How To Find Your
Way
Under The Hood & Around The Car
A Quick and Easy Guide to Preventive Maintenance for the Self-Service Customer...
(and anyone else who drives)
Welcome to the World of Car Care
Whether or not you pump your own gas, your car probably receibes less attention that it should. Regular maintenance
checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership.
- For maximum fuel efficiency and cleaner air keep your engine in tune.
- For safe driving keep brakes, steering and suspension systems in A-1 condition.
Most of the checks and services described here can be done at little or no
cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do and they can save time, money
and inconvenience now and later. Always refer to your owner's manual when performing
any maintenance task on your vehicle.
Periodically your car should have a thourough inspection by a qualified technician.
Keep windshield washer fluid reservoir full.
When topping off, use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the
wiper blades. In winter months, pay attention to the freezing point of the washer
fluid.
Inspect windshield wiper blades whenever
you clean your windshield. Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace
them. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year, and more often
if smearing or chattering occurs.
Be sure all your lights are clean and working,
including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs
and fuses in your vehicle.
Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure
(it helps to own your own gauge). Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread
wear. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance. Keep a record
of tire rotation. Rotate at the first 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.
Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers.
Test shock action by bouncing the car up and down. The car should stop bouncing
when you step back. Worn or leaking shocks should be replaced.
Use extreme caution when handling a battery
since it can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light
a match near a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves. Have it
checked with every oil change. Cables should be attached securely and be free
of corrosion. If battery has filler holes, add only clear, odorless drinking
water.
Check power steering fluid level once per
month. simply remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid
and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.
Check the air filter every other month.
Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up. It is easy to reach, right
under the big metal "lid" in a carbureted engine; or in a rectangular
box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly, with fuel injection.
Check brake fluid monthly. First, wipe dirt
from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip and
remove the lid or unscrew plastic lid, depending on which type your vehicle
has. If you need fluid, add the approved type and check for possible leaks throughout
the system. Fill to mark on reservoir. Caution: Do not overfill.
Check oil every other fill up. Remove the
dipstick, wipe it clean. Insert it fully and remove it again. If it is low,
add oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months,
whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.
Check
transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick,
wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved type fluid, if needed.
Do not overfill!
Check
the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. Some cars have transparent reservoirs with
level markings. Fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of anti-freeze and
water. Caution: Do not remove the pressure cap when engine
is hot.
Inspect belts and hoses monthly. Replace
worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them when more than ½" of slack
can be depressed between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners
require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses and tighten
clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced.
Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust
clamps and supports. Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or
damaged parts. Have emission checked at least once per year for compliance with
local laws.