Checklists for Preventive Maintenance

DAILY CHECKS

1. Lights.
2. Horn.
3. Windshield wiper operation.
4. Windshield washer operation.
5. Outside rearview mirror(s).
6. Front windshield cleanliness.
7. Rear windshield cleanliness.
8. Side window cleanliness.
9. Tires (visual check).

WEEKLY CHECKS
With the car stationary and engine cold, Check:

1. Engine oil level.
2. Battery fluid level.
3. Radiator coolant level.
4. Windshield washer reservoir fluid level.
5. Power steering reservoir fluid level.
6. Automatic transmission fluid level.
7. Tire air pressure.
8. Tires for cuts and tire wear patterns.
9. Brake pedal action.
10. Fan belts and cooling system hoses.

With the engine running at operating temperature, Check:

1. Automatic transmission level.
2. Refrigerant charge in air conditioner.
3. Fluid leaks.

On the road, Check:

1. Brake performance and pedal height.
2. Automatic transmission performance.
3. Manual transmission and clutch performance.
4. Steering.
5. Engine performance.
6. Instrument operation.
7. Any unusual rattles or noises.

MONTHLY CHECKS
Brakes, Check:

1. Brake pedal action.
2. Master cylinder fluid level.
3. Parking brake action.

Steering, Check:

1. Steering action.
2. Power steering reservoir fluid level.

Signals, Check:

1. Horn.
2. Turn signal operation.
3. Hazard warning flasher light operation.

Shock absorbers, Check:

1. Shock absorber action.
2. For possible leakage.

Seat belts, Check:

1. Hardware for firm latching.
2. Belts for cuts and wear.

Tires, Check:

1. Inflation.
2. Wear patterns.
3. For possible cuts.

Exhaust system, Check:

1. For possible leaking exhaust system components.
2. For leaks by looking for graying or blackening of joint locations.

Visibility, Check:

1. Glass, for chips and cracks.
2. Window operation.
3. Mirrors, for looseness.
4. Windshield washer fluid level.
5. Windshield wiper blades, for wear.
6. Defroster action.

Door locks and latches, Check:

1. Door lock and latch performance.
2. Hood latch.

Ignition system, Check:

1. Spark plugs.
2. Distributor points.
3. Distributor cap and rotor.
4. Ignition,coil and wires.
5. Spark plug wires.
6. Point dwell and ignition timing.

SEASONAL CHECKS
Some services need to be performed only once or twice a year, if you drive under normal conditions and cover about 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year. These are often referred to as seasonal checks, and many of them are necessary because of varying climatic conditions in different parts of the country.
Winterizing
Cooling system

1. Drain and flush system.
2. Inspect hoses and connections.
3. Add fresh coolant.
4. Check strength of coolant to make sure it meets the temperature needs of your area.
5. Test radiator pressure cap.
6. See that drive belts are in good condition and properly adjusted.

Battery

1. Inspect and test battery.
2. Clean cable terminals and battery posts.
3. Make sure cables are in good condition.

Ignition System

1. Remove and inspect spark plugs.
2. Check distributor points.
3. Inspect distributor cap and rotor.
4. Visually check ignition coil and wires.
5. Check spark plug wires.
6. Check point dwell and ignition timing.

Fuel system

1. Check condition of carburetor air cleaner filter element. Replace if dirty.
2. Check automatic choke operation.
3. Add dry gas to fuel tank.

Lubrication

1. Change oil and oil filter.
2. Lubricate chassis.
3. Lubricate body points.

Tires

1. Mount snow tires after inspecting them for adequate tread, general condition, and pressure.
2. Check front tires for tread, general condition, and pressure.
3. If snow tires are unnecessary in your area, rotate your regular tires.

Brakes

1. Check fluid level in master cylinder. Top off, if necessary.
2. Check system for leaks.
3. Inspect linings for excessive wear.
4. Be sure brakes are adequately adjusted.

Suspension and steering

1. Check steering linkage for tightness.
2. Check power steering reservoir fluid level. Top off, if necessary.
3. Check power steering pump drive belt for wear and adjustment.
4. Check shock absorbers for leakage and operation.

Visual equipment

1. Check windshield wiper blades for condition and adjustment.
2. Check windshield wipers for proper operation.
3. Check windshield washer system for proper operation.
4. Check fluid or solvent in windshield reservoir. Top off, if necessary.
5. Check front windshield defroster for proper operation.
6. If your car has a rear windshield defroster, check its operation.

Other important inspections

• Check exhaust system. No leaks should be detectable and all parts should be firmly suspended by hangers and clamps.
• Check-automatic transmission fluid level.
• Check heater for proper operation.
• Lubricate manifold heat control valve.

Summerizing
Cooling system
1. Check system for leaks.
2. Test radiator pressure cap.
3. Check drive belts for wear and proper tension.
4. Check thermostat operation.
5. Check all hoses and clamps for signs of wear, and make sure clamps are tight.
6. Add rust-inhibitor water pump lubricant.
Exhaust system
1. Check muffler and pipes for rusted-through spots.
2. Check clamps for tightness.
3. Lubricate manifold heat control valve.
Brakes
1. Check brake linings for wear.
2. Check fluid level in master cylinder. Replenish, if necessary.
3. Check system for leaks.
4. Check brake adjustment.
Lubrication
1. Change oil and oil filter.
2. Lubricate chassis.
3. Lubricate body points.
4. Check positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve.
Battery
1. Inspect and test battery.
2. Clean cable terminals and battery posts.
3. Make sure cables are in good condition.
Ignition system
1. Remove and inspect spark plugs.
2. Check distributor points.
3. Inspect distributor cap and rotor. 4, Visually check ignition coil and wires.
5. Check spark plug wires.
6. Check point dwell and ignition timing.
Tires
1. Remove snow tires.
2. Inspect tires for adequate tread and general condition. Discard ques-tionable tires.
3. Rotate tires and have wheels balanced.
4. Inflate tires to recommended pressure.
Suspension and steering
1. Check steering linkage for looseness.
2. Check power steering fluid level. Top off, if necessary.
3. Check power steering pump drive belt for wear and adjustment.
4. Check shock absorbers for operation and leakage.
5. Have front end alignment checked.

Visual equipment
1. Check windshield wiper blades for condition and proper adjustment.
2. Check windshield wipers for proper operation.
3. Check windshield washer system for proper operation.
4. Check fluid in windshield washer reservoir. Top off, if necessary.
5. Check lights and all warning signals for proper function.
Many motorists use the seasonal changes as a reminder to make other checks. Please remember that these are only guidelines. If, for instance, your car begins to show symptoms of needing a tune-up in the middle of December, you should not wait until spring to have the tune-up done.
In winter, car locks may become frozen. There are several ways to free a frozen lock. You can use a deicing fluid, available in spray cans. This is the same fluid you use to remove ice from your windshield. Spray it directly into the lock opening. Note: You may have to insert your key part-way to do this. Or try heating the key with a cigarette lighter after inserting it into the lock. Caution: Keep the flame away from the body finish. Do not use the heat

TRIP CHECKS
If you follow a regular maintenance schedule, your car should be ready for either short or long hauls at any time. However, for longer trips it is a good idea to make a few special checks.
1. Have wheel alignment and balance checked. Wheels that are out-of-line or unbalanced often go unnoticed when you are just driving around town, but they can cause severe vibration at high speed or create uneven tire wear in just a few hundred miles of turnpike travel.
2. Check oil level. Note condition of oil and change it if it is dirty or if a change is due.
3. Check coolant level in radiator and inspect radiator hoses. Replace hoses if they show any sign of wear
4. Check automatic transmission fluid level.
5. Check level of power steering fluid in power steering reservoir.
6. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder and look for signs of fluid leakage.
7. Check all tire pressures including spare, when tires are cold. Inflate tires four pounds extra if you are going to carry a full carload or if you will be driving at high speed. Check depth of tire tread and see that tires are not damaged.
8. Clean headlights and windshield.
9. Fill windshield washer reservoir with fluid.
10. Check windshield wiper blades and replace them if they are worn or brittle.
11. Inspect fan belts for fraying and looseness. Replace them if they are damaged. Adjust to proper tightness.
12. Check battery electrolyte level and battery charge.
13. Check operation of turn signals, hazard warning flasher lights, stoplights, taillights, and backup lights.
14. Get and store your on-the-road emergency kit.
15. Fill gas tank.
ing method if you have already sprayed the lock with deicing fluid, because the fluid will burn. Do not grasp the hot key with your bare hands.
In summer, all locks should be maintained with a lock graphite lubricant. If lubricated correctly, a lock will work easily and will not freeze in winter. If your locks do not work easily after lubrication, they may need to be repaired by a mechanic.