for ball joins, I usually jack up the car just a bit... then put a piece of steel or wood underneath the tire at 6 o'clock... then try to lift up a bit to see if there is play...

for steering parts.... I usally grab the tire at 9 and 3 and see if there is play....

i always use the most reasonable 20/50 dino for my oil and change every 3k. i do live in a temperate climate however.

I think changing regularly is the most important thing.... it will be itneresting to see what people think about these new extneded change synthetics.

I have never had an engine problem. but I also have never owned a car much past 175k miles.