chapter 20 section 1. routine care that you give to your car ◦ day to day care changing oil ...
TRANSCRIPT
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