Maintenance For an Older Car

Tiny
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  • DODGE CARAVAN
I am going to make a trip in my 14 year old Dodge Caravan of about 4000 miles. From Florida to Denver, Co and return and being a woman traveling alone, I would like to put my precious old darling in tip-top condition BEFORE any problems occur on the road. I have always carefully maintained it.

Statistics are: 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.0L, v6 Cyl 126,000 miles, AT, 2WD, no problems with the auto except it had a "died-while-driving" problem that was fixed by cleaning the throttle body and plate, and flushing the injector.

My local Dodge dealer only recommended minor checks but I want to be sure so please recommend a major type maintenance schedule.
Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 AT 1:42 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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What miliage is on it?

HAs the dealer always serviced it?
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Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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The car has 126,000 miles on it, been mostly serviced by Dodge dealers but not always. But I think all have been reputable repair shops.

It recently got new brakes, shocks and struts. Last major tune-up was in 2002.
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Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 AT 9:49 PM
Tiny
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Well....

I like to see the transmission filter replaced every 15,000 miles on them, the spark plugs and fuel filter every 30-35,000 miles, intake valve cleaning every 20,000 miles, cap, rotor wires every 60,000 or so, coolant flush every 2 years/24,000 miles, air filter at least checked every 10,000 miles, same on the pcv. The vacuum hoses and pcv hose are subject to dry rot or oil contamination, both that can cause an unneeded surprize. Replace the battery if it is 5 years old.
Check the spare tire and jack before the trip, make sure it is usable and you know how to use it, the spare should be brought to the right psi.

If you don't have a cell phone, get a track phone for the trip.

Run through all the lights, check the wipers. The rear wiper hinge gets sticky on those, make sure it's lubricated and drops right to the window when the arm is brought back.

Clean the windows inside and out and throw some rain-x on the windsheild. Phone us when you get there so we know you made it.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_winksmily_4.jpg

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Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
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Thanks, Paul. The recommendations sound great to me. The road between Denver and Glenwood Springs is very steep and a little scary without a good car.

I will call you when I return.

Thanks Again.
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Monday, June 4th, 2007 AT 5:25 AM

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