Drive Train

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Have the CV boots inspected every 15,000 miles. Front wheel drive vehicles have couplings which allow the engine power to be transmitted to the wheels as they are steered and bounce along the road. These are CV (constant velocity) joints and there are usually two on each side. They are covered by rubber boots which are loaded with grease for lubrication. Since they move around a lot when you steer the car, eventually they crack and allow the grease to leak out. That can lead to failure of the CV joint itself which is fairly costly to replace.

Most manufacturers recommend timing belt replacement at 50,000 to 65,000 miles and it should be done. Almost all modern cars have a timing belt or chain. It’s a critical component and you should follow the recommendation of the manufacturer here. Look for this in your owner’s manual or ask the dealer. In some cases, failure of the belt will result in destruction of the engine. Ask the dealer if your car would be subject to this mode of failure. If you purchase a used, higher mileage car and don’t know its history, err on the side of conservatism and replace it sooner rather than later. Assume the previous owner didn’t. If your car is not one of those subject to catastrophic failure, the real danger is getting stuck someplace you don’t want to, like Dismal Seepage, South Dakota, or not being able to get out of the way of a barreling semi.

Change the manual transmission oil at 45,000 mile intervals. That’s the conservative thing to do. Dr. Dipstik believes it’s a good idea. However, there is some controversy concerning how often to replace the transmission oil in a vehicle with a clutch. Others say, not unless there are actual transmission chunks floating around in there. Dr. Dipstik feels that the existence of chunks makes it too late.

Automatic Transmission Fluid - the world’s most perfect liquid - should be changed at 25,000 mile intervals and also replace the filter. The level should be checked once per month. The fluid should be a nice reddish color, not brown or burned. It should have a pleasant bouquet - a piquant sauciness, almost a brash freshness with no woody notes and a light, sweet finish. It shouldn’t smell burnt.

If you have an adjustable clutch, have it adjusted every 7,500 miles. Check your owner’s manual or ask the dealer if you do. Driving with a clutch that is out of adjustment will result in excessive wear. Make a note as to whether you have an adjustable clutch or not in your log.

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