Contents: 1.6.1. Checking the engine oil level ↓ 1.6.2. Checking the brake fluid level ↓ 1.6.3. Checking brake lights ↓ 1.6.4. Lighting control ↓ 1.6.5. Checking tire pressure ↓ 1.6.6. Checking the coolant level ↓ 1.6.7. Checking the oil level in the…↓ 1.6.8. Checking the oil level in a…↓ 1.6.9. Checking the tension of…↓ 1.6.10. Adjusting the parking brake ↓
Most maintenance work can be done independently. However, sometimes it is better to have the service done at a service station, i.e. when there is no special tool, measuring devices or experience, or simply when the work will be done faster at the station. This is important above all for the inspection and testing work listed below. The list of work to be carried out after a certain mileage or calendar time is usually given in the operating instructions.
1.6.1. Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil level should be checked after approximately 600 km. To do this, pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag. Insert the dipstick and pull it out again. With the car parked horizontally, the oil should be between the two marks shown in Figure 2. If the oil level is below the lower mark "L", add oil to the engine. Do not pour oil above the upper mark "F". The volume of oil between both marks is approximately 1.0 liter, which allows you to estimate the oil consumption.
Fig. 2. Oil dipstick. The oil should be between the F and L marks
1.6.2. Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the main brake cylinder on the left side of the engine compartment. The reservoir is transparent, which allows you to check the fluid level from the outside. Always keep the brake fluid level at the "MAX" mark. If necessary, unscrew the cap and add clean brake fluid.
1.6.3. Checking brake lights
The operation of the brake lights can be checked both with and without an assistant. In the first method, press the brake pedal and let the assistant check that the brake light bulbs are lit. When checking without an assistant, stand with your back to the garage door and press the brake pedal. If one brake light does not light, replace the bulb; if both brake lights do not light, the brake light switch is faulty.
1.6.4. Lighting control
Turn on all lighting devices one by one (including sound signal and hazard warning lights) and check their operation. The rear side lights and reversing lights are best checked in the dark in front of the garage door, without leaving the car.
1.6.5. Checking tire pressure
Check the tire pressure at a gas station. If you have forgotten the tire pressure values, they are indicated for the front and rear wheels on a sticker in the car, or you can find out at a gas station, where there are usually pressure tables for most models. The specified pressure is different for different types of tires. It is also given in the operating instructions.
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1.6.6. Checking the coolant level
Cold coolant should be between the "Full" and "Low" marks on the expansion tank. If the engine is hot, wait until the coolant cools down and add more coolant. Then unscrew the radiator cap until the first click and wait for the pressure to release. Then remove the radiator cap.
1.6.7. Checking the oil level in the automatic transmission
Since the automatic transmission does not shift gears well without oil, the oil level should be checked frequently. The check is carried out in the following sequence (oil change is described in chapter 10.2):
- Place the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Turn on the engine and switch the lever to all positions several times. Then set the lever to the "P" position (parking).
- Check the oil level with the engine running at idle speed.
- Remove the oil dipstick.
- In a warm automatic transmission, the oil level should be between the "Cold" and "Hot" marks. When the transmission is cold, the level should be below the "Cold" mark by no more than 10 mm, but not below the slot at the "Cold" mark.
- If necessary, add oil through the dipstick hole. A funnel is required for this. Do not overfill the oil. Dexron fluid is poured in.
1.6.8. Checking the oil level in a manual gearbox
When checking the gearbox oil level, the engine must be turned off. The oil filler plug is screwed into the side of the gearbox. After unscrewing the plug, (to do this, place the car on stands) insert your index finger into the hole. If your finger reaches the oil, the level is normal. Otherwise, add oil and tighten the plug.
1.6.9. Checking the tension of V-belts (drive belts)
The location of the V-belts on the vehicle depends on the equipment composition. Adjusting the tension of the water pump and alternator drive belt on a 1.6L engine and on a diesel engine or adjusting the tension of the alternator drive belt on a 2L engine (the water pump is driven by a timing belt) are described in the chapter "Electrical equipment". You should also check the tension adjustment of the power steering pump belt, if one is installed on the vehicle.
Belt tension should only be checked on a cold engine. If the engine is hot, wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool before checking.
Since a new belt stretches in a short period of time, the tension should be checked after about 500 km. If the tension is within the tolerance, no adjustment is required.
1.6.10. Adjusting the parking brake
After a certain time, due to wear of the brake pads, the stroke of the parking brake lever required for braking increases.
Adjustment is required if the rear wheels do not lock when the lever is tightened by 4-7 teeth for drum brakes and by 5-8 teeth for disc brakes on the rear wheels (the rear wheels must be raised). The adjustment is described in the chapter "Brake system". For adjustment, there is an adjusting nut next to the parking brake lever (see Fig. 3).
Fig. 3. The parking brake cables are adjusted at the parking brake lever