Wipe off any dirt before opening the brake fluid reservoir cap. If the fluid level is at a minimum, top up the brake fluid (the brand and type of fluid used is indicated in the car's owner's manual).
Never use other fluids in the brake system. Never add transmission oil or power steering fluid to the brake fluid. We do not advise you to fill the brake fluid from a previously opened container. The fact is that the brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air and is easily contaminated.
Change the oil in transmission.
Change the transmission oil and filter after the first 5,000 miles and every 25,000-45,000 miles thereafter.
Check engine oil level.
We recommend you to change the engine oil every 5000 miles. To accurately read the oil level, follow the procedure:
Start the engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes to warm up the oil, then park the car on level ground.
Shut off the engine and wait 15 minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a paper towel or rag. Insert the dipstick back without fully tightening it, then pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil level should not be above the maximum mark and not below the minimum mark.
If necessary, add brand and type of engine oil as indicated in the machine manual.
Clean your engine.
There are several reasons why you should wash your car engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will cool better than a dirty one. Also, with a clean engine, it will be easier for you to check the condition of belts, hoses and other components under the hood. A clean motor will allow you to notice even minor fluid leaks in a timely manner.
Check the coolant level once a week.
Typically, coolant is recommended to be changed every two years. In some cars, this period has been extended to 5 years. But we would not advise you to delay so much with the replacement of the old coolant, even if the car manufacturer recommends such a frequency. Better change your coolant more often.
Untimely replacement of coolant can lead to damage to the radiator, clogging of the heater in the cabin and failure of the thermostat, as well as the water pump.
Check Power Steering Fluid.
Check the power steering fluid once a month when the car has warmed up. If the power steering fluid level is low, check the power steering hoses and pump for leaks. Remember that low power steering fluid levels will not only result in tighter steering, but you may also damage the power steering pump.
How does temperature affect tire pressure?
When outside temperatures drop, tires tend to lose their pressure. Lowering the temperature by 40 degrees actually reduces the pressure by 0.1-0.2 atmospheres.
Check for uneven tire wear
Check tires for uneven wear. Uneven wear may indicate a need for wheel alignment. It can also indicate a malfunction in the brakes or suspension defects. Including uneven wear may be due to a bent rim, due to damage to the metal cord of the tire.
Check tire pressure
Check tire pressure at least once a month if there are no significant temperature fluctuations. If the temperature jumps (especially in summer and winter), check the tire pressure at least once a week. If necessary, inflate or bleed the pressure to the values recommended by the car manufacturer.
Cleaning tips
Every time you wash your car, use a vacuum cleaner and a sponge or microfiber cloth to clean the interior. Remember that the more often you clean the interior of the car, the better. The fact is that abrasive particles of dirt, spilled liquids (especially carbonated drinks) can be corrosive. Never use a hard side of sponge, it will leave scratches at any surface.
Igor's Auto repair LLC
📍 6950 34th street, #210, North Highlands, CA, USA
