The Importance of Car Maintenance

Whether you have a trusted technician who works on your vehicles or you prefer to do the work yourself, let ACDelco help you keep your cars and trucks running strong, long and efficiently. Find tips and guidelines for keeping your vehicle in optimal condition.

Air Filters

A dirty air filter prevents the engine from breathing properly. Change the air filter once a year or when recommended in your Owner’s Manual. Change it more often if you drive in dirty or dusty conditions. If your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, change that, too. A dirty cabin air filter reduces the airflow through the vehicle’s ventilation system. Cabin air filters help keep pollen, fumes, smoke and other materials from reaching the inside of a vehicle. See the Owner’s Manual to determine if your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter.

Drive Belts & Maintenance

Drive belts are essential for keeping your vehicle’s electrical (alternator), engine cooling (water pump) and air-conditioning systems running. Having the drive belt inspected periodically and replaced when necessary means you’re less likely to experience a broken belt and the resulting vehicle breakdown.

Oil Filter

Having your oil and oil filter changed at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer is likely to generate the single biggest return on your investment in routine auto service and maintenance. Getting an oil change will help protect the internal parts of the engine from premature wear. It’s important to use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle for the best protection and fuel mileage. See your vehicle Owner’s Manual for the recommended oil change interval, or follow the Oil Life Monitoring System, if equipped.

Radiator & Cooling

A radiator or cooling system that is clogged or low on fluid can cause serious damage to the engine and other components. Get into the habit of checking the fluid level regularly, and have the fluid changed or flushed when recommended.

Automatic & Manual Transmission

Automatic and manual transmissions have become more sophisticated with additional gears and computerized electronic controls, and are designed to work with the engine controls. For best operation, have your automatic or manual transmission inspected and serviced as recommended in the Owner’s Manual.

Truck & Car Battery Charging

Extreme heat and cold are hard on truck and car batteries. If your vehicle is a few years old, have the battery and charging system tested to be sure that your auto battery has the power to start your vehicle and that your alternator is recharging the battery as it should. ACDelco car, truck, ATV, RV, motorcycle and marine batteries have some of the best warranties in the industry, and ACDelco alternators are 100 percent performance- and reliability-tested to help provide you with a quality, proven product.

Brakes

Brakes often have wear indicators that produce noise when it’s time to change the brake pads, or your brakes may feel different when you press on them. If you think there may be a problem with your vehicle’s brakes, have them inspected at an Independent Service Center that features quality ACDelco parts. When it’s time to replace the brakes, ask for ACDelco DuraStop brakes, which are D3EA-certified.

Ignition System

Though many spark plugs are designed to last 100,000 miles, they can still get dirty or fail prematurely. Ignition wires lose insulating ability over time, and the connection to the plug or ignition coil can degrade as well. Having your service technician regularly inspect your ignition system can help you avoid conditions that may result in poor performance or reduced fuel economy.

Suspension System

The suspension system affects your vehicle’s steering, braking power and stability, so it’s important to have these functions inspected regularly and to replace parts when they become worn – and dangerous! ACDelco has shocks and struts that fit your style and budget and that feature a competitive limited lifetime warranty. It’s also important to have other chassis items, such as tie-rod ends, control arms and ball joints, checked periodically. To the original retail purchaser. Parts only; installation not included. See your local retailer or Independent Service Center that offers ACDelco parts for details.

Windshield Wipers & Wiper Blade Replacement

Don’t wait for a rainy day to discover that your windshield wipers are worn and need replacement. Worn windshield wipers can hinder visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. ACDelco’s Beam Blades have a curved design that conforms to the shape of your windshield and provides constant pressure for a smooth, uniform wipe.