In order to keep the motor vehicle in good working order, scheduled maintenance operations are to be performed as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. A general guideline of scheduled maintenance for petrol and diesel based motor vehicles is given below.
(1) Daily Maintenance :
1. Check for any damage
caused to the tires and the vehicle body. Ensure the correct air pressure of
all tires.
2. Check for any
inefficiency or binding in foot and parking brakes. Any abnormal operation of
clutch, gears and steering must be checked for.
3. Ensure the
correct levels of engine oil, radiator coolant, brake, hydraulic clutch, power
steering and auto transmission fluid levels before operation..
4. Ensure the
correct operation of all indicator lights such as Engine oil
pressure, Coolant temperature, Check engine, ABS brakes……and so on. Air
conditioning system, wipers, Horn, Head beam, signal, brake and parking lights need to
be in good order.
5. Check for any
leakage of oil, fluid, fuel or water. Attention must be paid for any unusual
noises coming out when running the engine.
(2) At every 1500 km or 1000 miles :
1. Washing and
cleaning the vehicle interior and exterior.
2. Check up
drive belts such as radiator cooling fan, alternator and air compressor for
damages, slackness, oil slipping and adjust tension.
3. Check up radiator hoses, hose connections for leaks and top up radiator
coolant.
4. Check up
chassis, body, rubber boots, springs and other suspension components for wear
and damage. Ensure tightness of all nuts and bolts.
5. Top up
battery water level. Check specific gravity and battery charging rate. Clean
and tighten battery terminals.
6. Check up fuel
tank, metal and flexible pipes, unions for leaks, clean the fuel filter and adjust
engine idle speed.
7. Check up
service and parking brakes, brake pad & shoe wear and adjust. Check up and
adjust the clutch system for perfect operation.
8. Check up steering system, adjust free play and lubricate the system.
9. Check and top
up engine, gearbox, steering box and differential lubricants.
10. Check and
top up brake, clutch and power steering fluids.
(3) At every 3000 km or 2000 miles :
1. Washing and
cleaning under carriage with high pressure air and water to remove mud, dust
oil and grease. If necessary, clean the engine compartment with high pressure air and running water or suitable liquid,
taking care not to wet electronic components and cable connections
2. Check up and clean the air cleaner with high pressure air gun. Replace
air cleaner filter if necessary.
3. Inspect brake
discs, pads, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, springs and the master pump.
Replace necessary parts.
4. Check up
spark plugs, high tension cables, CB points, ignition coil and correct ignition
timing. (Petrol Engine)
5. Replace
fuel filter if necessary.
6. Check up and adjust valve clearance. Inspect engine breather tube for
clogging.
7. Check up
steering system for worn out parts and replace them if necessary. Adjust
steering free play and wheel alignment.
8. Check up all
suspension components such as springs, shock absorbers, upper & lower arms
and bushes. Replace parts if
necessary.
9. Exchange
engine oil and replace the engine oil filter. Always a new filter should start
out with new oil.
10. Check up
brake, power steering, hydraulic clutch and auto transmission fluid levels. Top
up or exchange as necessary.
11. Check up
gear box, steering box and differential oil levels. Top up or exchange as
necessary.
12. Lubricate
chassis, suspension and steering system with high pressure grease gun.
(4) Miscellaneous maintenance work :
1. Tire rotation
at every 7500 km.
2. Wheel
alignment inspection at every 7500 km.
3. Diesel fuel
pump and injector repair at every 30,000 km.
4. Petrol EFI
engine(non-hybrid) maintenance and tune up at every 25,000 km and for hybrid engines at every 40,000 km.
5. Air Conditioning system
maintenance at every 6 months.
6. Hybrid/EV battery maintenance at every 10,000 km.
7. Cleaning the catalytic converter/diesel particulate filter (DPF) at every 40,000 km.
N.B. :
1. Always use
genuine spare parts. Use lubricants recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
2.
After spare part replacement or oil change always paste a maintenance
sticker on suitable surface mentioning date and mileage for future
reference.
3. Maintain a
record of all repairs, replacement of spare parts with date and cost.
4. All the
defects diagnosed must be corrected before operation.