**ROUGH COVER**

Preventative Car Care & Maintenance

Step-by-step instructions Color photos Preventive maintenance

Anthony Pecorino

Contents

Preventive Maintenance

Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Brake Fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Coolant and the Radiator Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Preventive Maintenance
Dont let that mass of metal and plastic in your driveway intimidate you. With a little bit of guidance from this manual, you will easily be able to take control of your cars future and extend its function life by many years and thousands of miles with preventative fluid maintenance. If you think that preventive maintenance involves performing task after task and reviewing checklist after checklist every day before getting into your car, you might be tempted to throw preventive maintenance out the window. However, after reading this visual guide and manual, youll find out just how easy preventive maintenance really is. For instance, youll discover that you follow the same pattern of maintenance for all of your cars fluids: Check the fluid level, and then add fluid if necessary. By the time you reach the end of this guide, youll see that preventive fluid maintenance tasks require mere minutes or even seconds of your time and need to be done only once or twice a month. These tasks can be accomplished easily for people of any skill level. Taking just a bit of your time a month can go a long way towards extending your cars life as well as helping to prevent costly repairs. In addition, youll know what to do when something goes wrong. Most importantly, with the guidance from this visual guide, youll have such confidence in your abilities that youll quickly earn bragging rights to say, I work on my own car!

Oil: The of Your Engine

Oil is your engines equivalent of blood. It is used to lubricate and maintain temperatures within all the moving metal parts within the engine. Without it, your cars engine would quickly die from a buildup of heat that can potentially fuse together moving metal parts. The amount of oil your engine consumes depends on how the vehicle is driven, how often the lubricating oil is changed, and the quality of the oil used. Frequently, your engine will also consume more oil when vehicle is driven at high speeds or during high acceleration/deceleration.

Choosing the Right Oil

Engine oil is identified by viscosity (thickness) and service ratings: Viscosity is rated using standards developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Most modern engine oils have two viscosity ratings: cold and hot. For example, many cars use oil of 10W-30 viscosity: 10 (thinner) when the engine is cold (on startup) and 30 when the engine is hot (running). Service ratings for oil are developed by the International Lubrication Standardization and Approval Committee and are referred to as API ratings. Whatever oil you buy for your car should meet or exceed the minimum required by the engine manufacturer. The oil containers label specifies the API rating (an example is SJ) as well as its viscosity. When changing oil, use the type and viscosity recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Most modern engines should use 5W-30 oil. For older, high-mileage pushrod engines that have increased wear, 10W-30 is probably the best choice. Synthetic motor oils are a good upgrade for hard- working engines, and are required in some vehicles to meet OEM warranty requirements. Synthetics flow more easily than conventional oils at low temperature, and resist oxidation and viscosity breakdown at high temperature. Synthetics are expensive, so a blend may be a more affordable choice **NOTE: These suggestions are just a general guide; refer to your cars owners manual for the correct, specific type of oil that your engine requires. Synthetic oils are okay to use if they meet the API and viscosity ratings required by the engine manufacturer. However, they are more expensive. In most cases, the best oil for your car is the one recommended by the manufacturer. The owners manual includes the specifics.

Oil is the engines How can you determine whether the engine sufficient oil to operate? You can check it of engine oil takes less than five minutes and should be Checking the level and every time you fuel up, or at least once a All you need is a clean paper towel or

Checking the Oil Level

1.

Make sure the engine is cold and the car is parked on level ground before proceeding. This is required because you are measuring the oil level at the bottom of the engine. Opening the Hood: On most cars, the hood release lever is a marked handle to the left of, and below your cars steering wheel. To open the hood, pull the interior handle to release the locking mechanism within the hood. (See Figure 1) a. Most cars also have an outside protective lock to prevent the hood from opening while in motion. This is located at the front of the vehicle underneath the front tip of the hood, which should be slightly ajar from pulling the internal hood release. To open, insert hand in open space at front of hood, and press up on release lever. Lift the hood up, and remove the metal hood prop that is stored at the front of the engine compartment, which is retained by a plastic retainer clip. On either the left or the right front edge of the hood, there is a marked space for insertion of the hood prop, to safely hold the hood up while working within the engine bay. (Figures 2/3)
Figure 1: Example of Hood Release

2.

b.

Figure 2: Stored Rod Location

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Figure 3: Rod Insertion Hole

3.

Locate your oil dipstick: Find the oil dipstick in the engine compartment. It is typically located near the center of the engine, and is most commonly shaped like a metal or plastic loop that is colored in bright yellow. (Figure 4) Pull out the dipstick all the way out of its containment tube. (Figure 5) Wipe the entire rod clean of oil, using a paper towel, or clean cloth rag. Visually inspect the now-clean dipstick to identify the location of the FULL mark and ADD mark. Familiarize yourself with the locations of each.

4. 5. 6.

Figure 4: Overview of Engine Compartment

7. 8.

Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the shaft, until the handle is firmly seated in the oil tube. Remove the dipstick again, and hold it horizontally. Read the level of the oil at the tip of the dipstick. If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, you will have to add oil. If it is close, or at the FULL mark, your engine does not require oil at this time. (Figure 6)

FULL

Figure 5: Example of Dipstick Handle

ADD

Figure 6: Oil Dipstick Markings

Preventive Maintenance
Adding Oil
To add oil, follow these steps:

1.

Select oil of the same viscosity and rating as in your engine. Refer to the section Choosing the Right Oil along with your cars owners manual for information. Locate your oil filler cap: Look at the top of your engine, there will be a circular-shaped cap, with protruding grip edges around the outside edge. The top of the cap will be labeled ENGINE OIL and will be written in a bright, noticeable colored text (Yellow, White, and Red). (Figures 7/8) Remove the oil filler cap (rotate counterclockwise) mounted on top of the engine, and set it aside, on a clean paper down on a countertop, or other surface where the cap will not be contaminated with dirt, dust, chemicals or any other type of contamination.
Figure 7: Example of Oil Cap on Engine

2.

3.

4.

Insert an oil funnel in the hole where the oil cap was located. The funnel may be plastic, metal, or of the disposable paper variety. Make sure funnel is clean and free of dirt and grime. Slowly and carefully, pour oil into the funnel. Pour in a small amount. (Figure 9)
Figure 8: Close Up of Oil Cap Labeling

5. 6.

Wait for a minute to let the oil to pour down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick (Refer to Checking the Oil Level). If it's still low, continue to add more oil. **CAUTION: DO NOT fill oil beyond the FULL mark on the dipstick. Excess oil can cause internal problems in the engine.

7.

Once oil reaches FULL mark, remove funnel, making sure to not drip any oil on the engine. Replace cap, and tighten (turn clockwise).
Figure 9: Pouring Oil

Brake Fluid
When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic brake fluid activates the brakes at each wheel. If brake fluid is low, the brakes can feel soft or weak. Fortunately, checking brake fluid is easy and quick. Most cars are equipped with a see-through brake fluid reservoir. Doing a visual check every time you open the engine compartment is a good idea.

Checking the Brake Fluid Level

To check the Brake Fluid Level, follow these steps:

1.

Find the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. It is typically near the rear, and on your right of the engine compartment and made of semi-transparent plastic. (Figure 10) Visually determine whether the fluid is within operating range between FULL and ADD which will be marked on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add brake fluid as marked on the reservoirs cap. (e.g. DOT 5/DOT 3) Check your cars owners manual for the correct brake fluid type as recommended by the manufacturer. (Figure 11)

2. 3.

Figure 10: Example of Brake Fluid Reservoir

Figure 11: Brake Reservoir Cap Labeling

Brake Fluid
Adding Brake Fluid
To add hydraulic brake fluid, follow these steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.
.

Carefully wipe the top of the reservoir with a clean paper towel or rag, to remove dust and dirt. Unscrew the cap (turn counterclockwise), and set cap in a clean location, on a paper towel where it will be free from dirt and grime contamination. Slowly and carefully, pour brake fluid into the reservoir as needed to bring the fluid level up to the FULL mark on the side of the reservoir. (Figure 12) Replace the cap (turn clockwise) until tight. ** CAUTION: Dont allow brake fluid to drip on engine, or touch the paint on your car it could damage both.
Figure 12: Pouring Brake Fluid

NOTE: There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is because of normal brake lining wear. The second is that there is fluid leaking out of the brake system. If you find your fluid level continually low, you should have your brake system fixed by a professional dealer, since a leak means that eventually your brakes will not work well, or work at all.

Water is brake fluids enemy. Moisture that gets into brake fluid can cause aluminum and cast iron parts to deteriorate. It also can get into the anti-lock system and make it fail. When replacing brake fluid, be careful not to allow moisture/water into the reservoir.

Power Steering Fluid

When you turn the steering wheel, hydraulic fluid in the power steering unit makes steering your car much easier. However, if the fluid level is low, your car will be more difficult to steer, and may squeal and make noise while turning. Checking the level of power steering fluid is easy and takes just a minute of your time while youre checking other fluid levels in the engine compartment. Checking the Power Steering Fluid Level

1.

Locate the power steering pump: Find the power steering pump in the engine compartment. It is typically located on the left hand side, and its cap will be of a bright color (Red/Yellow) and have distinguishing POWER STEERING markings on it. (Figure 13/14) Make sure that the engine is warm but NOT RUNNING, before proceeding. You may need to run your engine for a few minutes to increase the temperature. Carefully wipe the cap and the surrounding pump area with a clean paper towel or rag. Unscrew the cap (turn counterclockwise). A dipstick will be attached to the cap, wipe off excess fluid with a paper towel, and replace and tighten the cap back onto the pump. Remove cap once again, and hold the dipstick horizontally to read the level of the fluid. Like an oil dipstick, FULL and ADD (or equivalent) markings will be present to read the level. If the fluid is below the ADD mark, you will need to add power steering fluid. (Figure 15)

2. 3. 4. 5.

Figure 13: Example Power Steering Pump

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Figure 14: Power Steering Cap Labeling NOTE: It is normal for the power steering fluid level to change as the fluid warms or cools. If the fluid level is at the FULL mark when the fluid is cool, it will be above the FULL mark when checked after the fluid warms up to running temperature. This is normal and does not mean the fluid is overfilled.

FULL ADD

Figure 15: Power Steering Dipstick

Power Steering Fluid

There are many different varieties of Power Steering fluid. Always use the proper fluid, as listed in your owners manual when filling the power steering pump. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage to hoses and seals. Select power steering as recommended by the cap, or as listed in your cars owners manual. Adding Power Steering Fluid
To add power steering fluid, follow these steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Wipe the top of the pump and cap with a clean paper towel or rag to remove dirt and grime. Unscrew the cap (turn counterclockwise), and set cap in a clean location, on a paper towel where it will be free from dirt and grime contamination Carefully pour the power steering fluid into the reservoir as needed to bring the fluid level up to the FULL mark. (Figure 16) Depending on the size of your pumps opening, you may prefer to use a funnel to prevent any spillage. A PLASTIC funnel must be used, as power steering fluid will react with a metal funnel. Make sure it is clean beforehand, and clean up any drips upon removal. Once full, replace cap (turn clockwise) and wipe up any spilled fluid with a clean paper towel or rag. **CAUTION: DO NOT fill oil beyond the FULL mark on the dipstick. Excess fluid can cause internal problems in the power steering pump.
Figure 16: Pouring Power Steering Fluid

5.

MYTH: All hydraulic fluids are interchangeable.

Though the automatic transmission, brakes, and power steering systems all use hydraulic fluid, each fluid is different. Use only the type and grade of fluid recommended by the car manufacturer. Refer to the owners manual for specifications. In addition, make sure that the fluid you use is not contaminated with water, dirt, or other elements that can damage internal parts. If in doubt, buy a new container of a reputable brand of fluid: Ask a sales associate at an auto store for specific brands.

Coolant and the Radiator Cap

Coolant (Antifreeze) is the liquid in your cars radiator that circulates through the engine to keep it cool. Older model cars are filled straight into the radiator. Modern cars have a coolant reservoir tank that holds excess coolant from the radiator. It is important to check its condition. It is a mechanical cap, requiring use of a spring and locking mechanism to provide a tight seal to prevent loss of coolant. What to Check CHECKING THE COOLANT LEVEL
To check the coolant level, follow these steps:

1.

Locate the coolant reservoir in the engine compartment. It will be in the front of the compartment, near the cooling fan and is made of plastic. It will be connected to the radiator neck by a small hose. (Figure 17) There will be markings on the side of the reservoir to check the coolant level. Visually check if the fluid is within the range between FULL and ADD (or equivalent). If necessary, add coolant. (Figure 18)
Figure 17: Example Location of Coolant Reservoir

2.

CHECK THE RADIATOR CAP

The radiator cap is relatively easy to check. Look for obvious leaks around its perimeter. If you see coolant leaks around the radiator cap, first make sure the cap is tight. If it isnt, replace it.

Most car manufacturers recommend a coolant that is made up of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. your owners manual for specifications .

Figure 18: Coolant Level Markings

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Preventive Maintenance

**WARNING: MAKE SURE THE ENGINE IS COOL WHEN ADDING COOLANT. A HOT ENGINE WILL PUT THE COOLANT UNDER PRESSURE, THE RESULTING STEAM FROM OPENING CAP CAN CAUSE SEVERE BURNS**
Adding Coolant REPLACE COOLANT
To add radiator coolant, follow these steps:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Select coolant as recommended by the manufacturer, as listed in your owners manual. Wipe the reservoir and cap with a clean paper towel or cloth rag. (Figure 19) Remove the coolant/radiator cap. Since the cap requires a tight seal, added force may be needed while turning (counterclockwise) to remove cap. Some caps have a pressure release valve located on the center of the cap. The valve must be lifted first to relieve pressure, and then the cap can be turned. (Figure 20) Once cap is removed, use a clean plastic or metal funnel to fill coolant reservoir tank until level is brought up to the FULL mark. (Figure 21) Replace cap, turn (clockwise) until very tight, or until you feel a click from the spring engaging. Clean up any excess, spilled coolant from the surrounding area.

Figure 19: Example Coolant Cap with Labeling

Figure 21: Example of Pressure Release Cap/Valve

Figure 20: Filling the Coolant Reservoir

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