• Timing belts should be replaced between 60,000 miles (5-7 years) and 105,000 miles (7years), depending on the car model. A timing belt drives the engine in the same way a bicycle chain moves a bicycle. If the belt breaks the car stops immediately and in some cases causes major engine damage ($1,000 to $2,000 or more).
  • A fuel filter that is not changed will block and damage the fuel pump, which can cost more than a "Major" service.
  • Battery terminals that are not cleaned can cause the alternator to overcharge and burn out. An alternator can cost as much as a "Major" service.
  • A Battery that appears to start the car well but tests as marginal or is more than 5 years old can also cause the alternator to overcharge and fail.
  • Brake fluid that is not replaced will absorb moisture, corrode the metal brake parts, cause seals to leak and boil at a lower temperature, and fail under hard braking. This will be not only expensive but dangerous.
  • Coolant not changed regularly will cause electrolysis and corrode the cooling system. Electrolysis will cause all aluminum in the engine to be transferred/corroded and deposited in the remainder of the system. The damaged aluminum parts will include the cylinder head, water pump and housing, thermostat housing, and radiator. These repairs will cost more than if the car had had every service performed for years.
  • Valves that are not adjusted regularly can and do burn, and cost five times as much as a "Major" service to repair.
  • Coolant hoses should all be replaced at approximately 150,000 miles or 10 years. Hoses get small interior stress cracks that, like a chip in windshield, can suddenly spread into a large crack or split and fail. Why come in 10 times to replace 10 hoses and overheat the engine each time. Overheated engines can, and do, blow head gaskets, a very major engine repair.

Of course, paying a flat rate shop to whistle through your auto repair services and charge you full price while missing half the checks accomplishes nothing. We are not a "flat rate" shop. For 40+ years we have taken pride in the fact that we do everything on the auto service check list, no matter how long it takes. We will also report to you any items that may need repair outside of the service, in priority order, and will let you know our recommendation about which repairs are important and which can be deferred. This priority will be based on how and where you drive as well as what is financially convenient for you.
Our goal is keeping you informed about the best course of action to maintain your car's peak performance, without intimidation or misinformation.


Car Maintenance for Import Cars

Mekatron provides quality car maintenance, auto maintenance, and automotive maintenance on Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Hyundai, Kia, Scion, Suzuki, Audi, Volkswagen and more recently Audi, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles. Some cars now service at 5,000 or 10,000 mile intervals but a typical car maintenance schedule is:


Minor Car Maintenance Service (7,500 miles or 6 months):

  • Change oil and filter.
  • Check and top off all fluid levels.
  • Check tires and inflate to correct pressures.
  • Check, clean, and adjust brakes.
  • Check CV boots, axles, and driveshafts.
  • Check wheel bearings.
  • Check steering and suspension.
  • Check for fluid leaks.
  • Check for unusual noises and general defects.
  • Adjust clutch (if applicable).
  • Adjust fan belts.
  • Replace any light bulbs, if necessary.
  • Road test car and report any defects.

Intermediate Car Maintenance Service: Same as Minor Service plus:

  • Adjust valves (if applicable).
  • Rotate tires.
  • Use computer scope to check primary and secondary ignition and emissions.
  • Test battery, alternator and starting system.

Major Car Maintenance Service (30,000 miles or 24 months: Same as Intermediate Service plus:

  • Replace spark plugs (platinum at 60,000 to 90,000 miles, iridium at 100,000 to 120,000).
  • Replace in line fuel filters. (Mileage varies)
  • Replace air filter.
  • Replace coolant (long life coolant 60,000 to 120,000 miles).
  • Replace transmission oil (Synthetic at 60,000 to 100,000 miles).
  • Replace differential oil.
  • Replace transfer case oil (if applicable).
  • Replace brake fluid.
  • Check air conditioning operation