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Tips for Preventive Maintenance |
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Air filter: - 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.
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.
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 4,000
Kilometers 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 4,000 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. |
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