Why Did This Happen to My Car?

It happens all too often. At least 2 to 3 times a week, vehicles are towed into Atlantic Motorcar for major repairs. Too frequently we find that these are vehicles that have been poorly maintained. Many times I am asked the same question, “Why did this happen to my car?”
After examining the vehicle and explaining it was due to lack of maintenance, most people are quite surprised. Often I am told, the vehicle has been serviced somewhere, on a regular basis.

Even though these folks have paid other service facilities to service the vehicle, many critical systems have been neglected. In my experience, the problem is often the difference in what is considered proper maintenance from one place to another. Vehicle manufacturers, in order to make new vehicles appear more attractive, have eliminated previously scheduled service intervals and greatly extended others. After all, they are in the business of selling NEW vehicles.

A good example is the replacement of transmission fluid. Once considered a necessary service every 30,000 miles, many manufacturers have eliminated the service entirely. Sure this may be fine to get the car out of new warranty or during the manufacturer's "free" maintenance plan. However, if you are someone who plans to keep your car for more than 3 years, chances are you will experience a transmission failure. Replacing this critical fluid costs less than $150.00 and it protects a component that can often cost over $2000.00 or more to repair. We find this fluid should be replaced every 30,000 miles under normal driving and more often in all-wheel drive vehicles.

Fuel filters are another forgotten item. Usually under $60.00 to replace, they protect fuel injectors and fuel pumps, that can cost well over $1000.00 to replace. Engine coolant, air filter elements, differential fluid and even spark plugs are all too often overlooked, until it is too late. For example on late model Volvos, a $5.00 flame trap can cause an engine oil leak that can easily cost over $1000.00 to correct.

Like the old commercial, “Pay me now, or pay me later,” a lack of maintenance is a very poor gamble. At Atlantic Motorcar we begin with the factory recommended schedule for your vehicle. Each and every item is performed according to the book. From there, Atlantic Motorcar inspects and suggests other items our experience has taught us should be watched.

It is often the little things which mean a lot. Our process of using test strips to check the PH level and specific gravity on engine coolant is far more accurate than replacing coolant based on mileage or time. Brake fluid, all too often overlooked, is another simple service which, when neglected, can create large and expensive problems. By testing and replacing before damage is done, a substantial cost savings, not to mention downtime, may be realized.

A proper automatic transmission service, using a commercial power flush machine, allows Atlantic Motorcar to prevent problems, rather than waiting for a failure. An inspection of the control cables, linkage and seals of the transmission may save a transmission failure.

Our goal is to save you money, not spend it. Which is why each and every car that we service gets a free Courtesy Maintenance Inspection during its first visit. Our goal is to let you know about the small problems, before they become big ones.

Proper maintenance is an investment in the life of your vehicle. Be sure it is properly performed, take it to Atlantic Motorcar...Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Cars.