When operating a car
Operation of the horn
From time to time check the operation of the sound signal. Check the location of all buttons.
Operation of the brake system
Look out for unusual noises, increased brake pedal travel, or frequent pulling to the side when braking. Also, if the brake warning light comes on or flashes, something may have happened to part of the brake system.
Operation of the exhaust system
Notice any changes in the sounds that accompany the operation of this system, or the smell of exhaust gases. This may indicate a leak in the system or overheating. The system must be checked and repaired immediately.
Operation of tires, wheels and their adjustment
Notice any vibration in the steering wheel or seats at normal highway speeds. If this occurs, one of the wheels may need to be balanced. Also, pulling to the right or left while driving on a straight, level road may indicate that the tire pressure needs to be adjusted or the wheel alignment needs to be adjusted.
Steering operation
Notice changes in steering behavior. Inspection is necessary if the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn or the steering wheel play has increased significantly, or if there are unusual sounds when turning or stopping.
Headlight Beam Tilt
From time to time check the correct tilt of the headlight beam. If the beam of light falls incorrectly, adjust the headlights.
At every refueling
Fluid leaking into any of the systems indicates a problem. The system must be checked and repaired immediately.
Engine oil level
Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. It is best to check the oil level when it is warm.
- After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes until the oil drains back into the oil pan.
- Pull out the oil level gauge (submersible).
- Wipe off the oil level gauge and reinsert it by pushing it all the way down.
- Pull out the oil level gauge and read the oil level from it.
- Add oil if necessary to keep the oil level above the MIN·mark, within the area marked as "operating range" ("Operating Range"). Do not overfill the engine with oil, otherwise the engine may be damaged.
- Once you know the oil level, push the gauge all the way back into the engine.
If checking the cold oil level, do not start the engine before doing so. Cold oil will not drain into the sump quickly enough to know the exact level.
Engine coolant level and condition
Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir and top up if necessary. Check coolant. Replace contaminated or used coolant.
Windshield washer fluid level
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid if necessary.
At least once a month
Tire and wheel inspection and pressure check
Check tires for abnormal wear or damage. It is also necessary to check the wheels for damage. Check pressure on cold tires (also check the spare tire if it's not a dokatka). Maintain the recommended pressure indicated on the tire nameplate.
Use of lighting and light signaling
Check the operation of the license plate lights, headlights (including headlights), stop lamps, fog lamps, tail lamp, direction indicators, reversing lamps and alarms.
Fluid Leak Check
Periodically check for traces of water, oil, operating fluids on the surface under the car after the car has been idle for some time. It is normal for water droplets to appear from the air conditioning system after it has been operated. If a fuel or exhaust leak is noticed, determine the cause and correct the problem.
At least once every two years
Power steering fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level. Maintain the correct power steering fluid level. See Section 6A, Power Steering System.
Fluid level in the reservoir of the hydraulic drive of the main brake drum
Check fluid level and maintain correct level. A low fluid level can cause disc brake pad wear, which may require repair. Make sure that there is no dirt and the passage in the suction tube of the tank lid is open.
Gasket lubrication
Apply a thin layer of silicone grease with a clean cloth.
At every oil change
Fluid for automatic transmission with final drive assy
See «Transaxle Fluid Level Check Procedure» in section 5A, Automatic transmission with final drive assembly AISIN 55-51LE.
Manual transmission with final drive assembly
Check the oil level and top up if necessary. See section 5B, five-speed manual transmission with final drive assembly.
Inspection of the brake system
Such an inspection should be carried out when the wheels are removed for rotation. Check the attachment, wire and hose connections for leaks, cracks, wear, etc. Check the wear of the disc brake pads. Check the condition of the surface of the impellers. Check other components of the brake system, including the parking brake system, etc., at the same time. Check how the parking brake system is adjusted. Inspect your brakes more frequently if you have to brake frequently.
Inspection of the steering, suspensions and containment and seals of the front-wheel drive axle
Check the front and rear suspensions and steering for damage, loose or missing parts, wear or sufficient lubrication. Check that the power steering wires and hoses are connected securely, whether they are leaking, cracked or worn, etc. Clean the drive axle containment and seals and inspect them for damage, rupture or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Check of system of release of the fulfilled gases
Check the whole system (including catalytic afterburner, if fitted). Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Check for breaks, damaged parts, if they are missing and installed in the correct position, also check for joints, holes, tight connections, or anything that can lead to heat build-up in the underbody or leakage of exhaust gases into the trunk or interior of the car.
Checking the throttle control rods
Check the smooth operation of the throttle control rods or the reliability of their connection, whether they are damaged, whether individual parts are missing. Lubricate all pivots and connections of the throttle cable, throttle shaft intermediate bearing, throttle valve block return spring, and throttle pedal sliding surface with a suitable grease. Check the freedom of movement of the throttle cable.
Engine drive belts
Check all belts for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension. Adjust belt tension or replace if necessary.
Hood latch operation
When opening the hood, check the operation of the additional latch. It should not allow the hood to open completely when the main latch is released. The hood must close tightly.
At least once a year
Condition and operation of the lap and cross-shoulder seat belts
Inspect the seat belt system, including the following: webbing, buckles, latch tabs, tensioner, guide buckles, and retainers.
Operation of movable head restraints
For vehicles with movable head restraints, the head restraints must be in the desired position.
Spare wheel and jack storage
Pay attention to the rumble in the back of the car. The spare wheel, jacking equipment and tools must always be stored securely. After each use, the jack ratchet or screw mechanism must be lubricated.
Operation of locks
Lubricate lock cylinders.
Lubrication of body parts
Lubricate all body door hinges, including the hood, hatch cover, rear compartment hinges and latches, glove box and dash lids, and any folding seat fasteners.
Using the Neutral Switch in an Automatic Transaxle Transaxle Assembly
Attention! Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in personal injury and property damage.
- Set the parking brake firmly and apply the main brakes.
- Do not use the gas pedal.
- When starting the engine, be prepared to turn off the ignition.
On vehicles with an automatic transaxle, try starting the engine in each gear. The starter should only turn the crankshaft in position P (PARKING) and N (NEUTRAL).
Operation of the parking brake system and parking mechanism (R) gearboxes with final drive assy
Attention! To reduce the risk of injury or property damage, be prepared to apply the main brakes if the vehicle starts to move.
Park your vehicle on a slope that is sufficiently steep with enough room to move downhill. To test the parking brake system, with the engine running and position N (neutral) gearbox with final drive assembly slowly release the brake pedal (so that the car is held only by the parking brake).
To check the holding capacity of the parking mechanism (R) automatic transmission with final drive assembly, release the vehicle from all brakes after shifting the transmission to position P (parking).
Flushing the lower part of the body
Underbody flushing is used to remove all corrosive materials used in icing and snow removal and to reduce dust. Clean the underbody at least every spring. First, you need to remove the layers that have accumulated in closed areas of the car. Then rinse the lower part of the body with plain water.
Engine cooling system
Check the condition of the coolant and antifreeze. If the fluid is contaminated or used, drain it, bleed it, and fill the engine cooling system with new coolant. Maintain the correct mixing ratio with the coolant to provide adequate protection against freezing, corrosion and engine operating temperature. Check hoses. Replace cracked, swollen or damaged hoses. Tighten the clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and condenser of the air conditioning unit. Wash the filler cap and neck. Check the pressure in the cooling system and cap to ensure the system is working properly.