preventive maintenance of vehicles
Engine
- Locate the engine oil dipstick
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean
- Reinsert the dipstick fully and pull it out again
- Check the oil level against the markings on the dipstick
- Inspect the color and consistency of the oil
- Locate the air filter housing
- Remove the air filter
- Inspect the air filter for dirt and debris
- Replace the air filter if dirty or clogged
- Locate the spark plugs
- Inspect the condition of the spark plugs
- Check for signs of wear or damage
- Replace spark plugs if necessary
- Visually inspect belts for cracks or fraying
- Check hoses for leaks or bulges
- Ensure belts are properly tensioned
- Replace any belts or hoses showing signs of wear
- Inspect the engine bay for any signs of leaks
- Check under the vehicle for any fluid drips
- Address any leaks promptly to prevent damage
- Locate the coolant reservoir
- Check the coolant level against the markings
- Inspect the coolant for discoloration or debris
- Top up coolant if necessary
- Visually inspect the radiator for signs of damage
- Check for any leaks or corrosion
- Ensure the radiator fins are clean and free of debris
- Monitor the temperature gauge while the engine is running
- Look for signs of steam or smoke from the engine bay
- Check for coolant leaks or low coolant levels
- Inspect fuel lines for signs of leaks or cracks
- Check fuel tank for any signs of damage
- Ensure fuel fittings are tight and secure
- Inspect spark plug wires for wear or damage
- Check distributor cap and rotor for signs of wear
- Ensure ignition coils are functioning properly
- Visually inspect the exhaust system for signs of rust or damage
- Check for any holes or leaks in the exhaust pipes
- Listen for any unusual noises while the engine is running
Tires
- Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure in each tire
- Refer to the vehicle manual for the recommended tire pressure
- Add or release air as needed to meet the recommended pressure
- Visually inspect the tread depth for any signs of wear
- Use a tread depth gauge to measure the depth of the tread
- Replace tires if the tread depth is below the recommended level
- Inspect the tires for any cuts, cracks, or punctures
- Look for any bulges or blisters on the tire surface
- Replace tires if any damage is found
- Follow the recommended tire rotation pattern for your vehicle
- Rotate tires to ensure even wear and prolong tire life
- Consider rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
- Inspect the spare tire for proper inflation and condition
- Ensure the spare tire is securely mounted in the vehicle
- Replace the spare tire if it shows signs of damage or wear
- Drive the vehicle and check for any pulling to one side
- Listen for any unusual noises while driving
- Have the alignment checked and adjusted by a professional if needed
- Visually inspect the sidewalls of the tires for any bulges or cuts
- Check for any signs of damage that may compromise tire integrity
- Replace tires if any issues are found
- Have the tires balanced by a professional if the vehicle vibrates at high speeds
- Ensure the weight distribution on each tire is even
- Balancing tires can improve handling and extend tire life
- Check the valve stems for any signs of air leakage
- Use a soapy water solution to detect any leaks
- Replace valve stems if leaks are found
- Inspect the tires for uneven wear patterns
- Look for signs of overinflation, underinflation, or misalignment
- Address any issues to prevent premature tire wear
- Use a torque wrench to check the tightness of lug nuts
- Refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the correct torque value
- Tighten or loosen lug nuts as needed to meet the specifications
Brakes
- Inspect the thickness of the brake pads
- Look for any signs of uneven wear
- Replace if the thickness is below the recommended level
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir
- Check the level of the brake fluid
- Top up if necessary with the recommended fluid
- Have someone press the brake pedal while you check if the brake lights are working
- Replace any bulbs that are not functioning
- Listen for any squealing, grinding, or clicking sounds while applying the brakes
- Investigate the source of the noise and address it accordingly
- Inspect the surface of the brake rotors for any grooves or uneven wear
- Measure the thickness of the rotors to ensure they are within specifications
- Visually inspect the brake lines for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage
- Replace any damaged brake lines to prevent brake failure
- Engage and disengage the parking brake to ensure it is functioning correctly
- Adjust the parking brake if it is loose or not holding the vehicle securely
- Press the brake pedal to check for any sponginess or softness
- Bleed the brake system if necessary to remove any air bubbles
- Inspect the brake calipers for any leaks, corrosion, or damage
- Replace the calipers if there are any signs of wear that could affect braking performance
Battery
- Use a battery terminal cleaner tool to remove any corrosion buildup
- Inspect terminals for any signs of damage or loose connections
- Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery
- Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specifications for a healthy battery
- Check for any fraying or damage to the cables
- Tighten any loose connections
- Verify that the terminals are securely connected to the battery posts
- Check for any signs of corrosion or buildup
- Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the terminals
- Scrub with a wire brush to remove any remaining corrosion
- Carefully remove the caps from the battery cells
- Ensure the fluid level is covering the plates inside the cell
- Look for any cracks, bulges, or leaks in the battery case
- Replace the battery if any damage is found
- Use a battery tester to check the cold cranking amps
- Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specifications for a healthy battery
Lights
- Turn on headlights to check for proper illumination
- Activate turn signals to ensure they are working correctly
- Check taillights to confirm they are functioning
- Locate the bulbs on all lights including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights
- Visually inspect each bulb for any signs of damage or dimness
- Replace any broken or dim bulbs with new ones
- Turn on interior lights to verify they are working
- Ensure all interior lights are illuminating properly
- Examine the lenses of the headlights and taillights for any foggy or cloudy appearance
- Clean the lenses using a suitable lens cleaning solution and a soft cloth if necessary
- Replace any lenses that are severely foggy or cloudy
- Check wiring for any fraying or damage
- Inspect connections for any corrosion or loose fittings
- Turn on high beams to confirm they are working
- Switch to low beams and verify functionality
- Press brake pedal to check brake lights
- Engage reverse gear to test reverse lights
- Activate emergency lights to ensure they are functional
- Test hazard lights to verify proper operation
Fluids
- Locate the coolant reservoir in the engine bay
- Check the coolant level against the markings on the reservoir
- Top off coolant if level is below the minimum mark
- Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level visually
- Refill the reservoir if necessary
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level against the markings on the reservoir
- Top off fluid if needed
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean
- Reinsert the dipstick and check the fluid level
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level against the markings on the reservoir
- Top off brake fluid if needed
- Locate the engine oil dipstick
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean
- Reinsert the dipstick and check the oil level and condition
- Open the windshield wiper fluid reservoir cap
- Check the fluid level visually
- Refill the reservoir with windshield wiper fluid
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick
- Check the fluid level and top off if necessary
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level and add more if needed
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level and top off if necessary
- Locate the coolant reservoir
- Check the coolant level and add more if below the minimum mark
- Locate the differential fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level visually
- Top off if necessary
- Locate the hydraulic fluid reservoir
- Check the fluid level and add more if needed
- Check the fuel gauge on the dashboard
- Refill the tank if the fuel level is low
Use in Manifestly