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Suggested Maintenance |
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Updated:
April 4, 2003 |
Air Filter | Antifreeze | Battery | Belts & Hoses | Brake Fluid | Engine Oil | Exhaust | Lights Oil Filter | Power Steering Fluid | Shock Absorbers | Spark Plugs | Timing Belts | Tires |
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| Air Filter | 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. Top of page |
| Antifreeze | Check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. Some cars have transparent reservoirs with level markings. Fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. Caution: Do not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot. Top of page |
| Battery | 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. Top of page |
| Belts & Hoses | Inspect belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them when more than 1/2" 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. Top of page |
| Brake Fluid | 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. Top of page |
| Engine Oil | 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. Top of page |
| Exhaust | 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. Top of page |
| Lights | 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. Top of page |
| Oil Filter | To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace oil filter with every oil change. Top of page |
| Power Steering Fluid | Power Steering Fluid: 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. Top of page |
| 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. Top of page |
| Spark Plugs | On most vehicles that are pre-1995, spark plugs should be replaced at approximately 50,000 miles. After 1995 some vehicle manufacturers started using platinum spark plugs. If your vehicle is equipped with platinum plugs then spark plug replacement isn’t necessary until approximately 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Check your owners manual for recommended replacement. Top of page |
| Timing Belts | Recommended maintenance intervals differ so much between different manufacturers that it is very hard to list. A good “rule of thumb” is approximately every 60,000 miles. Top of page |
| Tires | 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. Top of page |
| Transmission Fluid | 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. Caution: Do Not Overfill! Have Transmission fluid and filter changed every 50,000 under normal driving conditions and every 30,000 miles under severe driving conditions. Top of page |
| Washer Fluid | Keep windshield washer fluid reservoir full. When topping off, use some windshield washer fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. In the winter months, pay attention to the freezing point of the washer fluid. Top of page |
| Wiper Blades | 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. Top of page |
Please
keep in mind that the best place to look if you question when
you should replace |
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