If the owner of a new car has strictly adhered to the schedule of routine maintenance procedures since the day of its purchase (see Section 3), performed critical parameter checks quite often, maintained the required level of lubricating fluids, the car will extremely rarely need additional maintenance and repairs (in addition to the replacement of components and consumables subject to increased wear).
On the other hand, if regular maintenance procedures are carried out carelessly and the established inspection deadlines are not met, the engine's efficiency will sooner or later inevitably decrease. The likelihood of such a situation occurring is especially high when purchasing a used car. In such cases, it becomes necessary to perform a set of powertrain settings in addition to the volume of work on the current maintenance of the car.
The first step in tuning or diagnosing a poorly performing engine is always to check the cylinder compression pressure (see Chapter 2), the analysis of the results of which allows you to assess the general condition of the internal components of the engine and outline a plan for upcoming adjustment and / or restoration work. For example, if a compression pressure test reveals signs of serious engine wear, a regular set of adjustments will not be enough to correct the situation, and its implementation will be a waste of time and money. In view of the value of the information obtained as a result of checking the compression pressure, it should be performed by a sufficiently experienced and qualified mechanic who has the necessary diagnostic tools.
Below are lists of basic procedures to ensure maximum efficiency from a vehicle that is in good mechanical condition.
List of minimum checks and adjustments
- Check the levels and condition of working fluids, as well as their leaks (see Section 4);
- Check the condition and inflation pressure of your tires (see Section 12);
- Check the proper functioning of all daily-used electrical consumers (external lighting devices, interior lights, horn, control lamps and indicators, climate control system, etc.);
- Check the proper functioning of the parking brake (see Section 8);
- Check the condition of the windshield wipers (see Section 7);
- Check the condition of the door and hood locks, lubricate them if necessary;
- Check the condition of the battery and clean its terminals if necessary (see Section 17);
- Check all hoses, tubes and wiring located in the engine compartment (especially the places where they connect) for leaks and wear (see Section 5).