General information about car maintenance

This chapter has been written to help the car owner keep their vehicle in a state of maximum readiness for operation, getting from it an effective return in compliance with the requirements for economy and safety. The car maintenance schedule is given in Section 3. Below, the reader is offered sections devoted to a detailed presentation of the procedure for performing each of the maintenance procedures separately. The material includes descriptions of visual inspections, adjustments, procedures for removing and installing components, as well as various useful tips and tricks. The illustration depicting the engine compartment at the beginning of the chapter, as well as the accompanying illustrations to the text, will help the reader understand the placement of the vehicle components to be serviced.

By servicing the car in accordance with the agreed schedule, and following the recommendations below, the reader will receive a clear program of actions, the implementation of which will ensure the long-term and reliability of the service of his car. Remember that this program is compiled on a comprehensive basis and the implementation of only some of its points with neglect of others will not lead to the desired result.

Also remember that under severe driving conditions, such as predominantly urban driving, frequent driving in mountainous areas, towing a trailer or driving in dusty conditions, maintenance should be performed more frequently.

In the process of servicing his car, the reader will be convinced that many procedures can, and should, be combined into general groups due to the similarity of their nature or the proximity of the nodes. For example, if the car is lifted off the ground for any reason, you should take the opportunity and at the same time check the condition of the components of the exhaust system, suspension and steering. Also, when renting a torque wrench, check the tightening torque of all available threaded fasteners. When rotating the wheels, at the same time evaluate the condition of the brakes and wheel bearings.


The first step in vehicle maintenance is always self-preparation of the performer. Carefully read the material in this chapter, then make a list of components that need attention, prepare the necessary tools and make a short plan for the upcoming work. In the event of unresolved problems, seek help from car service specialists.