Airfilter
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Check it
every month. Replace it when it becomes dirty or as part of a tune -up. It is
easy to reach, right under the big metal 'lid', in a carbureted engine; or in
a rectangular box at the forward end of the air in a duct hose assembly.
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Battery
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Extreme
caution should be taken while handling a battery since it can produce
explosive gases. It is advisable not to smoke, create a spark or light a
match near a battery. Always wear protective glasses and gloves.
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Belts
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Inspect belts
and hoses smoothly. Replace glazed, worn or frayed belts. Replace bulging,
rotten or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad, or feels too
soft or too hard, it should be replaced.
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Brake Fluid
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Check the
brake fluid monthly. First wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir
lid. Pry off the retainer clip and remove the lid or unscrew the plastic lid,
depending on which type your vehicle has. If you need fluid, add the improved
type and check for possible leaks throughout the system. Do not overfill.
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Engine Oil
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Check the oil
after every fill up. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean. Insert it fully and
remove it again. If it is low, add oil. To maintain peak performance, the oil
should be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Replace the oil filter with every oil change.
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Exhaust
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Look
underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes
in muffler or pipes. Replace the rusted or damaged parts. Have the emission
checked at once per year for compliance with local laws.
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Hoses
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Inspect the
hoses and belts monthly. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard,
it should be replaced.
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Lights
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Make sure
that all your lights are clean and working, including the brake lights, turn
signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle.
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Oil Filter
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To maintain
peak performance, change oil every 3 months or 3,000 kms whichever comes
first. Replace oil filter with every oil change.
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Power Steering
Fluid
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Check the
power steering fluid level once per month. Check it by removing the reservoir
dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for
leaks.
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Shock
Absorbers
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Look for
signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers, test shock action by bouncing the
car up and down. The car should stop bouncing when you step back. Worn or
leaking shocks should be replaced. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs.
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Tyres
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Keep tyres
inflated to recommended pressure. Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread
wear. Uneven wear indicates tyres are misaligned or out of balance.
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Transmission
Fluid
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Check
transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running, and the parking
brake on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick, wipe dry, insert it
and remove it again. Add the approved type fluid, if needed. Never overfill.
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Washer Fluid
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Keep the
windshield washer fluid reservoir full. Use some of it to clean off the wiper
blades.
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Wiper Blades
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Inspect the
windscreen wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. Do not wait until
the rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. They should be replaced at
least once per year, and more often if smearing occurs.
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