Magazine for the professional tire industry
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Spring car care Spring car care technician checklist And the three-month service interval schedule April showers bring National Car Care Month, part of the Car Care Council's "Be Car Care Aware" campaign. Here is the council's suggested preventive maintenance inspection checklist for the vehicles visiting you this spring. Automatic Trans. Fluid Battery and Cables Belts Brakes Cabin Air Filter Chassis Lubrication Check Engine Light On Coolant (Antifreeze) Engine Air Filter Engine Oil and Filter Spark Plugs Steering and Suspension Tire Infation and Condition Windshield Washer Fluid Wiper Blades Exhaust Fuel Filter Hoses Lights Power Steering Fluid Check services in yellow every three months, according to the Car Care Council. Vehicle system/component service notes Automatic transmission fluid Check fuid level with the engine running and transmission in park. If low, add the type of automatic transmission fuid specifed in the owner's manual and/or on the dipstick. For maximum performance, change every two years or 24,000 miles, or as directed in the owner's manual. Battery and cables The battery should be securely mounted. The battery connection should be clean, tight and corrosion free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary. Belts Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition. Replace the belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Replace timing belt per the interval specifed in the owner's manual. Typically, this is 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Not replacing the belt as required could cause a breakdown or serious engine damage. Brakes Check the entire brake system every year, including brake linings, rotors and drums. Cabin air filter Replace annually, or more often in areas with heavy airborne contaminants or whenever heating or cooling effciency is reduced. Chassis lubrication Many newer cars are lubed-for-life; some still require this service. Check the owner's manual. Replacement steering and suspension components may require periodic lubrication. Check engine light on If the customer reports the light comes on while driving or remains on, the vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem. If the light fashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage. 48 Cleaning and polishing To prevent stripping the vehicle's wax fnish, use only automotive car wash products, not dish washing liquids. Polish at least twice a year to maintain and protect the fnish. Coolant (antifreeze) Check the level at the reservoir. Never open a hot radiator cap. Change coolant annually on most vehicles. Engine air filter Inspect it at each oil change. Replace annually or when leaking, torn, water or oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of wear. Engine oil and filter Check the level with engine off at every fll up. For maximum engine life, change the oil and flter every three months or 3,000 miles or as directed in the owner's manual. Use specifed oil grade and weight. Exhaust Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay. Fuel filter Inspect the flter at each oil change. Replace if it is restricted or water contaminated, or once a year on cars with carburetors. On cars with fuel injection, replace the flter every two years or 24,000 miles. Hoses Inspect hoses at each oil change and replace when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Lights Replace the bulb immediately if the light is out. Check fuses frst. ment light that appears when oxygen sensor replacement is needed. 1996 and newer cars have more than one oxygen sensor. Power steering fluid Check the fuid with the car warmed up. Add the correct type of fuid if low. If frequent topping off is required, inspect for leaks and replace if contaminated. Spark plugs Typical replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug. Always consult your owner's manual for your specifc vehicle. Steering and suspension Inspect the system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replace if leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware are found. Symptoms of a worn suspension include uneven tire wear and excessive bouncing after bumps. Tire inflation and condition Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at every oil change. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts or bruises along the sidewalls. Infate tires and maintain at recommended pressure. Replace tires if worn or damaged. Windshield washer fluid Check fuid level monthly. Some vehicles have two reservoirs. Do not use water. Use washer fuid only. Wiper blades Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering. Oxygen sensor Replace at interval as recommended in owner's manual or when other conditions dictate, such as failing an emissions test. Some cars have an oxygen sensor replace- MTD March 2013