How often do you guys get your van routine serviced. I have been dropping mine into a local mechanic every 12 months more or less. But he syas it should be dropped in twice a year, depending on the mileage being put onto it. Is this true, or is he just looking for some extra business??
Thanks
Routine service.. you mean like oil changes and basic maintenance stuff? That I do myself at 3-5k depending.. I also service locks and hinges and lube points and treat rubber and check bulbs every 6mo or so.. and do my transmission fluid and filter every 25-50k (again, depending on how hard the miles are.. ) plugs and such as spec in manual.. tires and brakes Before they need changing.. all engine/drive parts serviced by Miles not days..
But then- I am ridiculously meticulous about such things.. probably more than necessary
(09-16-2024, 10:08 AM)GypsyDogs Wrote: [ -> ]Routine service.. you mean like oil changes and basic maintenance stuff? That I do myself at 3-5k depending.. I also service locks and hinges and lube points and treat rubber and check bulbs every 6mo or so.. and do my transmission fluid and filter every 25-50k (again, depending on how hard the miles are.. ) plugs and such as spec in manual.. tires and brakes Before they need changing.. all engine/drive parts serviced by Miles not days..
But then- I am ridiculously meticulous about such things.. probably more than necessary
Wow, that's impressive. Have you worked on cars or in an auto garage at some stage. You've got a lot of skills going on there. All I can do is change my tires.
Mechanic is being straight with you. Probably knows how many miles you put on and that you don't check these things often enough.
A lot of it is easier than you think .
Check tire pressure often (every morning before heading out at bare minimum). Ck oil level then too.
If you can get under the motor an oil change every 3-5000mi. is pretty simple . Just need to know your oil type/viscosity and pick up a filter. While you're under there , check the oil pan for seepage and if you do check bolts for loose ones . Transmission too , if automatic. (Just snug , not cranked tight is right.)
Air filters again , easy. Anti freeze ? yup , easy.
This one is really easy and your mechanic probably can't do it as well as you can !
Listen for things like new or a change in the sounds your rig usually makes . Clues they be arrrrrr ! .
A simple visual inspection of belts , hoses , battery and cables (don't forget ground wires to engine and chassis) will go a long way towards keeping you off a roadside miles from help. Check hose clamps for loose ones (need to be snug plus a little) and replace anything looking ain't right.
Go to an auto parts and pick up some spares of possibly hard to find essentials like bulbs ,filters , belts and hoses +sized clamps ,maybe a thermostat , plugs and wires. All cheap insurance against being stranded or waiting for the right part to be ordered.... BTDT-TMT (too many times)
Meaning both being stranded and having what I (or even a helpful someone else) needed to fix it and keep the show going .
If the engine is greasy grimy , clean it off , you'll have a chance of spotting leaks before it ruins your trip. Plus oil build up can feed a nice engine fire , those are a real treat you would like to avoid.
yup yup , BTDT too !
Have a go at it. I'm sure there's a bunch of YT vids if you need a confidence builder.
BUT don't throw away that mechanic's phone # though. Good ones are hard to find ...
Gypsy has fixed up more rigs than I can count. Anything she does should be considered for your list.
Oh one more thing. Have you made it to Fresno yet ?
Don't worry though you can still keep your forum ID if you did .......