads every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the steering, suspension, and drivetrain every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the exhaust system, emissions, and catalytic converter every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the lights, horn, wipers, and washer every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the battery, alternator, and starter every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Inspecting the air conditioning, heating, and ventilation every 10,000 miles or as needed
• Cleaning the exterior and interior of your sprinter van regularly

These are just some of the general guidelines for preventive maintenance for sprinter vans. You should always consult your owner’s manual and your mechanic for the specific maintenance schedule and procedures for your sprinter van.

By following these preventive maintenance tips, you can keep your vehicle and your sprinter van in good condition and avoid costly repairs and breakdowns. Preventive maintenance is not only a smart investment, but also a way to ensure your safety and comfort on the road.