Set regular schedule for car upkeep
kevin McClintock GateHouse Plus

They call 'em "Scheduled Maintenance Guides."

Found inside every car, these little treasures are tucked neatly away inside the glove compartment, along with the owne'r manual, warranty and extra key.

"I don't know why more people don't follow them," said used car owner/mechanic Jim Hendry.

"All cars have them. There wouldn't be so many problems with cars if they kept up with it.

"Course," he added with a chuckle, "it keeps us in business."

What the guide does is pretty simple - they describe the scheduled maintenance required for a vehicle at every 5,000 miles, from the first mile you put on the odometer to 100,000 miles.

For example, in the first 5,000 miles, it's a good idea to change the engine oil, replace the oil filter and inspect tires for wear and tear. At 15,000 miles, there a few more requests added to the list, including inspecting brake pads, engine cooling systems, replacing the air filter and checking transmission fluid.

Get the idea?

By following this guide, and keeping an eye on the mileage, there's absolutely no reason why your car can't purr past its first 100,000 miles, or even the 200,000-mile mark.

"Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or trade it," stated one manual for a 2003 Ford Taurus.

Regular maintenance, according to the manual, "is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability and resale value."