| Vehicle
System or Part |
Check
Weekly |
Check
Monthly |
Check
Every 2 Months |
Check
Every 3 Months |
Special
Note |
| Air
Filter |
|
|
X |
|
Replace
it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up. It is easy to
reach, right under the big metal "lid", in a carbureted
engine; or in a rectangular box at the forward end of the
air duct hose assembly. |
| Antifreeze |
X |
|
|
|
Some
cars have transparent reservoirs with level markings. Fill
to level marking with 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water.
Caution: Do not remove the pressure cap when engine is hot. |
| Battery |
|
|
|
*X |
Have
it checked with every oil change. Use extreme
caution when handling a battery since it can produce explosive
gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near
a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves.
Cables should be attached securely and be free of corrosion.
If battery has filler holes, add only clear odorless drinking
water. |
| Belts |
|
X |
|
|
Replace
worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them when more than
1/2" of slack can be depressed between the pulleys.
Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensions require no adjustment. |
| Brake
Fluid |
|
X |
|
|
First,
wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid.
Pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew
plastic lid, depending on which type your vehicle has. If
you need fluid, add the approved type and check for possible
leaks throughout the system. Fill to mark on reservoir.
Caution: Do Not Overfill. |
| Engine
Oil & Oil Filter |
|
|
|
*X |
Check
oil every other fill up. Remove the dipstick,
wipe it clean. Insert it fully and remove it again. If it
is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil
every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Replace
oil filter with every oil change. |
| Exhaust |
|
|
|
|
Look
underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports.
Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damaged
parts. Have emission checked at least once per year for
compliance with local laws |
| Hoses |
|
X |
|
|
Replace
bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If
a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should
be replaced. |
| Lights |
|
|
|
|
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. |
| Power
Steering Fluid |
|
X |
|
|
Simply
remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add
fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks. |
| Shock
Absorbers |
|
|
|
|
Look
for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers, test shock
action by bouncing the car up and down. The car should stop
bouncing when you step back. Worn or leaking shocks should
be replaced. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs. |
| Tires |
|
X |
|
|
Keep
tires inflated to recommended pressure . Check for cuts,
bulges and tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned
or out of balance. Keep a record of tire rotation. Rotate
at the first 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter. |
| Transmission
Fluid |
|
X |
|
|
Check
transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running,
and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove
dipstick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the
approved type fluid, if needed. Caution: Do Not Overfill! |
| Washer
Fluid |
|
|
|
|
Keep
windshield washer fluid reservoir full. Use windshield washer
fluid on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. In the winter
months, pay attention to the freezing point of the washer
fluid. |
| Wiper
Blades |
|
|
|
|
Inspect
windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield.
Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them.
Wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year,
and more often if smearing or chattering occurs. |
| This
checklist is intended only as a guide. Climate, the age
of the vehicle and make are all factors that should be taken
into account. |
