Chesapeake Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules
Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Chesapeake auto owners, van auto makers publish two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Chesapeake auto owners follow?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Are most of your trips less than four miles around Chesapeake?
Are most of your trips less than 10 miles in below-zero Virginia temps?
Are most of your trips off-highway in Virginia?
Do you drive often in dusty Chesapeake areas?
Do you regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads around Chesapeake?
Do you drive in very hot or very cold Virginia weather?
Think about your typical week. Do you live by your nearest Chesapeake expressway on-ramp and enjoy a non-stop commute to Chesapeake or Portsmouth? Or, do you drive the neighborhood car pool in stop-and-go traffic on Chesapeake surface streets?
Let’s suppose your owner’s manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Analyze your driving patterns and Chesapeake weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you’re closer to.
Why should Chesapeake car owners care about this? Normal condensation causes moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Short trips around Chesapeake or winter driving means that the engine doesn’t heat up enough for the moisture to evaporate. The water in the oil turns to detrimental oil sludge that clogs up your engine and doesn’t let the oil protect it adequately. That’s why Virginia motorists need to change their oil more often – to clean the sludge out before it causes problems.
Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in clear Virginia summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent harmful corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs, not to mention your gas mileage. If you want some expert advice, talk with your honest West Service Center, Inc. advisor. We can help you restore your van to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow.
To learn more, watch our informative AutoNetTV auto video tips at the top of this post.
West Service Center, Inc.
757-487-4420
904 Cavalier Blvd
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323