Maintenance9-6
While operating your vehicle:
[ Note any changes in the sound of the
exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
[ Check for vibrations in the steering
wheel. Notice if there is any increased
steering effort or looseness in the
steering wheel, or change in its
straight-ahead position.
[ Notice if your vehicle constantly turns
slightly or “pulls” to one side when
traveling on smooth, level road.
[ When stopping, listen and check for
unusual sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
[ If any slipping or changes in the
operation of your transmission occurs,
check the transmission fluid level.
[ Check the automatic transmission P
(Park) function.
[ Check the parking brake.
[ Check for fluid leaks under your
vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
At least monthly:
[ Check coolant level in the engine
coolant reservoir.
[ Check the operation of all exterior
lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flashers.
[ Check the inflation pressures of all
tires including the spare for tires that
are worn, show uneven wear, or are
damaged.
[ Check for loose wheel lug nuts.
At least twice a year: (i.e., every
Spring and Autumn)
[ Check radiator, heater and air
conditioning hoses for leaks or
damage.
[ Check windshield washer spray and
wiper operation. Clean wiper blades
with a clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
[ Check headlamp alignment.
[ Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields
and clamps.
[ Check the seat belts for wear and
function.
At least once a year:
[ Clean body and door drain holes.
[ Lubricate door hinges and hood
hinges.
[ Lubricate door and hood locks and
latches.
[ Lubricate door rubber weather strips.
[ Check the air conditioning system.
[ Inspect and lubricate automatic
transmission linkage and controls.
[ Clean the battery and terminals.
[ Check the brake fluid level.
09
9-67
NOTICE
[ Never allow water or other liquids
to come in contact with electrical/
electronic components inside the
vehicle as this may damage them.
[ When cleaning leather products
(steering wheel, seats etc.), use
neutral detergents or low alcohol
content solutions. If you use high
alcohol content solutions or acid/
alkaline detergents, the color of the
leather may fade or the surface may
get stripped off.
Cleaning the upholstery and interior
trim
Vehicle interior surfaces (if equipped)
Remove dust and loose dirt from interior
surf
aces with a whisk broom or a vacuum
cleaner. If necessary, clean interior
surfaces with a mixture of warm water
and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all
cleaners on a concealed area before use).
Fabric (if equipped)
Remove dust and loose dirt from
f
abric with a whisk broom or vacuum
cleaner. Clean with a mild soap solution
recommended for upholstery or carpets.
Remove fresh spots immediately with
a fabric spot cleaner. If fresh spots do
not receive immediate attention, the
fabric can be stained and its color can be
affected. Also, its fire-resistant properties
can be reduced if the material is not
properly maintained.
NOTICE
Using anything but recommended
cleaners and procedures may affect the
fabric’s appearance and fire-resistant
properties.
Leather (if equipped)
[ F
eatures of seat leather
- Leather is made from the outer skin of an animal, which goes through a
special process to be available for
use. Since it is a natural product,
each part differs in thickness or
density.
Wrinkles may appear as a natural
result of stretching and shrinking
depending on the temperature and
humidity.
- The seat is made of stretchable fabric to improve comfort.
- The parts contacting the body are curved and the side supporting
area is high which provides driving
comfort and stability.
- Wrinkles may appear naturally from usage. It is not a fault of the
products.
NOTICE
[ Wrinkles or abrasions which appear
naturally from usage are not covered
by warranty.
[ Belts with metallic accessories,
zippers or keys inside the back
pocket may damage the seat fabric.
[ Make sure not to wet the seat. It may
change the nature of natural leather.
[ Jeans or clothes which could bleach
may contaminate the surface of the
seat covering fabric.
