YOUR DRIVING COSTS | 2020 4
Vehicle Maintenance
Driving costs are aected by how well your vehicle runs. Performing regular maintenance can ensure
more ecient operation and help prevent costly repairs down the road. Below are general checks to
keep your vehicle in good operating shape. Read your owner’s manual for more detailed information
on your vehicle’s specific requirements. When performing “do-it-yourself” maintenance, always take
appropriate safety precautions.
Air Filter — The engine air filter captures dirt
particles and ensures clean airflow to the
engine. Inspect at every oil change.
Battery — The vehicle’s battery powers the
starter motor, acts as a voltage stabilizer for the
electrical system and makes up any shortfall
when the alternator cannot meet the vehicle’s
electrical demands. Inspect the battery cable
connections at every oil change and clean as
needed. Always wear eye protection and gloves
when servicing a battery.
Belts — Most vehicles use a single serpentine
belt to operate under-hood accessories such as
the alternator, although V-belts still are used in
some applications. Inspect at every oil change.
Gasoline — Use gasoline with the octane rating
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer — a
higher fuel grade will not provide additional
benefits. Gasolines that meet TOP TIER
TM*
standards do a better job of preventing and
removing internal engine deposits.
Hoses — A vehicle’s hoses circulate vital liquids
such as engine coolant, transmission fluid and
power steering fluid. Inspect at every oil change.
Tires — As the only part of your vehicle in
contact with the road, tires have a major eect
on ride, handling, braking and safety. For
optimum performance, tires must have adequate
tread depth, show no signs of physical damage
and be properly inflated. Inspect tires and check
inflation pressures at least once a month.
Fluids
Î Brake Fluid — Critical to proper brake system
performance. Check the level at every oil
change.
Î Engine Coolant — Prevents engine freeze-up in
winter and boil-over in summer, and protects the
cooling system from rust and corrosion. Check
the level at every oil change.
Î Engine Oil — Lubricates and cools the engine
while cleaning internal parts. Running your car
low on oil can cause serious engine damage.
Check the level at least once a month.
Î Power Steering Fluid — Transfers hydraulic
pressure to reduce steering eort. Check the
level at every oil change.
Î Transmission Fluid — Helps transfer engine
power to the wheels, lubricates internal parts,
maintains seals and acts as a coolant. Check the
level at every oil change.
*
The TOP TIER
TM
fuel program is a performance standard for gasoline that enables vehicle manufacturers to ensure the engines they design and produce will meet the emissions
and performance criteria for which they are designed. Fuels that are part of the TOP TIER™ program must undergo testing to ensure the engine does not develop excessive carbon
deposits on the intake valve, within the combustion chamber, or on the fuel injector that can impact emissions and drivability.
