Is there preventive maintenance on an older car you can perform that will make it more reliable such as replacing the central computer?

Answer 1

I suppose you could begin replacing componets in an effort to prevent the vehicle from breaking down, But the question then becomes," is it economically feasible?" The "central computer," or PCM(Powertrain Control Module) is only the tip of the proverbial iceburg. It is connected to a seemingly endless number of sensors, actuators, solenoids, wires and conectors. It is even connected to other modules(computers). Does the vehicle have airbags, electronic climate control, air suspension, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, or any other electronic feature? Likely each system has it's own separate computer. Even some transmissions have another computer separate from the engine control computer. In many cases, they even talk to each other over a network, so they affect each other's activities. Then there are other componets that are even more likely to fail that you could replace like the water pump, alternator, Power Steering pump, fuel pump, even the radiator, A/C condenser, evaporator core, heater core, and so forth. So, if you were to try to replace componets as "preventative maintainance," you would never run out of things to replace. My point is that you could spend tens of thousands of dollars replacing items that really aren't broken, and still have a break down because of some other failure elsewhere. In that case, you would be better off replacing the car with a new one. Really the best preventative maintainance is to continually moniter and change your oil and fluids, filters, and flush your transmission and cooling system according to your manufacturer's recommendation. Every 3 or 4 years, you will want to have your thermostat, hoses, and belts changed. Periodically have the brakes checked and tires rotated. You will also want to have the battery and charging system checked just prior to the start of the summer and winter seasons. A good place to start with all this is in your owner's manual, or a trusted technician.