Basic Maintenance

A Checklist to keep your car running


You can keep your car running longer and better by
following a few simple maintenance routines. Your
owner's manual indicates how often you should
change fluids, tune the engine, rotate the tyres, etc.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended frequency
of maintenance, increasing that frequency for cars
that see a lot of heavy use or stop-and start driving.
Your maintenance schedule should include a number
of basic procedures:

Fluids
change motor oil and filter;
replace coolant;
replace transmission fluid and filter;
re-fill windshield washer fluid and change blades;

Engine
change spark plugs;
check alternator and starter;
clean battery and terminals;
clean/replace air filter;
check timing;
check intake manifold;
check/replace crankcase ventilation;
check/replace belts;

Tyres
check air pressure;
check treads, replace tyre if less than 1/16"
rotate tyres;
check brakes/pads;
check wheel alignment;




10 EASY WAYS TO CHECK A USED CAR

1. run a line of sight along both sides of
the car - misaligned body panels or
different shades of paint indicate
that the car has been in an accident

2. check for rust, especially under the
doors and around wheel openeings. If a
small magnet doesn't stickthere, that may
be proof of a cheap, -and temporary - repair
with putty. Look under the carpet too. Fixing
rust damage is difficult and costly.

3. stains on the upholstery or carpeting and
a moldy smell are signs of a rain leak - another
problem that can be hard to fix.

4. look under the car. Oil or coolant drips could
indicate a serious problem

5. try all the controls and displays. And make
sure all lights are working.

6. when you turn on the ignition, make sure the
"check engine" light comes on. If it doesn't, it may
have been disconnected to cover up an emissions
(muffler) problem.

7. On a level road, the car should track straight,
without constant steering correction. Pulling could
mean a body that's badly twisted - from a crash.


8. On a quiet street with no traffic nearby, step
harshly on the brakes. The car should stop
without pulling.

9. pull the automatic transmission dipstick.
the fluid should be cherry red, with no burnt
smell or bubbles on the dipstick. The transmission
should shift smoothly. A manual transmission should
not grind, and the clutch should engage smoothly.

10. accelerate in low gear to 15 miles per hour
Then release the accelerator, letthe speed drop
to about 5 miles per hour and floor the accelerator.
A cloud of blue smoke from the tailpipe is a sign
of an oil-burning engine. Lots of white smoke may
mean serious engine trouble, but a few wisps after
the engine starts is no worry (especially on a damp day)