Many parts of your vehicle are inter-related and work in sync, ignoring maintenance can lead to failure of other parts or an entire vehicle system. Neglecting even simple preventive maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, or costly breakdowns, and could invalidate your warranty.
Many parts of your vehicle are inter-related and work in sync, ignoring maintenance can lead to failure of other parts or an entire vehicle system. Neglecting even simple preventive maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, or costly breakdowns, and could invalidate your warranty.
The best way to keep a vehicle in good condition is to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual for your type of driving. If you do not have an owner’s manual, contact your local Autobahn to suggest a recommended maintenance schedule to suit your type of driving situation.
Engine Oil
Correct engine oil level should be maintained to assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine. It is best to check engine oil level approximately five minutes after a fully warmed up engine is turned off or before starting the engine after it has sat for a long period of time. Remove the engine oil dipstick, wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Reinsert dipstick until it fully seats in its tube. Remove dipstick and read oil level. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD OIL mark. (the correct oil for your vehicle MUST be used – if you don’t know ask your service professional).
Brake Fluid
This check is performed by loosening the clip or cap (wipe dust or dirt away before removal) on the master cylinder and removing the lid. If fluid is needed, consult the vehicle owner’s manual for correct type and fill to recommended level.
Power Steering Fluid
This check is performed by removing and checking the dipstick. NOTE: The dipstick is attached to the cap of the power steering fluid reservoir (most vehicles). Use the dipstick to check fluid level in the same manner as you would check engine oil (correct fluid must be used).
Automatic Transmission / Transaxle Fluid
This check should be performed while the engine is running in neutral (most vehicles) with the parking brake securely set. The transmission should be at operating temperature. Remove dipstick, wipe clean, insert and remove again to check fluid level. CAUTION: Do not overfill and use correct fluid for your vehicle.
Antifreeze
This check is performed by removing the radiator cap from the cool engine and refilling, if needed, with recommended antifreeze / coolant.
Windshield Washer Solvent
This check should be performed by removing the cap and reservoir and refilling with solvent.