Routine Service

The following are some maintenance and inspection items that should be checked on a daily basis or at fuel stops.


Tires;
Check the pressure with a gauge, adjust if necessary. Check for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts;
Check for loose or missing nuts, tighten if necessary.
Wiper blades;
Check for wear or cracks if streaking or chattering develops. Replace when needed.
Fluid leaks;
Check underneath the vehicle for leaks and odors. Gasoline odors should be immediately addressed. Have the cause of any leaks found and corrected. A/C evaporator condensation drainage is normal.
Doors/Hood;
Check that all doors and front and rear lids work smoothly and that all latches lock securely. Verify that the secondary hood latch operates correctly.
Lights;
Check for proper operation of all interior/exterior lighting. Check headlight aim.
Warning lights/buzzers;
Check that these items are functioning correctly.
Horn;
Verify that it honks.
Windshield glass
Check for early signs of cracking. Clean occasionally with water and a glass cleaning compound designed to remove tars, ozone and other build-up.
Windshield washers;
Check fluid level often. Clean and aim nozzles if needed.
Seats;
Verify proper operation of seat tracks, recliner mechanism, head rests and locking latches. Lubricate tracks if needed.
Seat belts;
Inspect webbing for tears or fraying. Check latches for smooth and secure operation. Check retractors for free movement.
Accelerator pedal
Check that the pedal moves freely without binding in either direction.
Brake pedal;
Check for spongy feel or a hard pedal without assist. Check for a dropping pedal while stopped. Service immediately if any of these conditions exist.
Brakes;
Inspect brake performance at a safe location. Check for pulling, sudden lockup, lack of assist and noises. Service immediately if necessary.
Parking brake;
Check for correct engagement adjustment. On an incline, test brakes ability to hold vehicle.
Transmission "PARK" setting;
Test for proper locking of transmission on a mild incline.
Fluid levels;
Check all fluid levels.
Drive belts;
Inspect with the engine off. Check for fraying, cracking, fluid damage and proper tension.
Exhaust system;
Look for pipes or muffler/converter hanging down. Listen for change in sound that might indicate a leak. Have serviced immediately if necessary.

The following are some maintenance and inspection items that should be checked on an annual basis.

The Safety Restraint System (SRS) should be checked every 10 years.