Guide for the good maintenance of your vehicle
Engine oil
After many kilometres the oil loses viscosity, especially due to high temperatures and environmental pollution. Poor lubrication wears the engine, causing oil to burn. In normal working situations, oil should be changed every 5,000 km or every 3 months and in synthetic oil every 10,000 km this practice will provide greater protection and a long life to your engine.
Oil filter
This element filters impurities and contaminating particles, which damage the protection of the internal parts of the engine. The life of the filter depends on the quality of its materials, and they vary according to the type of oil we choose. (Choose original filters or filters approved by the manufacturers). Constant replacement of the oil filter will help prolong the life of your engine!
Fuel filter
This filter retains the impurities of the fuel, and allows all its systems to operate efficiently, hence the importance of the frequency of its replacement. It is recommended to replace it every 10,000 Km. in high capacity metallic filters and in conventional filters it should be done every 5,000 Km. It is important to keep the fuel tank clean with a half-yearly maintenance.
Air filter
The function of the air filter is to stop contaminants such as dust and other harmful particles from passing into the cylinders, ensuring that only clean air enters the combustion chambers. A dirty or clogged filter resists the passage of air and produces losses of power, greater consumption of gasoline and the emission of pollutant gases.
To know when to change the filter, a visual inspection and an average time of use are enough. For example, when you feel that your vehicle consumes more fuel than normal, the air filter is probably one of those responsible. It is recommended to change the air filter every 5,000 to 10,000 km, . or six months, more frequently if driving under harsh conditions. Do not blow it, just shake it in moderately dirty conditions.
Spark plugs
With the use, the spark plugs undergo electroerosion that causes a wear in the electrode increasing the distance of spark jump, this causes that the spark plug requires a greater voltage to cover the distance and therefore, during situations of deep acceleration or high speeds can lose explosions in the engine wasting fuel and losing power.
The spark plug replacement interval depends on the type of spark plug, the number of electrodes and the quality of the gasoline mainly. Regularly copper spark plugs with an electrode are changed every 10,000 km.
Bands
The change of the timing belt is made approximately between 40,000 and 50,000 km, depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the belt or at least every 2 years regardless of the intensity of use. It can also be the case of a change when it shows broken cords, cracks in the body, separation of the cords or cover and detachment of teeth or when the upper part that joins them present rupture or visible separation.
If the distribution band were to burst, the engine could suffer severe and costly breakdowns, in addition to the distribution band, we have the engine and air conditioning bands, which must be replaced between 40,000 and 50,000 km.
Hydraulic steering fluid
It is checked with a warm engine and replaced on average every two years or every 50,000 km. If you do it annually, your vehicle will appreciate it and the steering will have a better useful life.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is formulated to absorb moisture, control rubber expansion of system components, prevent corrosion and act as a lubricant. Although the fluid absorbs moisture, it is your main enemy because it causes boiling in the system.
All brake fluids tend to become saturated with moisture over time, and for this reason, maintaining periodic control will help reduce moisture corrosion damage to the system and prevent brake loss problems from internal bubbles from boiling.
Shock absorbers
Shocks and structures help reduce wear on vehicle components from excessive movement, dramatically improve stopping distances and increase vehicle stability. Its useful life is usually about 50,000 km, but this depends very much on the care in the driving of the vehicle.
The easiest way to see if they are worn or blown is to move the car in one of the corners from top to bottom, if the car bounces, the shock absorbers must be changed.
Tyre condition and pressures
Tyres can be damaged or suffer irregular wear due to mechanical failures in the steering system or inadequate pressures, therefore, it is essential to inspect them permanently to verify the presence of cuts, impacts or abnormal wear.
The best way to prolong the life of tires is to ensure that they are always at the correct pressure and with the wheels aligned. The pressure check should be carried out once a week, depending on the load of the vehicle and always before making a long trip, this will be carried out with cold rims.
The balance is to compensate for the weight of the tyre and the rim on the circumference of the tyre, i.e. the entire running surface must be uniform and balanced, no area must weigh less or more than the other. Unbalancing causes irregular wear, vibration and therefore wear of the mechanical parts that support the unbalanced tyre. This should be done when a weight falls, when we patch a damage or when we change the tires, also when there are signs of vibration or irregular wear.
Battery
Battery life may be longer or shorter depending on the care it receives. Check the battery whenever the vehicle is serviced or at least every four months. The water level in the battery should always be above the cells, without reaching the level of the plug.
Use distilled and demineralised water, since water containing impurities or tap water damages the plates and goes into a short circuit. Just add water each time you notice a low electrolyte level in the cells. Never add acid and do not allow battery water to soak your clothes or hands. Also look at the charge indicators. Green indicates that everything is in order. Black warns of the need for more charging.
Feathers and Windscreen washer fluid
When feathers age or suffer detachments or cracks, they do not make a precise seal against the glass and leave visible water lines. Sometimes it is possible to add a little useful life to the feathers with certain regenerators and wiping them with a cloth dampened in glass cleaner liquid, several times delicately until no more dirt comes out of the feather. It is recommended to change the feathers once a year.
Radiator coolant
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that is distributed around the engine and keeps it cooled by the radiator, i.e. it cools the engine when it reaches a certain temperature. If the liquid level drops, it can cause the engine to overheat and cause serious damage.
In unsealed cooling systems, the water level in the radiator should be checked at least once a month. If the circuit is sealed, check for leaks once a week. We must also check it before taking a trip. It should be completely changed every year and a radiator cleaner should be applied before filling with new product. Always use the right mix of coolant and water. Never use pure additive, this may cause damage to engine parts.
Nowadays, the use of antifreeze coolant with anti-corrosive additive is a general rule for all vehicles. Maintaining a permanent use of this product guarantees a fresh life of the internal metal parts of the engine, preventing its oxidation!