Preventative Maintenance

Chapter 20 Section 1

Routine care that you give to your car◦ Day to day care

Changing oil Filling tires with air Checking fluid levels Routine servicing

Follow the schedule of preventative maintenance in your owners manual

Preventative Maintenance

Easiest part of the vehicle to monitor, although they are often overlooked◦ Easier to change a tire at home than on a busy

street Take the time to research the best tires for

your vehicle Never mix and match tires

◦ Should be of equivalent size, quality, and tread design

Tire Maintenance

Inflation◦ Help the vehicle to grip the road evenly and wear at the same

rate◦ Overinflation

Only the center of the tire grips the road Harder ride Faster wear

◦ Underinflation Outer edges of the tire grip the road Steering is more difficult Heat buildup Decreases fuel economy Faster wear

◦ Tire pressure should be checked once a month Measure when the tires are cold Make sure you check the spare

Tire Maintenance (cont.)

Wear◦ Make sure you check the tread of the

tires and make sure they are not bald Bald tires=no traction Can lead to punctured tires Tread should be no less than 1/8 inch

◦ Get your tires rotated for equal wear Should be rotated on a regular basis Switching tires from front to back and

side to side

Tire Maintenance (cont.)

◦ Lifeblood of your vehicle Check them regularly

◦ Also check under the vehicle for signs of leaking Color of the puddle on the pavement indicates the

type of fluid leaking out To make leaks easier to see, leave a white sheet of

paper under the vehicle overnight

Fluid Levels

Oil◦ If you suspect a problem with your oil or the oil

gauge light comes on, stop immediately Can damage the engine

◦ Check oil at least once a month More frequently in older vehicles

◦ Change the oil at least twice a year or every 3,000 miles Depending on the type of driving you do

Fluid Levels

Oil (cont.)◦ Check when the engine is cool and not

running Remove dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert,

remove again and check oil level Don’t only rely on the oil gauge to tell

you when to change the oil By the time the warning lights are on, its

too late

Transmission Fluid◦ Bright, cherry red◦ Should be changed every 25,000 to

30,000 miles, depending on type of vehicle

Fluid Levels

Brake Fluid◦ Check fluid levels in the master cylinder◦ Should be checked every time you have oil changed◦ Replace it at least once a year◦ Attracts water from condensation and humidity in the air,

causing corrosion Coolant

◦ Check levels in the radiator overflow tank◦ Levels that are too low can cause the engine to overheat◦ Start the car and add coolant

Prevents cracking of components from a sudden temperature change

Water alone can be used in warm weather if antifreeze is unavailable

Other Fluids◦ Windshield washer fluid◦ Battery fluid◦ Power Steering fluid

Fluid Levels

Belts◦ Loose belts

In the engine can cause the electrical system to malfunction Can contribute to inefficient cooling of the engine and problems

with the power steering and air conditioning◦ Belts should feel tight when you push them

If you can push them down more than ½ inch Hoses

◦ Check hoses and hose connections for leaks Wires

◦ Wires that are loose, broken, disconnected, or that have cracked insulation, should be prepared

◦ Check battery cables and make sure they are tightly connected

Belts, Hoses, and Wires

One of the most important features of your vehicle◦ Should feel firm resistance◦ Should come to a smooth, direct stop◦ Shouldn’t have to put the pedal to the floor

Get them fixed if:◦ Have to depress the brake very low◦ If the vehicle pulls to one side◦ One tire locks when braking◦ Grabbing or uneven braking◦ Squealing or chattering noises

Brake Pads

Quickest way to diagnose problems with your engine is the exhaust◦ If blue or smoky white, engine damage is

occurring or have already◦ Foul, sulfuric smell like rotten eggs, may be the

catalytic converter◦ Defects in the exhaust create noise and increase

the amount of carbon monoxide poisoning for the vehicle’s occupants

◦ Keep an eye on the temperature of you engine Overheating can result from the breakdown of your

water pump or from a malfunctioning thermostat

The Engine

Be alert to problems with you vehicle’s steering◦ Vibration of the steering wheel◦ Excessive “play” in the wheel◦ Difficulty in steering◦ Wobbling or pulling to one side◦ Sway when driving over a bump or turning

corners◦ rattling

Steering and Suspension

Keep records of when and what type of service work is done

Keep track of whether you do it yourself or have a mechanic do it

Owners manual will outline a specific schedule to follow

Routine Maintenance Schedule

When What

Every week Check levels of the vehicle’s oil, windshield washer fluid, and radiator coolant.

Every month Check tires, belts, hoses, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid. Clean bugs out of your radiator grille. Wax the car to protect paint.

Every 6 months Check and clean battery cables and terminals. Check the condition of the brakes.

Once a year Check the air conditioner refrigerant and shock absorbers replace the air filter and windshield wiper blades. Flush out the radiator and refill it with coolant. Hose down the undercarriage to remove dirt and salt after cold driving season. Check headlight alignment

Keep an eye on the fuel gauge◦ Don’t let the vehicle run out of fuel

Dirt can clog up the fuel filter If the filter becomes blocked, your engine will not

receive the fuel it needs for combustion to take place in the cylinders

Turn engine off before refueling

Refueling

Washing your vehicle

Waxing your vehicle

Cover your vehicle

Protecting the Exterior