Oil changes: do the math!
Slipstream recommends oil changes every 5,000 miles or five months, whichever occurs first. Slipstream uses factory oil filters along with high-quality Valvoline motor oil or Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil where synthetic oil is recommended. Most fast-lube chain stores recommend oil change intervals of 3,000 miles or three months. Over 15,000 miles of driving, a Slipstream-maintained vehicle will have three oil changes, compared to five oil changes at the fast lube chain store — saving you money and reducing the amount of waste oil in the environment.

Brake fluid replacement: why bother?
Over time, brake fluid absorbs water, which attacks seals in brake hydraulic components and creates rust in ferrous components. This leads to eventual failure of expensive parts like master cylinders, brake calipers, and antilock brake units. Slipstream recommends brake fluid flushing and replacement every two years regardless of mileage to ensure brake system reliability.

Cooling system flushes: are these necessary with extended-life coolants?
Most manufacturers recommend infrequent coolant replacement. Indeed, some don’t recommend any coolant replacement for the life of the vehicle! Our experience with extended-life coolants has been that the manufacturer’s claims are optimistic. Serious problems are often created when coolant is not changed regularly: contaminants can clog radiators and heater cores, corrosion attacks gaskets, seals, and water pumps. All of these are more costly than coolant changes. Slipstream recommends coolant flushing and replacement at five-year intervals, regardless of mileage.

Regular vehicle inspection: so things don’t go bump in the night (or on the road!)
Cars live in a harsh environment. The combined effect of cold, heat, sun, wind, and road conditions make wear and tear and damage simply inevitable. Slipstream recommends a thorough inspection of your vehicle at every oil change. The inspection we perform at oil change time includes the following:

• Six-mile road test to check performance of all critical systems
• Check all tires for condition and pressure, including spare
• Check all lights and replace bulbs as necessary
• Check wipers and washers
• Check brakes for condition of lining and mechanical components
• Check suspension and steering components
• Check exhaust system for leaks and integrity
• Check all fluid levels and top up as necessary
• Check coolant protection level
• Load test battery
• Check drive belts for condition and tension