Contents: When operating the vehicle ↧ At least once a month ↧ At least once every two years ↧ At every oil change ↧ At least once a year ↧
When operating the vehicle
Operation of the sound signal
Check the sound signal from time to time. Check the location of all buttons.
Operation of the brake system
Pay attention to unusual sounds, increased brake pedal travel, or frequent pulling to one side when braking. Also, if the brake warning light comes on or flashes, something may have happened to part of the brake system.
Operation of the exhaust system
Note any changes in the sounds of this system or the smell of exhaust gases. This may indicate a leak in the system or it is overheating. The system should be checked and repaired immediately.
Operation of tires, wheels and their adjustment
Notice any vibration in the steering wheel or seats at normal highway speeds. If this occurs, one of the wheels may need balancing. Also, a pull to the right or left when driving on a straight, level road may indicate the need for tire pressure adjustment or wheel alignment.
Steering operation
Notice changes in steering behavior. Inspection is necessary if the steering wheel has become difficult to turn, or if the steering wheel play has increased significantly, or if unusual sounds appear when turning or stopping.
Headlight beam inclination
Check the headlight beam angle from time to time. If the beam angle is not correct, adjust the headlights.
At every refueling
Fluid leaking from any system indicates a problem. The system should be checked and repaired immediately.
Engine oil level
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. It is best to check the oil level when it is warm.
- After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
- Remove the oil level indicator (submersible).
- Wipe the oil level indicator clean and reinsert it, pushing it all the way down.
- Remove the oil dipstick and use it to determine the oil level.
- If necessary, top up the oil so that its level is above the MIN mark, within the area marked as "operating range" ("Operating Range"). Do not add more oil to the engine than recommended, otherwise the engine may be damaged.
- Once you have determined the oil level, push the dipstick back into the engine completely.
If you are checking the oil level when the oil is cold, do not start the engine before doing so. Cold oil will not drain into the pan fast enough to give you an accurate reading of the oil level.
Engine coolant level and condition
Check the coolant level in the cooling system reservoir and top it up if necessary. Check the coolant. Replace contaminated or used coolant.
Windshield washer fluid level
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the reservoir. Top up if necessary.
At least once a month
Inspection of tires and wheels and pressure check
Check for abnormal wear or damage to the tires. Check the wheels for damage as well. Check the pressure when the tires are cold (also check the spare tire if it is not a space saver). Maintain the recommended pressure as indicated on the tire rating plate.
Use of lighting and light signaling
Check the operation of the license plate light and headlights (including high beam headlights), brake light, fog light, rear light, direction indicator, reversing light and hazard warning lights.
Checking for leaks of operating fluids
Check periodically for water, oil, or operating fluids on the surface underneath the vehicle after the vehicle has been idle for some time. Water droplets appearing from the air conditioning system after it has been running are normal. If a fuel or exhaust leak is noticed, determine the cause and correct the problem.
At least once every two years
Power steering fluid reservoir level
Check the power steering fluid level. Maintain the proper power steering fluid level. See section 6A, Power Steering System.
Fluid level in the main brake drum hydraulic drive reservoir
Check the fluid level and maintain it at the required level. A decrease in the fluid level may affect the wear of the disc brake pads, which may require repair. Make sure that there is no contamination and the passage in the suction tube of the reservoir cap is open.
Lubrication of gaskets
Apply a thin layer of silicone grease with a clean cloth.
At every oil change
Automatic transmission fluid with final drive assembly
Look "Transaxle Fluid Level Check Procedure" in section 5A, Automatic transmission with final drive assembly AISIN 55-51LE.
Manual gearbox with final drive assembly
Check the oil level and top up if necessary. See section 5B, five-speed manual transmission with final drive assembly.
Inspection of the brake system
This inspection should be carried out when removing the wheels for rotation. Check the reliability of the hitch, the connection of the wires and hoses, whether there are leaks, cracks, wear, etc. Check the wear of the disc brake pads. Check the surface condition of the working wheels. Check other components of the brake system, including the parking brake system, etc., at the same time. Check how the parking brake system is adjusted. Inspect the brake mechanisms more often if you have to brake often.
Inspection of steering, suspensions and protective shell and seals of the front-wheel drive axle
Check the front and rear suspensions and steering controls for damage, loose parts, missing parts, wear, or sufficient lubrication. Check that the power steering drive cables and hoses are securely attached and connected to the power steering system for leaks, cracks, and wear, etc. Clean the protective cover and seals of the drive axle and check them for damage, breaks or leaks. Replace the seals if necessary.
Checking the exhaust system
Check the entire system (including catalytic converter, if installed). Inspect the bodywork around the exhaust system. Check for breaks, damage to parts, missing parts, and if they are installed in the correct position, also check joints, holes, tight connections, or anything that could cause heat to accumulate in the underbody or exhaust leakage into the trunk or interior of the car.
Checking the throttle control rods
Check the smooth operation of the throttle control rods or the reliability of their connection, whether they are damaged or whether individual parts are missing. Lubricate all joints and connections of the throttle cable, the intermediate bearing of the throttle shaft, the return spring at the throttle valve block and the sliding surface of the gas pedal with a suitable grease. Check the freedom of movement of the throttle cable.
Engine drive belts
Check all belts for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Adjust belt tension or replace if necessary.
Operating the hood latch
When opening the hood, check the functionality of the additional latch. It should not allow the hood to open completely when the main latch is released. The hood should close tightly.
At least once a year
Condition and operation of lap and shoulder seat belts
Inspect the seat belt system, including the following: webbing, buckles, latch tongues, retractor, guides, and anchors.
Operation of movable headrests
For vehicles with movable head restraints, the head restraints must be in the desired position.
Storing the spare tire and jack
Pay attention to the rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Always keep the spare tire, jacking equipment and tools securely stowed. Lubricate the jack ratchet or screw mechanism after each use.
Operation of locks
Lubricate the lock cylinders.
Lubrication of body parts
Lubricate all door hinges, including the hood, hatch cover, rear compartment hinges and latches, glove box and instrument panel lids, and any folding seat fasteners.
Using the Neutral Switch in an Automatic Transaxle
Warning! Observe the following precautions. Failure to observe them may result in injury or property damage.
- Apply the parking brake securely and engage the main brakes.
- Do not use the gas pedal.
- When starting the engine, be prepared to turn off the ignition.
For vehicles with an automatic transmission with a final drive assembly, try starting the engine in each gear. The starter should only turn the crankshaft in the P (PARK) and N (NEUTRAL) positions.
Operation of the parking brake system and the parking mechanism (P) of the gearbox with the main gear assembly
Caution: To reduce the risk of injury or property damage, be prepared to apply the service brakes if the vehicle begins to move.
Park the vehicle on a fairly steep slope with enough room to move down. To check the parking brake system, with the engine running and the transmission in position N (neutral), slowly release the brake pedal (so that the car is held only by the parking brake).
To check the holding capacity of the automatic transaxle park (P) mechanism, release all brakes after shifting the transmission to the P (Park) position.
Washing the underbody
Underbody washing is used to remove all corrosive materials used in de-icing and snow removal, and to reduce dust. Clean the underbody at least every spring. First, remove any buildup that has accumulated in the closed areas of the vehicle. Then rinse the underbody with plain water.
Engine cooling system
Check the condition of the coolant and antifreeze. If the fluid is dirty or worn out, drain, bleed and refill the engine cooling system with new coolant. Maintain the proper mixing ratio with the coolant to ensure adequate protection against freezing, corrosion and engine operating temperature. Check the hoses. Replace cracked, bulging or damaged hoses. Tighten the clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Flush the filler cap and neck. Check the pressure in the cooling system and cap to ensure the system is operating properly.