L&E'S VEHICLE EDUCATION

Know Your Vehicle.

You shouldn't need to be a mechanic to understand what your vehicle needs. These guides explain common maintenance and warning signs in plain English.

Fluids & MaintenanceBrakes & TiresEngine & CoolingDrivetrainWarning Signs
FLUIDS & MAINTENANCE

Fluids do more than lubricate.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid changes with age.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture over time. Moisture can reduce the fluid's boiling point and contribute to corrosion inside the hydraulic braking system.

What should you do?
Follow the maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle. There is no single replacement interval that applies to every make and model.

Sources: AAA Automotive Engineering · AAA Maintenance Myths

Oil & Other Fluids

Your owner's manual comes first.

Modern vehicles can have very different oil specifications, service intervals and requirements for transmission, differential, transfer-case and cooling-system fluids.

L&E's rule of thumb:
Don't choose a fluid or interval because it worked for somebody else's vehicle. Use the specification and schedule for your exact year, make and model.
BRAKES & TIRES

Small checks can prevent big problems.

Tire Pressure

Check pressure when tires are cold.

NHTSA recommends checking all tires, including the spare when equipped, at least once a month while cold. Use the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer on the driver's-door placard or in the owner's manual.

Common mistake:
The number molded into the tire sidewall is not the vehicle's recommended inflation pressure.

Source: NHTSA TireWise

Tire Rotation

Rotation can reduce irregular wear.

NHTSA says tire rotation can help reduce irregular wear. When the vehicle manufacturer recommends rotation, NHTSA gives 5,000–8,000 miles as general guidance, but some vehicles use different-size front and rear tires and may not be rotatable.

Best answer:
Check your owner's manual for the correct interval and rotation pattern.

Source: NHTSA TireWise

Brake Warning Signs

Noise isn't the only warning.

Pulsation, pulling while braking, unusual noises or a noticeable change in stopping performance can all justify a brake inspection. Addressing a smaller brake concern early may prevent additional component damage.

Source: AAA Automotive Engineering

Tire Tread

Look beyond the dashboard light.

A TPMS warning is not a substitute for routine tire inspection. NHTSA recommends monthly checks for inflation, tread wear and physical damage such as cuts, bulges and cracks.

Source: NHTSA TireWise

ENGINE & COOLING

Heat, fluids and maintenance matter.

Cooling System

Coolant is vehicle-specific.

Coolant type and replacement schedules vary by manufacturer. Mixing incompatible coolant types or assuming every vehicle uses the same interval can create problems.

Before servicing:
Verify the correct coolant specification and manufacturer schedule for the vehicle.
Preventive Maintenance

Maintenance helps reduce breakdown risk.

NHTSA recommends keeping up with manufacturer-recommended maintenance, including items such as oil changes, battery checks and tire rotations, especially before travel.

Source: NHTSA Summer Driving Tips

TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN

Not every fluid is “one size fits all.”

Transmission

Use the correct specification.

Transmission designs and fluid requirements vary widely. The appropriate service procedure and interval depend on the vehicle, transmission and manufacturer guidance.

Good maintenance starts with identification:
Year, make, model and drivetrain configuration matter before choosing a service.
Differentials & Transfer Cases

They're easy to forget.

Four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles may contain additional gearboxes with their own lubricants and maintenance requirements. These components should be considered when reviewing the vehicle's maintenance schedule.

WARNING SIGNS

Your vehicle often tells you something changed.

Check Engine Light

A scan code is a starting point.

An OBD-II trouble code identifies a system or condition the vehicle's computer detected; it does not automatically identify the failed part. Proper diagnosis may require additional testing.

Changes You Can Feel

Don't ignore new behavior.

New vibrations, pulling, unusual noises, leaks, smells or changes in braking and steering are reasons to have the vehicle inspected rather than waiting for a dashboard warning.

Important: These guides are general educational information, not a replacement for the maintenance schedule or diagnostic procedures for your specific vehicle. Manufacturer guidance for your exact year, make and model takes priority.
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