Routine care and maintenance — general information

In compiling this chapter, the main focus has been on helping the hobby mechanic keep their vehicle in peak performance, economy, safety, and reliability. Further in the chapter, the reader will find a complete schedule of routine vehicle maintenance procedures, as well as sections devoted to the description of the maintenance of its individual systems. The sections provide descriptions of visual inspections, adjustments, replacement of components, and other useful tips. The location of the individual components will help to identify illustrations with views of the engine compartment (see Section Schedule of ongoing maintenance). After reviewing the mileage-time schedule and the recommendations below, the reader will receive a clear program of actions that can ensure a long and reliable car service. Remember that the implementation of only certain points of the outlined plan, neglecting the others, is not able to give the expected result.

Current care

In the process of car maintenance, the reader will soon be convinced that many procedures can be (and need) combine due to the similarity of actions for their implementation. For example, if the vehicle is raised off the ground to lubricate the chassis, it makes sense to simultaneously check the condition of the components of the exhaust systems, suspension, steering and fuel supply. If the wheels are removed for other work, it is reasonable at the same time to assess the degree of wear of the brake mechanisms. And finally, renting a special tool does not make sense to perform only one procedure: if it became necessary to use a torque wrench to tighten, for example, spark plugs, it would be useful at the same time to check the tightening forces of as many fasteners as possible, the tightening forces of which are among the critical parameters.


The first step in a car maintenance program is self-preparation. Carefully study the materials of all Sections related to the upcoming procedures, then prepare all the necessary materials, equipment and tools. If you are afraid of encountering problems when performing any specific work, consult a service station or a person who has already performed this work.

Note. Each time the car is serviced at a service station, using a fault memory interrogator, fault codes are read for electronic engine control devices, ABS, SRS and anti-theft system - try to visit branded service stations from time to time. At the same time, it should be remembered that some malfunctions, for example, failed sensors of the engine management system, do not lead to a noticeable decrease in vehicle performance. The control devices have an emergency operation mode or operate on averaged values stored in the memory, which often cannot be detected by the driver on his own. Interrogation of the fault memory is carried out through a special diagnostic connector DLC.

Vehicle maintenance must be carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Maintenance Schedule below (see Section Schedule of ongoing maintenance).