Fairfield-Echo

Halderman: As an automotive author and enthusiast, I try to do what I say when it comes to vehicle maintenance and service. Here are some items that may be helpful to readers as you plan for the new year. Make these your New Year's resolutions!

1. Timing belt — If your vehicle is equipped with a timing belt, it should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Check your owner's manual or ask a shop or dealer about your vehicle.

2. Regular oil changes — While many experts recommend having the oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, the truth is that oil and the engine are both getting better, and recommended service intervals have been extended by many vehicle manufacturers. I now change my oil every six months (spring and fall)and I use Mobil 1 synthetic. I will continue to recommend that oil be changed at each change of the season (Dec. 21, March 21, June 21 and Sept. 21). If you want to try every six months, then select two of these dates six months apart.

3. Tires — The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA) now recommends (but does not require) that tires be replaced every six years regardless of tread depth. This means that tires on 2001-2002 model year vehicles should be replaced even though the tread appears to be OK. The NTHSA has determined that the age of a tire is a factor in vehicle safety. The date is on the sidewall in code form. After the letters "DOT," you will see a length of letters and numbers ending in a series of four numbers (three numbers of older than 2007). For example, "0240" means that the tires were manufactured the 40th week of 2002.

4. Brakes — The brakes should be inspected at least every year. The inspection should indicate removing the brake drums or drum brakes and removing the caliper on disc brakes so a thorough inspection of the brake pads can be made. Often brake pads are cracked and the condition cannot be seen without removing the caliper. Replace any brake linings or pads that are not at least the thickness of a nickel.

5. Body and interior — This year I plan to keep the inside of my vehicle cleaner and the outside waxed. Dirt traps and holds moisture, so keeping the vehicle clean helps prevent rust and corrosion. Also, a clean vehicle looks a lot better. A clean and shiny vehicle also seems to run better, too.

James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician and the author of 12 textbooks.

Submit your automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.