2008 DODGE VIPER recommended oil

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the ªEngine Com-
partmentº illustration in this section.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) tothe engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
7

quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected at the specified intervals and re-
placed if required. Improper belt tension can cause belt
slippage and failure. Low generator belt tension can
cause battery failure.
At the intervals indicated on the ªMaintenance Sched-
ules,º inspect belt and belt tensioner condition. Inspect
belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or frayed cords
and replaced if there is indication of damage, which could
result in belt failure. Also, check belt routing to make sure
there is no interference between the belts and other engine
components. See your authorized dealer for service.8.4L ACCESSORY BELT ROUTING
1 Ð Alternator
2 Ð Tensioner
3 Ð Water Pump
4 Ð Power Steering Pump
5 Ð A/C Compressor
6Ð Routing for Non-A/C Applications 202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Recommended service intervals can be found in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
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²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only the manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct fluid type. Use of a brake fluid that may have a
lower initial boiling point or unidentified as to specifica-
tion, may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete brake
failure.
²Brake fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted
surface.
Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, brake performance will deteriorate. Therefore, the
brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual. See your
authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

Rear Axle
Axle Lubricant Level Check
Check the exterior of the axle for evidence of gear oil
leakage every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km). This
check should be made with the vehicle level and sup-
ported by the suspension, with the vehicle on the ground
or raised on an axle and wheel type hoist. The axle
lubricant level should be between the bottom of the filler
plug and a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) below
the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only the
manufacturer's recommended axle lubricant. Refer to the
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the correct
fluid type.
NOTE:The Limited Slip Differential requires that a
friction control additive be added when draining and
refilling the axle lubricant.
Change Axle Lubricant
Drain and fill the axle at the intervals specified in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual. Change the
lubricant immediately if contaminated with water. See
your authorized dealer for service.
Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings are permanently sealed. No regular
maintenance is required for these components.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Your manufacturer's dealer offers a complete line of
products for cleaning your vehicle. Follow the instruc-
tions on each container.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend taking this vehicle through a
commercial car wash.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE