7-11
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
SAE 0W-20 (1) is the best choice for good
fuel economy, and good starting in cold
weather.
Oil Level Check
68KH066
It is important to keep the engine oil at the
correct level for proper lubrication of your
vehicle’s engine. Check the oil level with
the vehicle on a level surface. The oil level
indication may be inaccurate if the vehicle
is on a slope. The oil level should be
checked either before starting the engine
or at least 5 minutes after stopping the
engine.
Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe oil off with a
clean cloth, insert the dipstick all the way
into the engine, then remove it again. The
oil on the stick should be between the
upper and lower limits shown on the stick.
If the oil level indication is near the lowerlimit, add enough oil to raise the level to the
upper limit.
Refilling
53M-09-007
Remove the oil filler cap and pour oil slowly
through the filler hole to bring the oil level
to the upper limit on the dipstick. Be careful
not to overfill. Too much oil is almost as
bad as too little oil. After refilling, start the
engine and allow it to idle for about a min-
ute. Stop the engine, wait about 5 minutes
and check the oil level again.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
Drain the engine oil while the engine is still
warm.
1) Remove the oil filler cap.
2) Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
3) Using a wrench, remove the drain plug
and drain out the engine oil.
ALTO 800
53MH0701
Tightening torque for drain plug (1):
49 Nm (4.9 kg-m, 36.0 lb-ft)
EXAMPLE
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
The engine oil temperature may be
high enough to burn your fingers
when the drain plug is loosened. Wait
until the drain plug is cool enough to
touch with your bare hands.
(1)EXAMPLE
7-13
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
53MH0-74E
Refill with Oil and Check for Leaks
1) Pour oil through the filler hole and
install the filler cap.
For the approximate capacity of the oil,
refer to the “Capacities” item in the
“SPECIFICATIONS” section.
2) Start the engine and look carefully for
leaks at the oil filter and drain plug. Run
the engine at various speeds for at least
5 minutes.
3) Stop the engine and wait about 5 min-
utes. Check the oil level again and add
oil if necessary. Check for leaks again.
Engine Coolant
Selection of Coolant
To maintain optimum performance and
durability of your engine, use MARUTI
Genuine Coolant or equivalent.
This type of coolant is best for your cooling
system as it:
Helps maintain proper engine tempera-
ture.
Gives proper protection against freezing
and boiling.
Gives proper protection against corro-
sion and rust.
Failure to use the proper coolant can dam-
age your cooling system. Your authorized
MARUTI SUZUKI dealer can help you
select the proper coolant.
Coolant Level Check
Check the coolant level at the reservoir
tank, not at the radiator. With the engine
cool, the coolant level should be between
the “FULL” and “LOW” marks.
NOTICE
• When replacing the oil filter, it is rec-
ommended that you use a genuine
MARUTI SUZUKI replacement filter.
If you use an aftermarket filter, make
sure it is of equivalent quality and
follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
• Oil leaks from around the oil filter
or drain plug indicate incorrect
installation or gasket damage. If
you find any leaks or are not sure
that the filter has been properly
tightened, have the vehicle
inspected by your MARUTI SUZUKI
dealer.
NOTICE
To avoid damaging your cooling sys-
tem:
• Always use a high quality eth-
yleneglycol base non-silicate type
coolant diluted with distilled water
at the correct mixture concentra-
tion.
• Make sure that the proper mix is 30/
70 coolant to distilled water and in
no case higher than 70/30. Concen-
trations greater than 70/30 coolant
to distilled water will cause over-
heating conditions.
• Do not use straight coolant nor
plain water.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or addi-
tives. They may not be compatible
with your cooling system.
• Do not mix different types of base
coolants. Doing so may result in
accelerated seal wear and/or the
possibility of severe overheating
and extensive engine damage.
