"A car is the horse of today; give it proper care and it will do what you want." [120905]

ITEM	FREQUENCY	ESTIMATED COST ($)	WHO DOES IT
Lube, oil-and-filter change	4,000-5,000 miles.	20-30	LOF shops, gas station
Air filter change	7,000-15,000 miles	5-15	gas station; self (Autozone, Kragen)
Check tire pressure	Every month; 32-35 psi or as recommended.	NC	LOF shop, self
Tire rotation	10,000-15,000 miles.	15-20	gas station; mechanical repair shop
Cooling system service	20,000-30,000 miles or 2-3 years for green coolant; 30,000-50,000 miles or 3-5 years for red coolant.	50-70	gas station; specialized shop
Automatic transmission service	30,000 miles or 3 years	35-50	gas station; specialized shop
Fuel filter	30,000 miles or 3 years, or sooner if needed due to poor gas quality	40-80	gas station
Differential oil change	20,000-30,000 miles or 2-3 years.	20-30	gas station
Replace power steering fluid	50,000-100,000 miles; or when needed.	30-50	gas station; specialized shop
Battery	No maintenance required; replace every 5-6 years or if it fails to hold a charge	70-100	gas station; self
Tune-up; replace spark plugs	50,000-100,000 miles; or when needed.	50-80	specialized shop
Tire alignment; front and/or rear	When needed; rough driving; hit a curb	50-200	specialized shop
Fuel systems cleaning	When needed, or every 50,000 miles; improves engine performance	50-80	gas station; specialized shop
Replace tires	40000-60000 miles; when remaining thread at 4/32	400-700	specialized tire shop
Replace shock absorbers	100,000 miles or when needed due to rough ride	200-300	specialized shop
Replace brakes (front or back)	30,000 miles or when needed	100-200	specialized shop

Background:  Maya wall at Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico.