Question: I am 52 years old and I have a 2000 Camaro SS convertible with 11,000 miles on it. It is my sunny day car and garaged year round. I've had it for 4 years and only put 2,000 miles a year on it. I change the oil and filter once a year with Mobil 1, and I have flushed the engine coolant and brake fluid once. What should I be doing to ensure the car operates properly for a long time? Can you recommend a book focused on maintaining this type of car?
Answer: Even though your car is a bit newer than most of the classic cars that we discuss, the basics are the same for just about any car that sees limited use. Although the Mobil 1 oil is far superior to conventional oil, I would rather see you use conventional oil and change it the spring and fall. We’ve addressed the reasons why in past columns, but suffice it to say that once a year is not enough, even with the limited use that your car sees. I believe that the factory recommends flushing and filling the coolant every five years and this should be fine. The brake fluid need not be replaced under ordinary circumstances.
Limited use is not always a good thing when it comes to cars, particularly the fluids. Even the factory recommends a long interval between transmission services, so the next time that it is due, I would switch to synthetic fluid and I would do the same for the rear axle. You may even see a small increase in gas mileage.
The best book for maintaining this car is your factory owner's manual. Follow the recommendations, along with the modification we’ve discussed. The LS-1 engine in your Camaro is capable of going 200,000 miles if properly maintained. If you are 52 years old, that means that at the rate you’re using the car, it should last another 100 years. You may want to start using it more.
Answer: Even though your car is a bit newer than most of the classic cars that we discuss, the basics are the same for just about any car that sees limited use. Although the Mobil 1 oil is far superior to conventional oil, I would rather see you use conventional oil and change it the spring and fall. We’ve addressed the reasons why in past columns, but suffice it to say that once a year is not enough, even with the limited use that your car sees. I believe that the factory recommends flushing and filling the coolant every five years and this should be fine. The brake fluid need not be replaced under ordinary circumstances.
Limited use is not always a good thing when it comes to cars, particularly the fluids. Even the factory recommends a long interval between transmission services, so the next time that it is due, I would switch to synthetic fluid and I would do the same for the rear axle. You may even see a small increase in gas mileage.
The best book for maintaining this car is your factory owner's manual. Follow the recommendations, along with the modification we’ve discussed. The LS-1 engine in your Camaro is capable of going 200,000 miles if properly maintained. If you are 52 years old, that means that at the rate you’re using the car, it should last another 100 years. You may want to start using it more.
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