Absolutely not! In fact, in order to keep the warranty intact, the factory recommended service intervals must be strictly adhered to. Most vehicles require minor and scheduled service intervals every 7,500 miles, an intermediate service every 15,000 miles, and a major service every 30,000 miles. Any competent shop with an up-to-date electronic information system will have the maintenance schedule available for your convenience. Also make sure your independent repair facility utilizes ASE certified technicians.
The inception of the electronic engine management systems have created a lot of paranoia among the motoring public with their use of "check engine" and "service engine soon" warning lamps. As a general rule of thumb, if the warning lamp stays on, there is no cause for panic. The vehicle is just telling you to seek attention soon. If the light is blinking, a severe engine problem such as a catalyst-damaging misfire is occurring and should be addressed as soon as possible. You can still drive safely, but should minimize your time on the road. Try not to drive the vehicle at high speeds or with excess weight (such as towing or carrying heavy equipment). Seek out a modern and up-to-date repair shop that has an OBD scan tool to diagnose the cause of your vehicles problem. The technicians with the proper tools and training will know best how to diagnose and repair your vehicle.
A pre-trip vehicle inspection is highly recommended, especially if your vehicle hasn't been serviced for a while. Car trouble, usually a result of neglecting preventive maintenance, can bring an abrupt end to vacation plans. The situation usually means more than just a repair bill. It can involve towing charges, lodging and possibly a rental car. This scenario usually can be avoided with a pre-vacation inspection performed by a qualified automotive technician. The "physical" for your automobile should highlight the following systems:
Battery replacement may be necessary if you experience any of the following: loss of power in cold or extended starts, slow or interrupted turnover of the starting motor, or if the battery discharge light appears on the dashboard. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should have your battery and/or electrical system checked.
Heat and vibrations are the most harmful elements to an automobile battery. However, many other factors can cause battery failure, such as: corroded cables and terminals, lack of electrolyte maintenance, sulfating, alternator/regulator malfunction, and electrical shorts.
Heat increases the rate of evaporation, which causes a loss of water from the electrolyte. Extreme heat also increases the rate of self-discharge and promotes the corrosion of the positive plate grids. Extreme cold dramatically reduces the speed at which chemical reaction can occur, while increasing electrolyte resistance. It is important to keep batteries at a full charge during periods of extreme cold. Batteries in a discharged state are susceptible to freezing, which can cause damage to the plates and battery container. Automobiles demand more from a battery in freezing temperatures as the motor oil thickens and makes the engine harder to crank. Heat is the number one killer of a battery; although it increases the performance of the battery short-term, the battery life is drastically reduced over time.
