If, from the moment of purchasing a new car, the owner carefully adheres to the routine maintenance schedule, checks fluid levels and the condition of components subject to increased wear often enough, the vehicle’s power unit will reliably serve for many, many thousands of kilometers. At the same time, the need for additional repair and restoration work will be minimized.
On the other hand, it is very likely that if regular routine maintenance procedures are neglected, the moment will come soon enough when the efficiency of the engine will noticeably drop. This applies especially to cases of acquiring a used car, the previous owner of which was negligent in caring for it. In this case, the new owner will not be able to avoid the need for additional restoration work.
If engine wear is suspected, a lot of useful information about the condition of its internal components can be obtained by checking the compression pressure in the cylinders (see chapter Engine repair, depending on the car model). Based on the results of the inspection, it is possible to accurately estimate the amount of upcoming restoration work. For example, if a compression test reveals signs of significant internal engine wear, performing the normal maintenance procedures listed later in this Chapter will not restore unit parameters and will only be a waste of time and money. Here it is necessary first to make a complete overhaul of the engine.
Below is a list of checks, adjustments and adjustments that can restore the operating parameters of an engine that has lost its original characteristics.
Presets
a) Clean the battery and check its general condition (see Section Weekly checks);
b) Check the levels and condition of all engine related fluids (see Section Weekly checks).
c) Check the condition and tension of the accessory drive belt (see Section Checking the condition of the accessory drive belt);
d) Replace spark plugs (see Section Replacing Spark Plugs - 1.3L Models or Replacing Spark Plugs - 1.6L Models);
e) Check the condition of the air cleaner element, replace if necessary (see Section Replacing the air cleaner element);
f) Replace fuel filter (see Section Fuel filter replacement);
g) Check the condition of all hoses, try to identify fluid leaks and eliminate their causes (see Section Checking the condition of hoses and identifying sources of leaks);
If the above checks and adjustments do not give the desired result, perform the procedures listed below.
Secondary Settings
In addition to the initial setup procedures, perform the following:
a) Check the function of the charging system (see chapter Engine electrical equipment);
b) Check the functioning of the ignition system (see chapter Engine electrical equipment);
c) Check the power system for proper operation (see chapter Supply system).