Contents: Checking the Power Steering Fluid…↓ Checking the oil level in an…↓ Oil and oil filter change ↓
Checking the Power Steering Fluid Level
Location of the power steering fluid reservoir
Power steering fluid reservoir level on cold and hot engine
When checking the level, the wheels must be positioned in a straight-line motion position.
The power steering fluid reservoir is made of transparent material and the fluid level can be checked visually.
If frequent fluid top-up is required, check the power steering system for leaks.
Constantly pay attention to the color of the coolant. If the color of the coolant changes to brown or rusty, it is necessary to drain the coolant and flush the cooling system.
Checking the oil level in an automatic transmission
Caution: Never allow the oil level to exceed the upper mark.
Automatic transmission oil dipstick
Automatic transmission oil dipstick location
If the gearbox is cold, the oil level should be between the two lower marks, and if the gearbox is hot, between the two upper marks.
The oil level in the automatic transmission is an important performance indicator. Neither low nor high oil levels are allowed.
1. Take the vehicle for a short drive to warm the transmission to normal temperature.
2. Place the car on a flat horizontal surface. With the engine idling and the hand and foot brakes engaged, move the selector handle through all positions and return to the starting position (Park). In this position of the selector and the engine idling, remove the dipstick to measure the oil level and simultaneously assess the condition of the oil using the level mark.
3. Wipe the dipstick and reinstall it.
4. Remove the dipstick again and measure the oil level. If the transmission is cold, the oil level should be between the two lower marks on the dipstick. If the transmission is at normal operating temperature, the oil level should be between the two upper marks on the dipstick.
5. If the oil level is low, add oil through the dipstick hole. The distance between the marks corresponds to approximately 1 liter of oil. Add oil in small portions. If the oil is black or brown, the oil should be replaced. If you doubt the quality of the oil, compare a sample of fresh oil and the oil in the gearbox.
Oil and oil filter change
Caution: If metal shavings are present in used engine oil, this usually indicates wear of the main or connecting rod bearings of the crankshaft.
Tools needed to change oil and oil filter
1 – flat wide container for draining oil; 2 – rubber gloves to prevent hot oil from getting on your hands; 3 – extended wrench handle; 4 – key for unscrewing the oil drain plug; 5 – special key for unscrewing the oil filter; 6 – a special key for unscrewing the oil filter, installed on the rear part of the filter
Lubricating the new oil filter O-ring with engine oil
Periodic oil and filter changes are the most important preventative maintenance procedures. As engine oil ages, it becomes thin and contaminated, leading to premature engine wear.
Before starting this operation, gather all the necessary tools and materials together. It is necessary that the engine is warm so that the oil flows better along with the bulk of the contaminants.
1. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands.
2. Loosen the drain plug about half a turn. Place a container to collect the oil under the drain plug and unscrew the plug completely. If necessary, apply pressure to the plug while unscrewing to prevent the oil from leaking prematurely. 3. When the oil has completely drained, wipe off the area around the drain hole with a rag and screw the drain plug back on securely.
4. Place a container under the oil filter to collect the drained oil and use the special tool to loosen the filter, then unscrew it by hand.
5. Wipe away all traces of oil and dirt around the filter mounting area. Check to see if the rubber seal is still on the cylinder block. If it is, remove it.
6. Screw the oil filter in by hand until the rubber gasket touches the engine, then screw the filter in by hand by 3/4 of a turn.
7. Place the vehicle on a level, horizontal surface.
8. Fill with fresh engine oil through the oil filler neck.
9. Close the oil filler cap, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for oil leaks around the filter and the drain plug on the oil pan. Note that the oil pressure warning light may stay on for a few seconds as the oil fills all the passages and oil reservoirs in the engine.
10. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the pan. Check the oil level and top up if necessary.