Many engine replacements are avoidable

Why am I seeing so many blown engines and transmissions in the shop recently?

Over the last two weeks we have had to replace several engines, transmissions and differentials. In all cases it is because of a lack of maintenance.

Do you remember that old Fram oil filter commercial where the actor says "Pay me now or pay me later?" It is such a shame to see folks have to shell out a fairly large sum of money when regular oil changes or transmission fluid changes would have prevented the catastrophic failure of these major components.

I believe a good part of the blame lies squarely on the manufacturers because they lead consumers to believe that today's cars are maintenance-free - and they surely are not. While it's true that engines and transmissions are better and the lubricants are far superior to those of the past, they still need to be changed regularly.

Even though most cars don't need the oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles anymore, there is an interval that is right for your vehicle and the type of driving you do. Just because the manufacturer says you can go 10,000 miles between oil changes doesn't mean you should. When you start running these extended intervals it's too easy to forget about the oil and the next thing you know you are low on oil and causing engine damage.

I am not going to advocate a "one size fits all" oil change interval but you should work with your service adviser to come up with one and then stick to it. A good rule of thumb will be between 3,000 and 5,000 miles on the oil and every 30,000 miles on the transmission. This will be money well spent and will prolong the life of the engine and transmission for thousands of miles.

One of the engines we are replacing is in a boat. This boat engine was not winterized properly and the water in the engine froze and the block cracked. This was a real bummer because this is a really nice Mastercraft Ski Boat with very low hours. The next time your service adviser recommends a fluid service to you, I want you to remember the Fram oil filter guy saying: "Pay me now or pay me later!"

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-0454, and 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.