service notes
How To Find Your Way Under The Hood & Around The Car
know your car | service intervals | find your way under the hood
1. Every week check the antifreeze/coolant level
in the transparent reservoir. Top off as necessary with a 50/50 solution
of antifreeze and water.
Caution:
do not
remove the radiator pressure cap when the engine is hot.
2. Every three months inspect the belt(s) and hoses.
Replace a belt if it's worn, glazed, frayed or cracked. Single serpentine belts
are
equipped
with
spring loaded tensioners requiring no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten or
brittle hoses and tighten clamps. Replace any hose that looks bad, feels too
soft or too hard.
3.Every month check transmission fluid with the engine warm and running with the parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove the dipstick, wipe it dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved type of fluid, if needed. Do not overfill.
4. Every other fill check the oil at the gas pumps. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it fully and remove it again. If the level is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance change oil seasonally or as recommended in you owner's manual. Replace the filter each time the oil is changed.
5.Every other month check the air filter. Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a service. On most vehicles it can be found in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air duct assembly.
6.Every month check brake fluid. Most vehicles are equipped with transparant reservoirs on the brake master cylinder, making it easy to see the fluid level. If it's necessary to add fluid, remove all dirt from the top of the reservoir before removing the filler cap. Add fluid of the approved type. If "topping off" is needed frequently, check the system for leaks.
7. Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir full. When adding fluid, use some washer fluid on a rag to clean wiper blades. In winter months, pay attention to the freeze protection level of the fluid.
8. Use extreme caution when working around a battery, as it can produce explosive gases. Don't smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery. Wear protective glasses and gloves when making connections. Cables should be attached securely and free of corrosion. If the battery has filler holes, add only clear, odorless drinking water.
9. Check power steering fluid level once per month. simply remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.
10. Whenever you clean your windshield inspect windshield wiper blades. Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months, and more often if smearing or chattering occurs.
11. Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights,
turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.
12. Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure (it helps to own your own gauge). Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicated tires are misaligned or out of balance. Keep a record of tire rotation. Rotate the first 5,000 miles and every 7,000 miles thereafter.
13. Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers and struts. Test shock action by bouncing the vehicle up and down. It should stop bouncing when you step back. Worn or leaking components should be replaced, and always in pairs for best roadability.
14. Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes in the muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damage parts. Have emissions checked at least once a year for compliance with local laws.
For a Dependable Motor Vehiclevisit us in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In
2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm