When operating the vehicle in very dusty conditions, frequently towing a trailer or constantly driving in a busy urban cycle, the intervals for performing routine maintenance procedures should be reduced to a minimum if possible.
Maintenance of a new vehicle must be carried out in the workshop of the service center of the sales representative of the vehicle manufacturer in order to avoid violation of the manufacturer's warranty obligations.
Every 400 km or once a week
See Section Weekly checks.
Every 7500 km or once every 6 months (whichever comes first)
Replace the engine oil and oil filter (see section Changing engine oil and oil filter).
Drain the water from the fuel filter (see section Removal sediment from the fuel filter).
Assess the degree of wear of the brake pads and discs of the front wheels (see section Checking the condition of the front brake pads and discs).
Once a year, regardless of the mileage
In addition to the checks listed in the previous subsection:
Check and adjust the engine idle speed (see section Checking and adjusting idle speed).
Check all hydraulic and coolant line assemblies, hoses, tubes and fittings for signs of leaks (see section Checking the condition of the hoses and identifying sources of leaks).
Check the condition of the drive shaft protective boots (see section Checking the condition of the protective covers of the drive shafts).
Check the condition and reliability of the suspension and steering components (see section Suspension and steering drive).
Check the condition of the exhaust system (see section Checking the condition of the exhaust system components).
Check the condition of the coolant (see section Checking the condition of the coolant).
Check the proper functioning of the clutch (see section Checking the proper functioning of the clutch).
Lubricate hinges, locks and stops of all doors (including tailgate) and the hood of the car (see section Lubrication of locks and hinges).
Check the composition of engine exhaust gases (see section Checking the composition of exhaust gases).
Check the correct adjustment of the optical axes of the vehicle's headlights and make the appropriate adjustments if necessary (see section Adjusting the optical axis of the headlights).
Check the proper functioning of the windscreen wipers/washers (see section Checking the proper functioning of the windscreen wipers/washers/headlight lenses).
Carry out road tests of the vehicle (see section Sea trials).
Every 30,000 km or once every 2 years (whichever comes first)
Replace the air cleaner filter element (see section Replacing the air cleaner filter element)
Replace the fuel filter (see section Replacing the fuel filter).
Check the condition of the timing belt (see section Checking the condition of the timing belt).
Check the condition of the auxiliary drive belt and the correct tensioning force (see section Checking the condition of the auxiliary drive belt).
If the vehicle is equipped with the appropriate equipment, perform a visual inspection of the airbag condition (see section Checking the airbag system).
Check the proper functioning of the emission control systems (see section Checking the proper functioning of the engine exhaust gas toxicity reduction systems).
Assess the degree of wear of the shoes and drums of the rear brake mechanisms (see section Checking the condition of the shoes and drums of the rear brake mechanisms).
Check the proper functioning of the parking brake (see section Checking the proper functioning of the parking brake).
Check the condition of the anti-corrosion protection of the car body and underbody (see section Checking body panels for signs of corrosion development).
Check the transmission oil level (see section Checking the transmission oil level).
Every 60,000 km or once every 4 years (whichever comes first)
Change the transmission oil (see section Transmission oil change).
Replace the timing belt (see section Timing Belt Replacement).
Once every 2 years, regardless of the mileage
Replace the brake fluid (see section Replacing brake fluid).
Once every three years, regardless of the mileage
Replace the coolant (see section Replacing the coolant).
This Chapter has been compiled to help the vehicle owner maintain his vehicle in a state of maximum operational readiness, obtaining effective output from it while meeting the requirements for economy and safety.
The Chapter begins with a schedule of routine vehicle maintenance. Below, the reader is offered Sections that detail the procedure for performing each individual maintenance procedure. The Sections include descriptions of visual inspections, adjustments, component removal and installation procedures, and various helpful tips and tricks. The illustrations above, showing views of the engine compartment, suspensions, and steering, will help the reader understand the location of the components on the vehicle that require maintenance.
By servicing the vehicle according to the mileage-time schedule and following the detailed recommendations below, the reader will receive a clear program of actions that can ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle. Remember that this program is compiled on a comprehensive basis and the implementation of only individual points with disregard for others will not lead to the desired result.
As the reader performs vehicle maintenance, he or she will soon discover that many procedures can, and should, be grouped together because of their similar nature or proximity to components. For example, if the vehicle is raised off the ground for any reason, the condition of the exhaust, suspension, and steering components should be checked at the same time.
The first step in servicing a vehicle is always self-preparation of the performer. Carefully read the material in this Chapter, then make a list of components that require attention, prepare the necessary tools and outline a brief plan of the upcoming work. In case of unsolvable problems, seek help from car service specialists.