General information about car maintenance
Serviceable components in the engine compartment:
1. Blue washer fluid reservoir cap;
2. Blue cap of the expansion tank of the cooling system;
3. Black engine oil filler cap with yellow oil can icon;
4. Engine oil dipstick, with orange handle;
5. Yellow brake fluid reservoir cap;
6. Green power steering fluid reservoir cap;
7. Battery terminals (see Figure 12 of the Introduction).
This chapter has been compiled to help the car owner maintain his vehicle in a state of maximum readiness for operation, obtaining effective output from it while meeting the requirements for economy and safety. Below, the reader is offered sections devoted to a detailed description of the procedure for performing each of the maintenance procedures separately. The material includes descriptions of visual inspections, adjustments, procedures for removing and installing components, as well as various useful tips and recommendations. The location of the serviceable components of the engine compartment is shown in the illustration at the beginning of the chapter.
By servicing your vehicle according to the agreed upon schedule and following the recommendations below, the reader will receive a clear plan of action that, if followed, will ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle. Please remember that this program is designed as a comprehensive program and following only individual points while neglecting others will not lead to the desired result.
Please also remember that under severe operating conditions, such as predominantly urban driving, frequent mountainous travel, towing a trailer, or driving in dusty conditions, maintenance should be performed more frequently.
In the process of servicing your car, the reader will see that many procedures can, and should, be combined into general groups due to the similarity of their nature or the proximity of the location of the components. For example, if the vehicle is raised off the ground for any reason, you should take the opportunity to also check the condition of the exhaust system components, suspension and steering. Also, using a rented torque wrench, check the tightening force of all accessible threaded fasteners. While rotating the wheels, at the same time assess the condition of the brake mechanisms and wheel bearings.
The first step in servicing a vehicle is always self-training by the performer. Carefully review the material in this chapter, then make a list of components that need attention, prepare the necessary tools, and make a brief plan for the upcoming work. If you encounter any problems that cannot be resolved, please contact our auto service specialists for help.