How to Maintain Your Engine

Proper vehicle maintenance is a must if you want your vehicle to run smoothly and keep fuel consumption at a minimum. Newer vehicles have extremely tight engines and do not tolerate contaminated oil, dirty brake fluid and low coolant levels. Your vehicle's suspension system requires regular greasing to prevent premature wear on brake pads, tires and u-joints. Transmission fluid must be maintained at the proper level to prevent o-ring wear. Taking the following steps will help your car last.

Instructions

1. Perform a visual inspection of all components that have a normal wear period. Tires, brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant fluid and the air filter should all be visually inspected and repaired as needed. Check the service manual for proper procedures and service intervals for these items and fluids.

2. Oil and filter should be changed at regular intervals, usually determined by mileage. Oil level and oil breakdown can be found be removing the engine oil dipstick and examining the level on the provided markers and by noting the color of the oil. If it is black, it is time for an oil change.

3. Check the air filter for wear, dust and color. Most air filters can be blown out with an air gun and reused at least once. Severely contaminated filters should be replaced during scheduled oil change intervals.

4. Transmission fluid level and color can be checked by removing the transmission dipstick and checking the level marks on the dip stick. Fluid should be red or blue, depending on vehicle type. If color is off, fluid should be drained and replaced with new fluid and transmission oil filter. Intervals for checking transmission fluid are located in your vehicle's service manual.

5. Check engine coolant level and color by popping the cap of the overflow reservoir and checking the level against the markers on the reservoir. Coolant color should be green. If color is faded, coolant should be drained and replaced with new coolant. If fluid level is low, add a 50/50 water-coolant mixture to the reservoir until fluid level is reached. Overheating can cause the head gasket to leak coolant into the oil ports.

6. Brake fluid should be checked during the scheduled oil change. Fluid should be honey colored and filled up to full level marking on the fluid reservoir. If brake fluid is discolored, brake lines will have to be purged of contaminated brake fluid. Replace discolored fluid according to the procedure outlined in your service manual. Low fluid level should be topped of with new fluid.

7. Suspension grease should be replaced per the service manual's suggested interval. Use a grease gun on all grease fittings in suspension. Push grease until the old grease comes out and new grease fills the suspension part.

8. Spark plugs should be removed and checked for discoloration and gap between contacts. Use a feeler gauge to check gap between contacts. Consult the service manual for the appropriate spark plug gap. Clean spark plug wire and contact and add conductive grease to improve connection.

9. Use your scan tool to find any faults in the vehicle systems. Repair faults using your service manual procedure.

Tips & Warnings

• Fender covers should be placed over both fenders to prevent damage to paint finish.

• Do not over-tighten any bolts or line connectors during maintenance procedures. This will strip the threads and cause leaks and other problems.

• Test-drive your vehicle to determine if all repairs were done properly and there are no leaks.

• Safety glasses should be worn throughout these procedures.