Several weeks ago I was at a shop owners’ meeting in Houston and one of the discussions revolved around “How much benefit does preventative maintenance really give?” Several statistics were given, but as I am a little cynical, and of the “figures lie, and liars figure” train of thought, I decided to research some of our own numbers to see what they truly revealed. Our computer management system allows us to do extensive searches of different types of jobs performed, comparing previous history with more recent history, so I ran queries of preventative maintenance services performed versus repairs or replacement of the component being maintained.
The results surprised me! Even though I maintain my own vehicle just like I recommend to our customers, I didn’t realize how much difference simple fluid changes and flushes made in increasing the longevity of individual components. Here are some of the more notable results:
BRAKE FLUID FLUSH: For years many Asian vehicle manufacturers have recommended changing brake fluid. Most of these vehicles had master cylinders vented to the atmosphere, and since brake fluid is hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from the air), they recommended changing the fluid because moisture causes expensive brake components to corrode, and it also lowers the boiling point of the fluid. If brake fluid boils on a hard stop, the pedal will simply drop to the floor. We recommended brake fluid flushes on those vehicles, but we really did not start recommending changing brake fluid on most other vehicles until antilock brake systems became commonplace. In some vehicles, the main ABS valve assembly can cost as much as $2000, so it only makes sense to try to preserve them. While the results are not 100% scientific, my study showed that as our brake fluid flushes increased by 375% over a 4 year period, master cylinder replacements decreased by 50%. The average brake fluid flush costs $65 (less if performed with a brake job), and an average master cylinder replacement was $345. Our ABS hydraulic repairs in the same period are almost nonexistent.
TRANSMISSION FLUID FLUSH: Transmission fluid has friction modifiers that wear out, and other additives to prevent varnishing up of internal components. We used to remove the pan to change the filter and just 4 or 5 quarts of fluid. After we invested in a machine that completely exchanges all 12 - 18 quarts of fluid, transmission overhauls and replacements dropped by 44%. At an average of $1458 for a transmission, it appears that flushing the fluid is a bargain.
COOLING SYSTEM POWER FLUSH: Engine coolant (antifreeze) has additives to prevent corrosion, lube the water pump bearings and seals, and prevent electrolysis. The “anti-freezing” part does not wear out, however. Since we started recommending power flushes, water pump jobs have dropped 17%, and replacing rusty, leaking freeze plugs has almost stopped!
I don’t even think I need to repeat how important I feel simple oil changes are to the life of the engine. Since manufacturers started extending the recommended intervals on oil changes, our engine replacements have nearly tripled. An average engine replacement costs $3783.
Recently I had an equipment salesman ask to demo a power steering fluid flush machine. Being skeptical, I asked why, after power steering has been around commercially since 1951, we should start changing power steering fluid? His reply made sense, although I can not confirm his facts. Since the majority of vehicles today use aluminum rack & pinion steering gears, the aluminum wears and microscopic shavings start circulating through the gear and the power steering pump. The figure he quoted me was a 28% decrease in rack & pinion assembly replacements with regular power steering flushes.
We’ll keep investigating, but at nearly $550 for an average rack replacement, it might be a big money saver.
As you can see, it really appears that preventative maintenance pays off in the long run. A J.D. Powers study stated that if the average owner keeps their vehicle 10 years and spends $2000 per year on maintenance and repair, they will save over $500,000 on new vehicle costs and high ticket repairs over their lifetime. If that half-million dollar figure is accurate, I’d have to say that maintenance does pay.
