Hamilton Service Station
205 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102 207.773.1930
Question:
I'm really confused about auto service intervals for various items on my car. Help!
Hamilton Service Station Answer:
The simple answer for Portland residents is to follow the vehicle's recommended service intervals listed in your owner's manual or in your service center's database. But the team at Hamilton Service Station in Portland sympathizes with Portland residents because of the confusing intervals for modern vehicles.
The days of simple rules of thumb that applied to most vehicles are long gone. For example, let's look at an oil change: manufacturers' recommendations run anywhere from every 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) to 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers). This big range comes from engine design and recommended types of oil - so Portland residents really do need to read and follow the recommendations for their specific vehicle.
Your owner's service manual will have a schedule for maintenance services and inspections.
Service items include:
Tire rotation, wheel balancing, oil change, coolant service, transmission service, brake system, power steering system, fuel system, differential service and transfer case service.
Inspections will include:
Alignment check, air conditioning, brakes, suspension, axles, exhaust, tires, lights emissions, belts and hoses and steering.
It's for Portland residents to remember there is no exception that would make it OK to extend an interval. These intervals already assume "best case" conditions for a safe margin of error. However, you may live or drive in Portland conditions that are harsher than average. Your owner's manual may have a modified schedule for “severe service" - things like extreme Maine temperatures, towing, hauling heavy loads around , short trips, stop-and-go conditions, etc.
Consult your owner's manual or talk with your Hamilton Service Station service advisor about your driving situation and adjust your service intervals accordingly.
Give us a call.
Hamilton Service Station
205 Park Ave.
Portland, Maine 04102
207.773.1930