How strict are you with maintenance? Post yours!

[byron84]

I've been steadily improving my maintenance habits, in an attempt to start reducing the overall long term cost of driving. I have to say that the Aveo has never let me down so far.

So I am curious, because I know the manual will tell you certain things to check and change at certain mileage intervals, but what have you found based on your real world experience?

For example when I bought mine, I did a small tune up including brake pads, spark plugs, air filter and oil. It was much needed, so said the bad mileage.

Since that time I have put almost 40,000km on the car and I have changed bearings, bought new winter and new summer tires but that's about it other than regular oil changes.

I am wondering, other than the timing belt I'm about to replace -> what other things should I be thinking about? Should I be changing the spark plugs again?

It generally runs perfectly fine all the time, but once in a while when I start the engine instead of the RPMs flaring up then falling to idle like normal , it will kinda struggle, almost like a sputter, below the typical idle range and then go to normal idle. does this sound familiar to you?

I'm curious to hear other people's maintenance track record over a significant time period with this car.

[trempus]

when you start the car, just hold the key an extra second or so, it's just that you let it go before it's completely to speed

[screech985]

happens to my 04 sometimes, usually because i'm in a hurry. like trumpus said just hold the key over like a second longer.

[byron84]

Good point, you're probably right. So how about your maintenance habits?

[petrified.rabbit]

i fix it when it breaks

oil changes every 4-5k, i drive highway so thats like 2-3 months..

[screech985]

oil changes every 3,000 miles rotate tires every other oil change, and i change the ATF when it needs it. other than that, like rabbit said when it breaks i fix it.

[XJCasper]

Actually, I am probably better in my Aveo maintenance than any other toy I have had.

Free oil changes. I always make the appointment as soon as I realize I am hitting 3000 miles. Comes quickly.

With the lack of power in this car, I am concerned into keeping her at her peak.

At 60,000 miles the Timing Belt WILL be changed.

At 90,000, I will probably replace the Thermostat housing, if it has not left me stranded.

This is my commuter, it needs to keep running.

[Daox]

General rule of mine is to change oil every 5k minimum. Usually closer to 10k. I get an oil analysis done on my oil normally to make sure there isn't any abnormal wear on the engine and there never is. 3k is way to short of a change interval IMO. Even the OEMs say 5k in most environments and they have to stay conservative for warranty purposes.

Other than that, I'd probably start inspecting the timing belt every 10k miles or so just to be on the safe side.

[byron84]

Actually, I am probably better in my Aveo maintenance than any other toy I have had.

Free oil changes. I always make the appointment as soon as I realize I am hitting 3000 miles. Comes quickly.

With the lack of power in this car, I am concerned into keeping her at her peak.

At 60,000 miles the Timing Belt WILL be changed.

At 90,000, I will probably replace the Thermostat housing, if it has not left me stranded.

This is my commuter, it needs to keep running.

are they known to be problematic.. ??

[XJCasper]

The Timing Belt? Yes

The Thermostat housing? Not as bad, but i don't want to be left stranded anywhere.