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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

HOME > SERVICES > PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Car Care Aware

Courtesy of the Automotive Service Association

The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.

Always consult your owner's manual for individual service schedules because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer.

  • Always consult your owner's manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly - every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
  • Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.
  • Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.
  • Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
  • Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.
  • Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it is low, unless it is a maintenance-free battery.
  • Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and taillights.
  • Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them at least once a year, or sooner if streaking begins.
  • Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.
  • Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.
Service Interval Schedule:

Vehicle System or Component

Check Monthly

Check Every 3,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid


Battery and Cables


Belts


Brakes and Brake Fluid


Cabin Air Filter



Chassis Lubrication


Check Engine Light On


Coolant (Antifreeze)


Engine Air Filter


Engine Oil and Filter

Exhaust


Fuel Filter


Hoses


Lights


Power Steering Fluid


Shock Absorbers and Struts


Tire Inflation and Condition


Windshield Washer Fluid


Wiper Blades


  • Working Hours
    Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Saturday Schedule an Appointment
    Sunday Closed
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    2010 Donville Ave
    Simi Valley, CA 93065

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    • Vehicle Tips

      According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.

    • Vehicle Tips

      The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)

    • Vehicle Tips

      Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

    • Vehicle Tips

      A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.

    • Vehicle Tips

      Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

What our clients say about us?

Reviews and comments from our satisfied customers

  • Best Automotive shop in Simi Valley. The service was excellent, I called in after work for an oil change and Sue got me right in. I will definitely be returning here for all my automotive needs.


    -Harrison R.

  • I had a great experience here. When I called, they got me in quickly and worked on my car right away. The service was excellent and the prices were affordable. I would definitely bring my car back in the future.


    -Randall G.

  • Very accommodating and trustworthy! I recommend them to all my friends.


    -Don F.

  • I have been coming here for over 10 years, and have been very satisfied with their service and friendliness. In fact, they have been one of the first ones I have felt we’re trustworthy.


    -Sharon S.

  • I brought my Mazda RX8 sports car in to figure out what was wrong with it due to it driving poorly. I learned from BJ's automotive that there was a major leak of gas in my car that was a huge problem. Fortunately, they found out that there was a recall for my car and even set up a appointment at a local Mazda dealership to fix it for me. Definitely will be continuing to take my car here.


    -Bobby I.

  • An extremely friendly and professional group, and great service! Did I mention friendly?


    -Molly W.

  • Thank you Sue and Brad, and everyone at BJ's for amazing service! I love coming here because the welcoming atmosphere is so pleasant while I hang out while my car gets serviced! Coffee and tea on the house :) personable service makes me feel that if I had a problem, I would be heard, and my problem taken care of. And that makes all the difference in the world.


    -Ashley M.

  • Was recommended here by a friend and love it! Super friendly and quality service!


    -Sydney B.

  • Always a great experience! I’ve been taking all my cars to Brad & Sue for more than 10 years, and completely trust them to do a quality job. They’re great communicators (I don’t speak “engine”, “medical”, or “plumbing”, so having trusted professionals in those fields is critical). I highly recommend BJ’s Auto for auto maintenance in LA.


    -Scott M.

  • I found this shop through AAA and reading through the reviews. After taking my car to them for an issue that was inconsistent and would sometimes leave me stranded while running fine most of the time, I know I have found the place I will take my car from now on. Brad is great to work with, honest and so personable. Sue is like bright flood of happy sunshine! They make it so you almost like going to the mechanic. THANK YOU BOTH SUE AND BRAD FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE AND FOR CREATING A PLACE WHERE I CAN TAKE MY CAR WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING TAKEN FOR A RIDE!


    -Pam D.

  • I had a great experience with this company! I had a flat tire when I returned from traveling and called AAA to fix it. AAA sent a technician from Community out to check out the tire; he was so helpful. Since the tire was damaged, I brought it to their shop the next morning. They were friendly, helpful, and trustworthy. They promptly called with the results and gave me information before doing any work. They were flexible with my schedule for when I needed to pick up the car. I would highly recommend this shop to anyone in need of service! John is great and super helpful.


    -Julia L.