Preventive Maintenance Tips

[konradh]

# Check it every month
Replace it when it becomes 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 in a duct hose assembly.

# Be careful with the battery
Extreme caution should be taken while handling a battery since it can produce explosive gases. It is advisable not to smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery. Always wear protective glasses and gloves.

# Inspect belts and hoses smoothly
Replace glazed, worn or frayed belts. 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.

# Check the brake fluid monthly
First wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew the plastic lid, depending on which type your vehicle has. If you need fluid, add the improved type and check for possible leaks throughout the system. Do not overfill.

# Check the oil after every 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, the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace the oil filter with every oil change.

# Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports
Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace the rusted or damaged parts. Have the emission checked at once per year for compliance with local laws.

# Inspect the hoses and belts monthly
If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced.

# Make sure that all your lights are clean and working
Include the brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.

# Change Oil
To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3 months or 3,000 kms whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.

# Check the power steering fluid level once per month
Check it by removing the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.

# SIgns of Oil Seepage
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. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs.

# Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure
Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance.

# Transmission Fluid
Check transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and the 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. Never overfill.

# Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir full
Use some of it to clean off the wiper blades.

# Windscreen wiper blades
Inspect the windscreen wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. Do not wait until the rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. They should be replaced at least once per year, and more often if smearing occurs.