With proper
maintenance, you can double and even triple your car's life .
This check list
tells you what to do.
Every two
weeks:
- Check engine
oil. Add oil if needed. Use correct viscosity.
- Check radiator
coolant level. Add water or anti-freeze if necessary.
- Check paint
for deep scratches, chips, rust. Repair any damage.
Once a
month:
- Check air
pressure in all FIVE tires. Add air if required.
- Check battery
fluid (in UNsealed batteries). Add water if necessary.
- Check fluid
in power-steering pump reservoir. Add fluid if needed.
Every 3
months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first):
- Change entire
oil.
- Change oil
filter.
- Check automatic-transmission
fluid level and condition. If necessary add additional fluid.
- Check all
drive belts (fan belts) on engine. Replace any if needed.
- Adjust drum
brakes with manual adjusters.
Every 6
months or 6,000 miles:
- Check carburetor.
Replace or make adjustments if necessary.
- Check pollution-control
equipment. Make any adjustments if needed.
- Replace spark
plugs.
- Check clutch
free play. Adjust if required.
- Check oil
in differential and manual transmission. Add oil if needed.
- Check brake
fluid level in master cylinder reservoir. Add brake fluid if
necessary.
- Rotate the
tires.
- Have headlights
aimed.
- Check air
condition sight glass (if any). Add refrigerant if required.
- Lubricate
all locks and hinges.
- Grease all
chassis fittings.
- Wax car body.
Every 12
months or 12,000 miles:
- Inspect brake
linings. Replace if necessary.
- Time for major
tune-up. Replace points, plugs, filters, plus adjustments to
carburetor, ignition system and pollution-control equipment.
- Repack wheel
bearings.
- Replace all
air filters.
- Replace all
fuel filters.
- Flush radiator
and heater core. Replace antifreeze.
- Have front-end
alignment checked and corrected if needed.
- Replace windshield
wiper blades.
- Clean crankcase
breather cap.
- Tighten bolts
on engine manifolds.
- Have automatic
transmission bands adjusted (if possible).
- Adjust valve
clearance (if required on your car).
Every 2
years or 24,000 miles:
- Replace PCV
(positive crankcase ventilating) valve.
- Bleed brake
system and replace brake fluid.
- Replace automatic
transmission fluid and filter.
Every 3
years or 30,000 miles:
- Replace all
cooling system and heater hoses.
- Replace oil
in differential and manual transmission.
- Test ignition
cables and replace if needed.
Every 50,000
miles:
- Replace catalytic
converter (on cars so equipped).
