If the owner of a new car has strictly adhered to the maintenance schedule since the day it was purchased, has frequently performed critical checks, and maintained the required level of lubricating fluids, the car will very rarely require additional maintenance and repairs (in addition to the replacement of components and consumables subject to increased wear).
On the other hand, if regular maintenance procedures are not carried out properly and inspections are not carried out on time, the engine's performance will inevitably decrease sooner or later. The likelihood of such a situation arising is especially high when purchasing a used car. In such cases, it becomes necessary to perform a set of power unit adjustments beyond the scope of routine vehicle maintenance.
The first step in tuning or diagnosing a poorly performing engine is always to check the cylinder compression pressure (see chapter 2), analysis of the results of which allows us to assess the general condition of the internal components of the engine and outline a plan for upcoming adjustment and/or restoration work. For example, if a compression test reveals signs of severe engine wear, a standard tune-up will not be sufficient to correct the situation and would be a waste of time and money. Due to the value of the information obtained from a compression test, it should be performed by a suitably experienced and qualified mechanic with the necessary diagnostic tools.
Below are lists of basic procedures to ensure maximum performance from a vehicle in good mechanical condition.
List of minimum checks and adjustments
- Check the levels and condition of the working fluids, as well as their leaks (see Section 4);
- Check the condition and inflation pressure of your tires (see Section 12);
- Check the proper functioning of all daily electrical consumers (exterior lighting devices, interior lamps, horn, control lamps and indicators, climate control system, etc.);
- Check the proper functioning of the parking brake (see Section 8);
- Check the condition of the windshield wiper blades (see Section 7);
- Check the condition of the door and hood locks and lubricate them if necessary;
- Check the condition of the battery and clean its terminals if necessary (see Section 17);
- Check all hoses, pipes and wiring located in the engine compartment (especially the places where they connect) for leaks and wear (see Section 5).
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