Periodic vehicle inspections and maintenance

An important condition for the long-term operation of the car is to carry out periodic maintenance within the time recommended by the manufacturer.

Constantly monitor:

• engine oil level;
• coolant level;
• brake fluid level;
• glass washer fluid level;
• tire pressure;
• operation of lighting devices;
• the work of the windshield wipers;
• operation of the brake system.

Every 10,000 km of vehicle run or annually:

• check the level and top up if necessary:
• electrolyte in the battery;
• fluid in the power steering;
• make a visual inspection of the engine;
• check the tightness of the cooling system and the density of antifreeze;
• check the tightness of the brake system;
• check belt tension;
• change the oil and filter in the engine;
• check the condition of the brake drums, discs and pads;
• check wheel alignment;
• in a diesel engine, drain the water sediment from the fuel filter;
• clean the spark plugs and check the gap between the electrodes;
• check and, if necessary, adjust the ignition timing;
• in the Turbo RS engine, replace the spark plugs;
• in the Turbo RS engine, tighten the exhaust manifold and turbocharger mounting bolts;
• check the integrity and tightness of the protective covers of the hinges of the drive shafts;
• check the play and reliability of fastening of the steering rods and ball joints;
• check and, if necessary, adjust the headlights.

In addition, every 20,000 km or annually check:

• serviceability of all lighting bulbs;
• free travel of the brake pedal;
• brake booster;
• free play of the hand brake;
• play in the steering;
• body for corrosion;
• starter operation;
• steering seals for leaks;
• oil level in the gearbox;
• wheel bearing play;
• condition and suspension of the exhaust system;
• engine operation for toxicity;
• compression in the cylinders;
• valve clearances;
• replace spark plugs and breaker contacts;
• on an OHV engine, clean the oil filler cap.

Every 2 years:

• change the brake fluid;
• replace coolant.

Replace the V-belt every 30,000 km.

Every 40,000 km of vehicle run:

• – replace the air filter;
• in diesel engines, replace the fuel filter;
• check the operation of the automatic device for supplying heated air to the engine;
• in carbureted engines with a displacement of 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 dm³ replace the engine ventilation valve on the air filter;
• on OHV engines, clean the vent insert in the oil filler cap.

Replace toothed belts every 60,000 km.