We have noticed that due to extreme driving conditions (freeway/city), sludge may build up in the engine crankcase and oil lubrication ports on many automobiles over a period of time. Therefore, it is highly advisable to have the oil serviced every 3000> 3750 miles on automobiles that are currently using with fossil based engine oil; however, when using synthetic oil, approximately every 5,000 miles on late model Volvo® and water cooled Volkswagens®. On Mercedes Benz® automobiles since 1997>on, all models use synthetic engine oil and there hasn’t been a problem when servicing oil every 10-13,000 miles, or when the service reminder comes on (sooner on Mercedes® to our knowledge)
Here is a list of recommended parts and service to help increase the longevity of your automobile:
The air filter! Since southern California is mostly a desert region, it’s dry and dusty so sand is all over the place and while driving, it is suctioned through the air induction system. It goes through an unclean air filter, and starts to sand-blast the sensitive electronic film on the mass meter (air flow meter) which has been causing engine check lights to come on. This is why it’s important to replace the air filter with an original equipment quality filtration. We have noticed that most air filters sold in the retail aftermarket are not suitable in this regard. In addition, a clean and quality air filter will improve fuel economy by 10%.
The fuel filter! Since 1999> approximately, new car manufacturers have extended the interval replacement mileage to about 100,000 miles compared to every 30,000 miles on pre- 1998. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have the fuel filter replaced every 50-60,000 miles to avoid fuel flow issues and drivability faults.
Sparkplugs! Every 100,000 miles or so, new car manufacturers would like to have the sparkplugs replaced; however, the hotter combustion temperatures created by leaner (less fuel mixture in combustion) constant stop/go traffic most motorists put on their vehicles can cause early breakdown of the electrode of the sparkplugs which leads to misfires and ultimately the engine check light… We recommend for you to replace the platinum sparkplugs (if equipped) every 50-60,000 miles or once every four years and to have them torqued to specifications because that will produce a better ground circuit and a smoother running engine.
Automatic transmission fluid! Since 2001>, most Volvo® automobiles are equipped with synthetic transmission fluid. We recommend the automatic transmission fluid changed every 50-60,000 miles or every four years. On Mercedes Benz® since 1996>on, every 50-60,000 miles even thought they may say, “It never needs replacement.” Yeah right. Our customers that get the oil serviced early, not when it’s too late, seem to have less problems with automatic transmission issues.
Coolant! Every 3 years or every 30,000 miles the coolant should be replaced with factory coolant and purified water (removes 95% minerals) which we use. Using purified water helps to minimize electrolysis (small amp charge which circulates and causes wear on the cylinder head gasket and radiator congestion).
Brake fluid! After 30,000 miles or once every three years, the brake fluid needs to get flushed out with approved brake fluid. It’s a very important service due to the demand from the ABS and SBC hybrid braking systems, which causes fluid to break down more rapidly. We use approved power-brake fluid and flush equipment. The highest rating now for passenger cars is: dot4+ which is what we use.
