Horn Operation

Blow the horn occasionally to make sure it works. Check all the button locations.

Brake System Operation

Be alert for abnormal sounds, increased brake pedal travel or repeated pulling to one side when braking. Also, if the brake warning light goes on, or flashes, something may be wrong with part of the brake system.

Exhaust System Operation

Be alert to any changes in the sound of the system or the smell of the fumes. These are signs that the system may be leaking or overheating. Have the system inspected and repaired immediately.

Tires, Wheels and Alignment Operation

Be alert to any vibration of the steering wheel or the seats at normal highway speeds. This may mean a wheel needs to be balanced. Also, a pull right or left on a straight, level road may show the need for a tire pressure adjustment or a wheel alignment.

Steering System Operation

Be alert to changes in the steering action. An inspection is needed when the steering wheel is hart to turn or has too much free play, or if unusual sounds are noticed when turning or parking.

Headlight Aim

Take note of the light pattern occasionally. Adjust the headlights if the beams seem improperly aimed.

A fluid loss in any system may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired immediately.

Engine Oil Level

Check the oil level and add oil if necessary. The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm.

1. After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan.
2. Pull out the oil level indicator (dip stick).
3. Wipe it clean, and push the oil level indicator back down all the way.
4. Pull out the oil level indicator and look at the oil level on it.
5. Add oil, if needed, to keep the oil level above the MIN line and within the area labeled Operating Range. Avoid overfilling the engine, since this may cause engine damage.
6. Push the indicator all the way back down into the engine after taking the reading.

If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the engine first. The cold oil will not drain back to the pan fast enough to give a true oil level reading.

Engine Coolant Level and Condition

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir tank and add coolant if necessary. Inspect the coolant. Replace dirty or rusty coolant.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Check the washer fluid level in the reservoir. Add fluid if necessary.

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Pressure Check

Check the tires for abnormal wear or damage. Also check for damaged wheels. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (check the spare also, unless it is a stowaway). Maintain the recommended pressures that are on the tire placard.

Light Operation

Check the operation of the license plate light, the headlights (including the high beams), the parking lights, the fog lights, the taillight, the brake lights, the turn signals, the backup lights and the hazard warning flasher.

Fluid Leak Check

Periodically inspect the surface beneath the vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids, after the vehicle has been parked for awhile. Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice fuel leaks or fumes, find the cause and correct it at once.

Power Steering System Reservoir Level

Check the power steering fluid level. Keep the power steering fluid at the proper level. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .

Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Level

Check the fluid and keep it at the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling . A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Check the breather hole in the reservoir cover to be free from dirt and check for an open passage.

Weatherstrip Lubrication

Apply a thin film silicone grease using a clean cloth.

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Manual Transaxle

Check the oil level and add oil as required. Refer to Transmission Fluid Inspection .

Brake System Inspection

This inspection should be done when the wheels are removed for rotation. Inspect the lines and the hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, DTC. Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including the parking brake, etc., at the same time. Check the parking brake adjustment. Inspect the brakes more often if habit or conditions result in frequent braking.

Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection

Inspect the front and rear suspension and the steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts; signs of wear; or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and the hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks and chafing. etc. Clean and inspect the drive axle boot and seals for damage, tears, or leakage. Replace the seals if necessary.

Exhaust System Inspection

Inspect the complete system (including the catalytic converter, if equipped). Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing, or out-of-position parts, as well as open seams, holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could cause heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes seep into the trunk or passenger compartment.

Throttle Linkage Inspection

Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, damaged, or missing parts. Lubricate all linkage joints and throttle cable joints, the intermediate throttle shaft bearing, the return spring at throttle valve assembly, and the accelerator pedal sliding face with suitable grease. Check the throttle cable for free movement.

Engine Drive Belts

Inspect all belts for cracks, fraying, wear, and proper tension. Adjust or replace the belts as needed.

Hood Latch Operation

When opening the hood, note the operation of the secondary latch. It should keep the hood from opening all the way when the primary latch is released. The hood must close firmly.

Lap and Shoulder Belts Condition and Operation

Inspect the belt system, including the webbing, the buckles, the latch plates, the retractor, the guide loops and the anchors.

Movable Head Restraint Operation

On vehicles with movable head restraints, the restraints must stay in the desired position.

Spare Tire and Jack Storage

Be alert to rattles in the rear of the vehicle. The spare tire, all the jacking equipment, and the tools must be securely stowed at all times. Oil the jack ratchet or the screw mechanism after each use.

Key Lock Service

Lubricate the key lock cylinder.

Body Lubrication Service

Lubricate all the body door hinges including the hood, the fuel door, the rear compartment hinges and the latches, the glove box and the console doors, and any folding seat hardware.

Transaxle Neutral Switch Operation on Automatic Transaxle

On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should crank only in P (Park) and in N (Neutral).

Parking Brake and Transaxle P (Park) Mechanism Operation

Caution: When performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately should the vehicle begin to move.

Park on a fairly steep hill with enough room for movement in the downhill direction. To check the parking brake, with the engine running and the transaxle in N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal (until only the parking brake is holding the vehicle).

To check the automatic transaxle P (Park) mechanism's holding ability, release all brakes after shifting the transaxle to P (Park).

Underbody Flushing

Flushing the underbody will remove any corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control. At least every spring, clean the underbody, First, loosen the sediment packed in closed areas of the vehicle. Then flush the underbody with plain water.

Engine Cooling System

Inspect the coolant and freeze protection fluid. If the fluid is dirty or rusty, drain, flush and refill the engine cooling system with new coolant. keep the coolant at the proper mixture in order to ensure proper freeze protection, corrosion protection and engine operating temperature. Inspect the hoses. Replace the cracked, swollen, or deteriorated hoses. Tighten the clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and the air conditioning condenser. Wash the filler cap and the neck. Pressure test the cooling system and the cap in order to help ensure proper operation.