Cavalier Matinence

[Mystica24]

This is my first post so bear with me. I have been searching online for a place to learn more about my car and how to take good care of it. I have a used 1999 Chevy Cavalier and it's been good to me all these years with a few problems (Ignition Switch had to be replaced, problems with the connectors running to the computer, etc.)

Anyway I keep up with the matinence as far as oil changes and fluid checks (done by Jiffy Lube) and while I was there last they mentioned my car was due for an flushing (or was it flooding?) of the engine. Since i'm a naive girl I don't know much about that kind of stuff and I'm wondering what regular matinence other than then oil changes/tire pressure/etc needs to be done over the years to ensure my car lasts.

Also, when lifting the hood everything is dirty and grimy and I heard you could just take a hose and hose that all down, is that true? I would like it to look clean under the hood but I don't know what precautions to take. I keep the car clean inside and out but as a neatfreak I hate that under the hood it's so dirty and grimy.

P.S. Just something to think about: I am thinking my shocks are going bad because the car used to run SO smooth it was like it wasn't even running, but now i feel every little bump and pothole. Also my radio is very staticy and i'm thinking the wires got loose from all that bumping around. I try very hard to avoid potholes and what not, but where I live they are everywhere. I heard it costs an arm n an leg to get that fixed, is that true?

[Mystica24]

somebody please answer my dumb questions....

[n99nyrwg]

as far as the flushing they are probably talking about the engine coolant, which is the antifreeze. it is recommended to do this after so many miles, i don't know off hand because i'm not experienced myself. but the antifreeze get's buildup and then it doesn't do it's job. so flushing the system means getting all the antifreeze out, then putting new stuff in.

as far as hosing everything down under your hood, maybe with an air hose, but i wouldn't do that with a water hose.

i am not that experienced, but nobody else answered you yet.

[aviator18]

you can get your engine shampooed, its rather pricy but it does a good job, i wouldnt do it with a hose because you run the risk of getting water in places there shouldnt be water, yoiur shocks will be rather expensive, i work in a parts store and shocks arent what are the expenisve part, its paying for the labor thats gunna cost u

[Three_Fingers]

'K. Jiffy Lube is a good place to get your oil changed every 3000 miles, but not the best place for automotive advice.

There's a difference between a mechanic and a parts changer.

The cooling system flush can do more harm than good. Most flushes involve an acid of some sort.
If the engine runs cool (normal temps), the heater works and the A/C works OK and your coolant is the right color, there's no need for a flush.

Have Jiffy Lube change your coolant every 2 years.

You CAN wash under the hood with a hose-you just have to be careful where the water gets to.

Take a couple plastic bags and some rubber bands.
Cover any intake holes and the coil (where all the spark plug wires go to from the engine).
Anything else under the hood has weatherproof connectors on it (assuming nothing malfunctions when you drive thru a big puddle.) and hose away.

Might help to buy a couple cans of "Gunk" engine degreaser to help the cleaning process..
Just spray it on (brush the heavy crud off after spraying) and hose it off. Just don't do it near a storm sewer. Gunk is mainly kerosene.

A clean engine is always nicer to work on.