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Maintenance: When or how often should I?
 
Some of the most commonly asked questions are "How often should I do an Oil Change? Or, When should I get a Tune-Up?  Or, How can my tires effect my alignment?
 
To help take out some of the guess-work, Tru-Line recommends the following basic maintenance schedules to help keep your vehicle in top running order.  These are based on average miles in standard driving conditions.  Each users situation may differ from the average driver so if you are not certain, just contact us and we will answer all your questions.
 
  • Oil Change  We suggest you change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles based on your driving.
    • Most engine problems can be avoided with regularly maintained oil changes.  This is the most overlooked maintenance procedure that leads to engine breakdown and failure.
  • Tune Up  Tru-Line recommends that you follow the scheduled procedures as defined by your vehicles manufacture.
    • Today's vehicles require more than just a "tune up."  The manufacturers recommend specific activity for many mileage thresholds.  To be sure your vehicle is kept running smoothly, Tru-Line will guide you through these scheduled maintenance intervals.
  • Transmission Fluid Service  Many people do not know that when your transmission fluid gets old it becomes "smelly."  Tru-Line is well aware of transmission fluid services and recommends that you get your fluid flushed and replaced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles.  Not only do we remove and change the filter element behind the transmission pan, we suggest you pump out your transmission fluid and replace with new ATF.  Reason?  Replacing the filter and pan gasket only replaces about 5 or 6 quarts of ATF but the average transmission can hold up to 12 to 15 quarts.
    • Rebuilding a transmission is a costly service.  By not servicing your transmission fluid the ATF will breakdown and actually cause metal to metal contact within your transmission.
    • Metal rubbing against metal in the transmission is the first step towards needing a transmission either rebuilt or replaced.
  • Alignment  Obviously hitting a pot-hole or curb can cause your alignment to go out, but Tru-Line also suggests you have your  alignment checked annually.  Everyone assumes that their vehicles alignment is in the front.  People do not realize that most vehicles may also have alignment settings that exist in the rear of the vehicle as well.  Make certain you ask for both front and rear alignment to make certain your vehicle drives smoothly and straight.
    • Irregular tire wear and new tires are also good reasons to have your alignment checked.
  • Tire Rotation  Tru-Line recommends you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles.
    • By rotating your tires regularly you are ensuring an even tread wear.  This will also help keep your alignment settings.
  • Brakes  Driving conditions and patterns will effect peoples brakes differently.  While it is impossible to say that you should change your brakes every XX amount of miles, it is possible to inform you of how much life (percentage) your brakes have left in them.  Brakes can be a very costly repair; especially if you need to replace rotors or drums due to damage that could have been avoided.
    • As a courtesy to our customers, Tru-Line will check your brakes with every Oil Service and inform you if they need replacement or how much life (percentage) is left.