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Sempena Kemahkotaan DYMM Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Johor

30 Mei 2007

Vehicle Maintenance

MANY people think that once they have purchased a new car, all they have to do is fill it with fuel and drive. But the responsible driver will know it takes more than that.

The fact that today's cars are equipped with high-tech computer systems does not exclude them from the need for servicing and maintenance. Cars,like all machines, need to be serviced regularly so that they can perform at the optimum level.


Check the following at least once monthly:

* Coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir.

* Battery water levels: Check the battery indicator for the maintenance free ones.

* Air filter: Replace it when it becomes dirty or as part of a general maintenance.

* Whether the exterior lights: brake lights, turn signals and hazard warning flashers are operating properly: Make sure all the car's lights are clean and working. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.

* Tyre pressure: Refer to the information label.

* Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir full: Ensure that the wiper blades are clean so that water droplets are repelled effectively.



The following items must be checked/serviced at the stipulated intervals:

- Engine oil and engine oil filter.

- Engine timing belt.

- Automatic transmission fluid.

- Manual transmission fluid.

- Transfer case fluid (4WD).

- Front and rear differential fluid.

You should, at least twice a year, do the following:

* Check the radiator, heater and air-conditioning hoses for wear and tear, leaks, or damage. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced. Replace those bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and tighten clamps.

* Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer liquid. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year. Do not wait until the rubber is worn or brittle.

* Check the headlight alignment.

* Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps: Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replace the rusted or damaged parts.

* Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and tear, and whether it functions. Replace worn or frayed belts.

* Check for worn tyres, cuts, bulges, excessive tread wear, and loose wheel lug nuts. Uneven wear indicates tyres are misaligned or out of balance. Regularly rotating the tyres is advisable for better handling,energy efficiency and safety. At least once a year:

* Clean body and door drain holes.

* Lubricate door hinges and check hood hinges.

* Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.

* Lubricate door rubber weather-strips.

* Have the air conditioning system checked.

* Check the power steering fluid level. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.

* Clean battery and terminals.

* Check brake fluid level.

* Check 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.


For more information on how to care for your vehicle, read the Owner's Manual thoroughly.

1 ulasan:

chelle berkata...

we've been with our car for about four years..and its in reality that on our first year of owning the car, we seemed that only fuel will make the car works at all times...ignoring the fact that proper maintenance should be done..then suddenly changes made us realized how important it is to regularly check and update my car parts and above, the maintenace...we had just changed its mercedes radiator a couple of years ago..at least for doing proper maintenance, we avoid the circumstances of spending a lot of money on car replacements and car repairs..tnx for the tips...