General under the Hood and Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
by admin on Nov.03, 2008, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
General under the Hood & Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
Most oil change service centers will offer a 12-19 point check with every oil change. If you change the oil yourself, you will need to conduct regular inspections. Use your owner’s manual diagrams that indicate where each of these items is located. Also, your local auto parts store employees can answer any questions that you may have about any of these fluids. These checks are every bit as important as changing the oil, so you might want to check the following items every time you perform an oil change.
• Automatic Transmission Fluid-You want the engine idling when you perform this check. After starting the car and leaving it in Park, you an easily check this fluid level.
• Battery-Be sure to check each cell of the battery for proper fluid levels. Add only distilled water if necessary.
• Brake Fluid-Check to see if the brake and clutch (if applicable) fluid levels are between the MIN and MAX lines on the indicator.
• Engine Coolant-You need for the engine to be completely cool when you check this fluid level.
• Engine Drive Belts-Check the belts to make sure they are in good working condition. They should not be frayed, worn, cracked, or oily.
• Engine Oil Level-You will be checking this if you are changing the oil. The oil level needs to be between the H (high) and the L (Low) on the dipstick.
• Exhaust System- The exhaust system is more than just the muffler and should probably be checked by a professional. But you can see the muffler. While the engine is cool, check it for any cracks or holes. Make sure that it is not loose. If there is ever a smell of exhaust fumes, have the system inspected.
• Fluid Leaks-You can easily check for fluid leaks by simply looking on the ground where you normally park your vehicle. If there is water, it might just be from the air conditioner. If it is black, you might have an oil leak. If it is browner in color you might have a fuel leak.
• Power Steering Fluid & Lines-Your engine should be cold when you check this fluid level. Make sure the fluid lines are properly attached and there are no cracks or leaks.
• Radiator and Hoses-Clean the radiator of any debris. Make sure the hoses have no leaks and are securely attached.
• Under body-You should wash the under body of your vehicle every time you wash your car. It can be sprayed with water from a hose. This should be done at least after every winter.
• Windshield Washer-This fluid is visible on most cars when you open the hood. If you don’t have any washer fluid, mixing water with a little rubbing alcohol will serve the purpose until you can buy some washer fluid.
Most all of these replacement fluids can be purchased at an auto parts store for minimal amounts. Keeping these stored safely in your garage will save you time and money on car repairs.