Free Auto ClassesLesson 2: General MaintenanceJeff CrawfordCrawford’s Auto Repair2855 S Alma School Rd., Suite 107, Mesa, AZ 85210480-201-0740http://www.CrawfordsAutoService.com

Vehicle Owner’s Manual• Look for the maintenance chart in the vehicle owner’s manual

for each specific vehicle

Vehicle Fluids• Two ways to check any vehicle fluid:• Dipstick – look for the marks on the tip• Clear Reservoir – look for the “min” and “max”

Vehicle Fluids• Brake Fluid – usually a clear reservoir, should not have to top

off, low brake fluid should be investigated by a mechanic• Engine Oil – dipstick, check with engine off, wipe clean, re-

insert, then check again, look for marks• Coolant – Should be visible when opening radiator cap. DO

NOT OPEN WHEN ENGINE IS HOT!• Power Steering Fluid – dipstick or clear reservoir, low fluid

should be investigated by a mechanic• Windshield Washer Fluid – clear reservoir• Transmission Fluid – Dipstick in some vehicles. If there is not a

dipstick then it can only be checked by draining some of it. If the fluid has a darker color and/or burnt smell then the transmission should be serviced.

Battery Fluid and Terminals• Some batteries are transparent, others you can remove the

cap to see the fluid. Fluid should be at equal levels in each cell.• Inspect terminals and cables; they should be free of corrosion.

If corrosion is present you can clean it with baking soda and water to get the vehicle started, but any sign of corrosion should be inspected by a mechanic.

• With a load tester you can perform a battery load test to see if the battery should be replaced.

Fuses• Check by removing each fuse individually – look for detached

element in the middle or burnt marks• OR use a test light – ground the light on metal or the negative

terminal of the battery, touch the metal contacts on the top of the fuse to test. There should be two or more contacts per fuse, test each one.

Fuses• The color of the fuse indicates the amperage of the fuse.

Belts & Hoses• Some vehicles have more than one belt, modern vehicles have

one belt - Look for fraying, cracking or glazing (does it look too dry or shiny?)

• Pinch the hoses (they should be firm) and check for leaks where they’re clamped on.

Vehicle Lighting• Interior lighting and exterior lighting – get another person to

help when inspecting exterior lighting, one in the car, one outside inspecting the lights. Look to see that each bulb illuminates and that each side of the vehicle has an equal number of bulbs illuminating• Dashboard lights – turn key to “on” position without starting the

vehicle• Dome light• Left and Right Turn Signals• Hazard lights• Brake lights• Reverse lights (with gear in reverse)• License plate light

Air Filter• Consult the owner’s manual for location and removal of air

filter• Filters that are dark, dusty, dirty and/or full of debris should be

replaced.

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://crawfordsautoservice.com/crawfords-auto-repair-guide-free-ebook/ to download in PDF

• Also available for print on demand and Kindle