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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

HOME > QUESTIONS? > PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Car Care Aware

Courtesy of the Automotive Service Association

The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.

Always consult your owner's manual for individual service schedules because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer.

  • Always consult your owner's manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly - every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
  • Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.
  • Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.
  • Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
  • Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.
  • Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is low, unless it is a maintenance-free battery.
  • Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and taillights.
  • Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them at least once a year, or sooner if streaking begins.
  • Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.
  • Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.
Service Interval Schedule:

Vehicle System or Component

Check Monthly

Check Every 3,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid


Battery and Cables


Belts


Brakes and Brake Fluid


Cabin Air Filter


Chassis Lubrication


Check Engine Light On


Coolant (Antifreeze)


Engine Air Filter


Engine Oil and Filter

Exhaust


Fuel Filter


Hoses


Lights


Power Steering Fluid


Shock Absorbers and Struts


Tire Inflation and Condition


Windshield Washer Fluid


Wiper Blades


  • Working Hours
    Monday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
    Tuesday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
    Wednesday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
    Thursday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
    Friday 7:30AM - 5:00PM
    Saturday Closed
    Sunday Closed
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    285 Kenilworth Ave
    Ormond Beach, FL 32174

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    • Vehicle Tips

      According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.

    • Vehicle Tips

      The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)

    • Vehicle Tips

      Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

    • Vehicle Tips

      A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

What our clients say about us?

Reviews and comments from our satisfied customers

  • Great service, answered my questions, very reasonable prices. Whole thing is family run it seems, the guy you talk to is the guy fixing your car, and he even takes it for a little test drive so you don't end up having to come back 10 minutes after pick up. Just an honest hard-working mechanic. I will gladly drive, or tow, my car from Jax to Daytona if I ever need work done again.


    -Emma Flint

  • Best place in town to take your vehicle. Knowledgeable, friendly, clean, and consistent. They go the extra mile and the price is right.


    -Charla Khatib

  • Great service once again. We continue to be pleased and impressed with doing business at Tom's Automotive. Thanks, as always, for the good work, fair pricing and pleasant service. Nick Nugent


    -Nick Nugent - Ormond Beach , FL

  • I did not make an appointment but they we're such a great help getting me worked in! The price was reasonable and around my budget being a single mom I don't have a lot extra to spend. Very professional and friendly! Definitely coming back for anything I need!


    -Jessie - Ormond beach Florida

  • I have had my two cars serviced by Tom and Tom, Jr. since the shop opened years ago. These folks are the most competent, most reasonable mechanics that I have dealt with in the last 50 years. They are certified in virtually every area of automotive repair. If these guys can't fix your car, no one can!!!!! I have had nothing but positive experiences with Tom's Auto. Try them and you will never go any place else.


    -Ed Green - Ormond Beach, Florid

  • Always HONEST & fair pricing! Wouldn't take my vehicles anywhere else.


    -Lisa M.

  • Wow what great service. On vacation in Ormond beach when our brakes started to grind. Looked online and found Tom's automotive who had great reviews. They had availability that day, quoted us a very reasonable price and got us on our way. They couldn't be nicer people. We highly recommend this family business.


    -James M.

  • The words "honest mechanic" were never uttered by me until I came to Tom's. Whenever I had car problems I always dreaded the estimate the mechanic would give me - and it usually was astronomical bordering on insulting - especially when I took my car to Holler Honda. When I finally decided to try Tom's I was floored at how thorough, honest and reasonably priced they are. You can tell customer service is paramount as opposed to making a profit - and that's why I won't take my car to anyone else.


    -Vege T.

  • We just moved up here and have had bad experiences at the corporate shops. Our staff member suggested that we use Tom's Automotive and we are very pleased. It was affordable and they were knowledgeable.


    -Thomas C.