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Regularly Checked Items

THIS PRESENTATION THIS PRESENTATION ABOUT AUTOMOBILE ABOUT AUTOMOBILE SYSTEMS HAS BEEN SYSTEMS HAS BEEN

DEVELOPED BYDEVELOPED BY

Mike HartlenMike Hartlen

TEACHER OFTEACHER OFAUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGYAUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

AT EASTERN SHORE DISTRICT AT EASTERN SHORE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL

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Regularly Checked Items

• Some things on vehicles must be checked on a regular basis in order to prevent more serious problems.

• These don’t have to be checked daily, but they could with little effort or time.

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Terms used in this unit.

• Owners manual – an informative booklet supplied with new vehicles containing, precautions, vehicle equipment operating procedures, specifications and other useful information. (not a service manual)

• Dipstick – a long rod used to check fluid levels.

• Transmission – a devise used to increase torque from the engine to the vehicles drive wheels.

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Checking Engine Oil Level

•Warm the engine.

•Place your car on a level spot.

•Stop the engine and wait for a while (1 minute should be enough) to let the engine oil run down to the oil pan.

•Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where the engine oil dipstick is, check your owners manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "engine oil“ or “Oil”. “710”

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• Wipe it off with a clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back all the way down into its place.

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• Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at the "FULL" mark.

• For example, here you can see For example, here you can see that it's a bit lower. It's not a big that it's a bit lower. It's not a big problem yet, but it's better to problem yet, but it's better to top it up.top it up.

• Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to change it.

• If it's slightly-black, it's O.K.• If it's dark, but still transparent,

it's admissible but it's better to change it soon.

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• If it's white (milky colour) it means the engine coolant is possibly mixed with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem, for example, a blown head gasket.

• Further testing is required. Continuing to use the vehicle in this condition will cause, sever engine damage.

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• It would be better to add the same type and brand of engine oil you already have in the engine.

• Add a little oil at a time as it's shown in the image and wait for a minute to let the oil run down.

• Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But don't overfill it.

• Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when your finished.

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enChecking Automatic Transmission

Fluid• Place your car on a level

surface. • Start the engine. • Set transmission lever to

the "P" (park) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this procedure may be different, check the owner’s manual for details).

• Pull the transmission dipstick. Check your owner’s manual to find where the transmission dipstick is in your car.

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en • Wipe it off with a lint free clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back carefully all the way down into its place.

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• Pull again and check the fluid level. If the engine is cold, it should be within "COLD" marks.

• If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the "HOT" mark. If it's just a little bit lower I wouldn't worry about it. Otherwise I'd top it up.

• Check the fluid condition also: If it's black and has a burnt smell - your transmission is not going to last. It should be clean and transparent. What do you think about this picture?

• Over time fluid becomes brownish. If it is brown, check your owner's manual, maybe it's time to change it.

• Some manufacturers require changing the transmission fluid at 60,000km, others specify that you never have to change it - check your car owner's manual.

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• It's very important to use only specified transmission fluid - check your owners manual.

• For example some Chrysler transmissions need a specific type of fluid and regular fluid like Dexron II can destroy the transmission.

• Add a small amount of fluid through the dipstick pipe as shown in the image, do not overfill.

• Wait a few minutes to let the fluid flow down.

• Start the engine and check the level again.

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• Low coolant level can cause engine overheating, which may cause serious damage to the engine.

• The coolant level should be between the "LOW" and "FULL" marks on the coolant overflow tank as in the picture.

• If it's lower, top it up.• If there is no coolant in the

overflow tank or you have to top it up quite often, there is a possible coolant leak.

• Never open the radiator or coolant overflow tank when the engine is hot!

Checking Coolant Level

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en• Top up if the reservoir is

low but not empty - when engine temperature is reduced. (Check by squeezing the upper radiator hose).

• When you squeeze the radiator hose you should be able to squeeze it together.

• Simply add coolant into the overflow tank to "FULL" mark.

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• Check the tire pressure regularly - at least once a month.

• If you don't have a tire pressure gauge, buy one (don’t rely on service station gauges being accurate).

• You can find the recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual or on the tire pressure placard, usually on the inside of the drivers door.

• The maximum pressure listed on tires is NOT the proper pressure!

Tires

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• Rotate tires at every second oil change - it will insure all tires wear equally.

• Feel vibration at cruising speed? - have your tires balanced.

• Tires have “tread wear indicators” built into the tire tread, if the tire is worn below these indicators, it's unsafe to drive.

• Uneven tire wear indicates low or high tire pressures or an alignment problem.

• Improper alignment can cause increased tire and suspension components to wear and poor handling.

• If a car pulls to one side, wanders or feels unstable on the road, and tire pressures are ok, have the alignment checked.

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• Most modern vehicles are Front-Wheel-Drive, and because the front wheels also steer the vehicle, they all have CV-joints (Constant Velocity joint) to transfer the engine torque to the front wheels.

CV - Joints

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• The CV-joint is greased and sealed by a rubber boot that unfortunately, tends to crack or split sometimes.

• If the CV-joint boot cracks, the grease comes out, and dirt and water get in, and the whole axle unit may fail in a short period of time.

• CV-joints are located on the internal side of each of the front wheels.

• You can check CV-joint boots visually looking inside the front wheel arch from the front of the car with the wheel turned outside.

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• The boot should be dry. If it's broken you will see grease splashed all over the area.

• If the boot is broken, it needs to be replaced. If not replaced in time, the whole axle shaft could need to be replaced which will cost you a few hundred bucks more than just replacing the boot.

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Other things to consider

• Washer fluid level – if you can see the reservoir, top up when necessary. (this is more important in the winter when road salt can be splashed onto the windshield)

• Brake fluid – level should be checked but fluid should not be added unless it is below the lower level mark. (make sure nothing except the recommended brake fluid is used or serious problems WILL occur)

• Power steering fluid – when this fluid get low the power steering pump will start to whine and could be damaged. (although there is a special “power steering fluid” automatic transmission fluid is often used)

• Battery posts and fluid level if possible. Check the posts for any signs of corrosion and clean if necessary. Be careful, battery fluid is corrosive).

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enQuiz - and you thought it wouldn’t

happen

1. Why is it important to “warm the engine” before checking engine oil level?

2. What could be indicated when engine oil is a “milky white” colour?

3. When adding engine oil, why did I recommend the same brand and type of oil be used that is already in the vehicle?

4. Should the engine be running or turned off when checking the automatic transmission fluid level? Why?

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en5. What will squeezing the upper rad hose tell you?

6. What problems can cause “uneven tire wear”?

7. How much tire tread is left when the wear indicators are showing?

8. Why do front wheel drive vehicles have CV joints?

9. If a cracked CV boot is left un-repaired, what could the possible result be?

10. Why is a tire pressure gauge necessary when checking tire pressures?