Page 459 of 672
Maintenance and care4
459
4-1. Maintenance and care ... 460Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior......... 460
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior.......... 462
4-2. Maintenance ................... 465 Maintenance requirements .................. 465
General maintenance....... 467
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................ 470 4-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance ................. 471
Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 471
Hood ................................ 475
Engine compartment ........ 476
Tires ................................. 494
Tire inflation pressure ...... 501
Wheels ............................. 505
Air conditioning filter......... 507
Wireless remote control battery ............................ 510
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 512
Light bulbs........................ 522
Page 461 of 672

461
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
■
To prevent deteriorati on and body corrosion
● Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If you see coal tar or tree sap on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects or bird droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust,
iron powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled in dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline are spilled on the paint surface
● If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
CAUTION
■Caution about the exhaust pipe
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipe to become quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the pipe until it has cooled
sufficiently, as touching a hot exhaust pipe can cause burns.
NOTICE
■To protect your vehicle’s painted surfaces
Do not use organic cleaners such as benzene or gasoline.
■ Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
● Do not apply wax on the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
Page 464 of 672

464 4-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
Do not use organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, acidic or alka-
line solutions, dye, bleach or other detergent. Doing so may discolor the
vehicle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
■ Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration o\
f
leather surfaces.
●Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
● Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
● Do not place items made of vinyl or plastic, or that contain wax on the
upholstery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior
heats up significantly.
■ Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and
may also cause the body to rust.
■ Cleaning the inside of the back win dow (vehicles with the back window
defogger)
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires.
Page 468 of 672
468 4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • Moves smoothly (without uneven
pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism • Can the vehicle be held securely
on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal • Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clear-
ance and correct amount of free
play?
Brakes • Not pull to one side when
applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints • Move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly?
Parking brake • Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts • Does the seat belt system oper-
ate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats • Do the seat controls operate
properly?
Steering wheel • Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
Page 472 of 672
472 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsParts and tools
Light bulbs ( P. 522)• Bulb with same number and watt-
age rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
Power steering fluid level (P. 488) • Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRON
® II or III
• Rag or paper towel
Radiator and condenser (P. 486)
Tire inflation pressure (
P. 501) • Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(P. 492) • Water
• Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
Page 474 of 672
474 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air cleaner removed may cause excessive engine wear due
to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
■ If the brake fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the brake fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.
Page 475 of 672
475
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Hood
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the hood catch lever
and lift the hood.
Page 487 of 672
487
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
.
CAUTION
■
When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.
■ If you spill fluid
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.