| Belts |
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. |
| Brake
Fluid |
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. |
| Engine
Oil |
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. |
| Exhaust |
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. |
| Hoses |
Inspect the hoses and belts
monthly. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too
hard, it should be replaced. |
| Lights |
Make sure that all your
lights are clean and working, including the brake lights,
turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and
fuses in your vehicle. |
| Oil
Filter |
To maintain peak
performance, change oil every 3 months or 3,000 kms
whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil
change. |
| Power
Steering Fluid |
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. |
| Shock
Absorbers |
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. |
| Tyres |
Keep tyres inflated to
recommended pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive
tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tyres 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. |
| Washer
Fluid |
Keep the windshield washer
fluid reservoir full. Use some of it to clean off the
wiper blades. |
| 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. |