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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

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Car Care Aware

Courtesy of the Automotive Service Association

The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.

Always consult your owner's manual for individual service schedules because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer.

  • Always consult your owner's manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly - every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
  • Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.
  • Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.
  • Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
  • Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.
  • Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is low, unless it is a maintenance-free battery.
  • Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and taillights.
  • Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them at least once a year, or sooner if streaking begins.
  • Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.
  • Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.
Service Interval Schedule:

Vehicle System or Component

Check Monthly

Check Every 3,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid


Battery and Cables


Belts


Brakes and Brake Fluid


Cabin Air Filter



Chassis Lubrication


Check Engine Light On


Coolant (Antifreeze)


Engine Air Filter


Engine Oil and Filter

Exhaust


Fuel Filter


Hoses


Lights


Power Steering Fluid


Shock Absorbers and Struts


Tire Inflation and Condition


Windshield Washer Fluid


Wiper Blades


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  • Contact us

    Service Plus Automotive

    1601 Lakeview Ave
    Dracut, MA 01826
    978-957-5050
    Email Us | Get Directions

  • Vehicle tips

    • According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
    • The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
    • Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
    • Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
    • Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
    • A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
    • Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
    • Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
    • Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
    • Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
    • Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
    • Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
    • Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
    • Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
    • Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
    • Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
    • Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
    • Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
    • Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
    • Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

ASSOCIATIONS

  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
  • IDENTIFIX
  • Jasper
  • World Pac
  • ALL-DATA
  • STS Turbo
  • Car Care Aware

Testimonials

  • I am a owner of a Buick that is 14 years old . This car has a great running engine, but the brakes and suspension not so good. I brought my car to several automotive centers, Sears being one of them. The money I paid at Sears for just front brakes was outrageous and to add insult to injury they let me drive out with two very bad tires. I had no knowledge they could blow out at anytime. Most of all when they addressed the biggest problem, I said to my husband maybe we should buy a new car. So through word of mouth my husband was told about Service Plus on Lakeview Ave in Dracut . A friend suggest I go there, because they are very good. When I brought my car to Service Plus, they where very professional. They gave me a free estimate and offered me a free car for the day while they repaired my car. Heck, they even fixed a problem from the work done previously at sears and saved me hundreds of $$$$. I am a big fan of Service Plus now. My car rides so good. I will go to them always in the future. I am grateful that I can count on Service Plus to be honest and do a professional and competent job. You can't say that about to many companies now a days. Bravo and well done.
    -Gloria H.

  • I have been a customer at Service Plus for over eight years. I have also recommended Service Plus to others over the years. "Service Plus" is the correct name for this automotive center because that is exactly how Steve and Greg and their other workers treat customers...they provide service plus! I have very little knowledge of car problems so I rely on their expertise and honesty and I have never been disappointed. They make the repairs that they say they will make and charge you what they say they will charge you. They complete the work when they say they will and are very helpful for emergency type problems. They are respectful of their customer's time and money and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
    -Pauline L. - Dracut, MA

  • Have used them many times over the years. They are all always friendly, professional and honest. I recommend Service Plus to all my friends!
    -Anonymous

  • Long-time customer! Always honest, friendly and reasonable. They know how to treat their customers and keep them happy. We recommend Service Plus to all of our friends.
    -Carrie Ladebauche

  • Took my truck there (really old and time for a new one) but they were incredibly nice and very professional and they fixed my truck the very next day. This is hands down the greatest shop in Massachusettes, As im writing this my truck is being looked at by them for another issue. To make a long story short these guys are fantastic and everybody should bring there vehicles there!!!!
    -Brandon L.

  • I've been going to Service Plus since I started driving, introduced to Steve and Greg by my father who swore by them sine they opened. I refuse to go to any other mechanic because you simply cant beat the kindness and honesty they offer.
    -Justin B.

  • Just left Service Plus with the peace of mind that my car is in good hands! I have been a long-time customer and have never been let down. Went there today with a laundry list of "problems" with my car from the dealership. Steve and Greg took my car right in with the list in hand. They came back and told me what needed to be fixed and what didn't. I left with an appointment for next week. They guarantee their work and their parts. Their honesty and service is first class.
    -Carrie L.

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Service Plus Automotive

1601 Lakeview Ave
Dracut, MA 01826
978-957-5050
Email Us



Serving: Dracut, Lowell, Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, Methuen, Pelham NH, Nashua NH

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