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Maintenance Tips

BATTERIES

The battery in your vehicle is perhaps the most overlooked component of all. It works time after time but can easily be forgotten, especially if your car has a maintenance-free battery - one that doesn't require water. To ensure proper operation of a maintenance-free type battery, keep the terminals clean and tightly fastened.

Always be certain the ignition switch is in the OFF position before cleaning or servicing your battery.

If you see any corrosion in the battery, remove the cables from the terminals. Clean them with a wire brush, and be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from the battery acid. To clean:

  • Apply a thick solution of baking soda and water to the affected areas on post and/or terminals to neutralize the acid.
  • Let it bubble for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess.
  • Replace cables and tighten.
  • Add a bit of grease to the top of each terminal for protection against future corrosion.
  • If applicable, replace the battery cover.

Important:

Some preset engine control conditions (such as idle) may need to be reset if battery power is interrupted. Be certain to consult your vehicle owner's guide for the correct procedure.

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADESM

Windshield wipers play a key role in the safe navigation of your car or truck during inclement conditions. They should be inspected every six months, or when they seem to be performing poorly. Sometimes they may just need a simple cleaning. Use undiluted windshield washer solvent or mild detergent to clean the blades and windshield thoroughly. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents.

To replace blades:

  • Turn on wipers. Switch ignition key off when wipers reach vertical position.
  • Lift wiper arm away from windshield until it locks into service position.
  • Turn blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Release blade by depressing the locking pin with a screwdriver. Pull the wiper blade downwards (toward the windshield) to detach it from the arm.
  • Attach the new blade to the wiper arm by pressing it into place. (You will hear a click.)

FLUIDS

Help keep your vehicle in top shape by topping off these essential fluids. Maintaining the fluid levels in your car or truck means more than just filling it with gas. Your vehicle uses a number of fluids for different reasons-each one critical to performance and safety. Here's what to add and where to add it.

Checking and Adding Engine Oil

Motor oil plays an important role in the day-to-day performance of your vehicle's engine. Without it, your engine will suffer serious damage. Oil that is worn and dirty cannot do its job of protecting your engine properly. So be sure to keep an eye on your vehicles oil level.

  • Park on level surface.
  • Turn off engine and allow a few minutes for oil to settle.
  • Park on level surface.
  • Put vehicle in PARK. Set parking brake.
  • Open hood and locate oil dipstick (usually has small hook-like handle).
  • With a rag, wipe measurement section (lower tip) clean.
  • Insert it back fully into the engine. Make sure it's all the way in to get an accurate reading. Remove and observe tip.
  • Level should fall between MIN and MAX. If oil line is below MIN, oil needs to be added.
  • Replace dipstick into engine.
  • If more is needed, locate oil cap. It should be marked-check owner's guide if you can't find it.
  • Add the recommended weight oil into engine. (Use a funnel if necessary). If any spills onto engine, wipe it off.
  • Be sure not to overfill (beyond MAX line), this could cause engine damage. If in doubt, add a bit and then check level-repeat until correct level is achieved.
  • Replace cap.

Note:

Have your oil changed on a regular basis. Generally, every 5,000 miles or every six months is recommended-whichever comes first. Always use oil that is the correct weight and also certified by the American Petroleum Institute. Check your owner's guide for oil change frequency and other specifications.

Checking and Adding Brake Fluid

The importance of well-functioning brakes is obvious. So check and refill fluid levels at least once a year, or if brakes are not performing correctly.

Open the hood and locate the brake fluid cap.

  • Wipe off cap with rag (to prevent debris from falling into fluid) and remove.
  • Visually inspect fluid level.
  • If necessary, add brake fluid until level reaches MAX line. Do not overfill. Be careful! Brake fluid is not only toxic, it also will damage your car's finish if spilled.
  • Replace cap.

CAUTION: If brake reservoir or master cylinder runs dry, brake failure can result.

Checking and Adding Windshield Fluid

In certain conditions, windshield washer fluid plays a critical role in the safe operation of your vehicle. The importance of maintaining this fluid level should not be overlooked. Keep it full for a clear view!

  • Locate fluid reservoir(s) - vehicles with a rear wiper usually have two. (See your owner's guide for location.)
  • If necessary, remove cap and add fluid. (In cold weather do not fill reservoir all the way.)
  • Replace cap.

Note: Use only windshield wiper solvent in reservoir.

Checking and Adding Engine Coolant

CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE COOLANT RECOVERY CAP WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR HOT. SERIOUS INJURY CAN RESULT. IF YOU SHOULD EVER NEED TO REMOVE RECOVERY CAP, REFER TO YOUR OWNER'S GUIDE.

The internal combustion process of an engine produces a tremendous amount of heat-more than enough to damage your engine if unprotected. That's where engine coolant comes in. Maintaining coolant level is vital to the well being of your car or truck.

Important:

Please read and understand all procedures and precautions in your owner's guide regarding this process.

  • Locate the engine coolant reservoir and remove cap
  • Add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water to engine coolant reservoir. Fill to marked level on reservoir. DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR! (Straight water can be used in an emergency, but should be replaced with above 50/50 mix as soon as possible.)
  • If coolant is added, check the level a few more times. You may need to add a bit more, as the level may change. Continue to "top it off'' until level remains consistent.
  • Use only coolant recommended in your owner's guide.
  • Do not use coolant additives. They may cause damage, which could void your warranty.*