Downey Auto Repair

Though we may set out to keep a car forever, not everyone will have the persistence — and luck — of Irv Gordon, a man who holds the world record for having driven his 1966 Volvo P1800 for nearly 3 million miles. You can, however, greatly extend the life of your vehicle, while simultaneously reducing the possibility of mechanical mishaps. The following five items are basic and can apply to any vehicle. 1. Follow Your Vehicle’s Service Schedule: This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are still too many car owners out there who pay little or no attention to the vehicle maintenance schedule as laid out in the owner’s manual. “I follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, not the dealer’s,” says Gordon. “They built the car, so they ought to ... read more

Simple tasks that can make your car last longer One of the reassuring qualities of contemporary cars is that they need much less-frequent service to keep them running well. Changing the spark plugs, breaker points, and condenser used to be a seasonal exercise, and body rust was accepted as a normal if unfortunate hazard of aging. Now many spark plugs can go 100,000 miles between changes. Electronic ignition has done away with the points and condenser. Chassis, suspensions, and even some transmissions are lubed for life. And factory rust-through warranties typically run six years or longer. What’s more, reliability has improved significantly. The result is that most late-model cars and trucks should be able to go 200,000 miles with regular upkeep. Here are a few simple, periodic checks and procedures you can do that will help you get there. Check the Engine Oil Do it regularly—monthly for a vehicle in good condition; more often if you notice an oil ... read more

Oil is the lifeblood of the engine in your vehicle. Without oil, your engine would burn up and seize in a matter of seconds. Oil lubricates your engine and fights against the two biggest enemies of any motor: friction and heat. Friction and heat produce wear. Wear will eventually destroy your engine. Friction and heat degrade oil over time. This is the reason the engine oil and filter need to be replaced regularly. Whether you drive an SUV, truck, or car your vehicle is likely the second biggest investment you will make in your lifetime. If you take good care of your vehicle, it could last 200,000 miles or more. The prices of new and used vehicles are rising every year. Caring for your vehicle should be among your top priorities. One of the most important and cost effective steps you can take to prolong the life of your vehicle is to change your engine oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or as often as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Inspecting the level and conditi ... read more