As you service your vehicle, you'll soon discover that you can—and should—combine many procedures because of the similarities in the steps involved. For example, if the vehicle is raised off the ground to lubricate the chassis, you should inspect the exhaust system, suspension, steering system, and fuel system while you're underneath the vehicle. If the wheels are off for other work, it's a good idea to check the brakes. Finally, suppose you have to borrow or rent a torque wrench. Even if you only need it to tighten the spark plugs, you might as well check the torque on as many critical nuts and bolts as you have time for.
The first step in carrying out a vehicle maintenance program is self-preparation. Carefully study the materials of all Sections related to the upcoming procedures, then prepare all the necessary materials, equipment and tools. If you are afraid of encountering problems when performing some specific work, consult a specialist or a person who has already carried out this work.
If you follow the suggested maintenance program correctly, and check fluid levels frequently and inspect components that are likely to wear, your new car's engine will remain in good working order and the need for additional maintenance will be minimal.
If regular maintenance is not performed, the engine may develop problems, which is even more likely if you buy a used car. In such cases, additional work will need to be done.
If engine wear is suspected, check the compression (refer to Chapter Engine repair), which will give you valuable information about the performance of its major components and will help determine the extent of any repairs required. If, for example, the test showed severe engine wear, the normal maintenance described in this Chapter will only be a waste of time and money, since it will not improve the performance of the engine unless an extensive overhaul has been performed first (refer to Chapter Engine repair).
The following series of actions consists of procedures most often needed to improve engine performance:
First of all:
1. Clean, inspect and test the battery (see Schedule of current maintenance).
2. Check all engine related fluids (see Schedule of current maintenance).
3. Check the condition and tension of the auxiliary drive belt (Section Checking and replacing the auxiliary drive belt).
4. Check the condition of the air filter element and replace it if necessary (Section Replacing the air filter element).
5. Check the fuel filter (Section Replacing the fuel filter of a diesel engine).
6. Check the condition of all hoses and check for fluid leaks (Section Checking hoses for fluid leaks).
7. Check the idle speed and minimum stable operating speed of the diesel engine (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).
If the above steps are not effective, follow these steps:
1. Check the charging system (Chapter Engine electrical equipment).
2. Check the ignition or preheating system of the diesel engine (Chapter Engine electrical equipment.
3. Check the fuel system (Chapter Power supply and exhaust systems).