The following information covers the inspections and services required to retain the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.

Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to the vehicle, make sure that they are the proper ones. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

It is important to perform these underhood inspections at each fuel fill.

Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Inspect the engine coolant levels and add the proper coolant mixture, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Inspect the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir and add the proper fluid, if necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Tire Inflation

Inspect tire inflation. Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver's door lock pillar.

Refer to Tire Placard in General Information.

Cassette Deck Service

Clean cassette decks. Cleaning should be done every 50 hours of tape play.

Restraint System Check

Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all of the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.

Refer to Operational and Functional Checks .

Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The SIR system does not need regular maintenance).

Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Seat Belts .

Wiper Blade Check

Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace the blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.

Refer to Wiper Blade Element Replacement .

Spare Tire Check

At least twice a year, after the monthly inflation check of the spare tire determines that the spare is inflated to the correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the folding wrench to tighten the cable.

Refer to Compact Spare Tire Replacement in Tires and Wheels.

Weatherstrip Lubrication

Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Automatic Transaxle Check

Inspect the automatic transaxle fluid level; add if needed. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Inspect the system and repair as needed. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Key Lock Cylinders Service

Lubricate the lock cylinders with the recommended lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Body Lubrication Service

Lubricate all of the following areas:

More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. In order to locate the proper lubricant, refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Starter Switch Check

1. Before you start, make sure you have enough room around the vehicle.

Important: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

2. Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, your vehicle needs service.

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control Check

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. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.

1. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition to RUN, but do not start the engine.
2. Without applying the regular brakes, try to move the transaxle shift lever out of PARK with normal effort.
3. If the shift lever moves out of PARK, the automatic transaxle shift lock control needs service.

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check

1. Ensure that the vehicle is parked.
2. Ensure that the vehicle park brake is set.
3. Try to turn the ignition key in each shift lever position.
4. Attempt to turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
5. The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
6. The key should come out only in LOCK.

Park Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check

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. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.

1. Ensure that the vehicle is parked on a fairly steep hill with the vehicle facing downhill.
2. Keep the regular brake firmly engaged while setting the park brake.
3. Perform the following procedure in order to test the holding ability of the park brake:

•	Ensure that the engine is running.

•	Ensure that the transaxle is in the NEUTRAL (N) position.

•	Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal.

•	Do this until the vehicle is held by the park brake only.

4. Perform the following procedure in order to test the holding ability of the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:

4.1.	Ensure that the engine is running.

4.2.	Shift to PARK (P).

4.3.	Release all of the brakes.

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.