Aston Martin Maintenance

Aston Martin Maintenance, Hints and information on maintaining your Aston Martin DB9, DBS or Vantage.

Workshop Manuals and Maintenance check sheets are available on the Manuals page

I will work through the Aston Martin Vehicle Maintenance Check sheet, Intervals are those specified by aston Martin, with hints, information and links to useful sites or videos.

Fluids and Filters

Examine the Engine for Oil Leaks (every year/ 12,000 miles)

Both the V8 and V12 are prone to leaks from the front timing cover. This is a well known issue for Aston Martin. The gasket that fits between the engine block and timing cover can fail and leak oil. The oil can contaminate the belts and pulleys at the front of the engine (causing other issues), then run down under the car and go from there.

The oil leaks are usually caused by the following.

• Lack of use. Seals dry up and rot. Frequent dry starts damage lip seals like front and rear main seals. So cars with low mileage will have these issues. If you buy an old car with very few miles on it. Aston Martins, like most cars are better when used regularly.
• PCV issues causing excess pressure in the crank case will cause seals to leak as well.
• Infrequent oil changes, or leaving old oil during storage periods. Engine oil becomes acidic over time and if you leave old oil over storage periods, that oil will eat at seals.

Renew the Engine Oil (and Oil Filter) (every year/ 12,000 miles)

Aston Martin V12 Oil and Filter Change

The Aston Martin V12 is not the easiest car to change an oil filter on because of its location. More details on the link.

Renew the Air Cleaner Elements (every 2 years/ 24,000 miles) V12

Renew the Air Cleaner Elements (every 3 years/ 30,000 miles) V8

Aston Martin Air Filter Change

Examine the Transmission and Final Drive for condition and Leaks, Fill if necessary