• Check that the seat belts operate properly and smoothly. Check belt webbing for wear or damage.
• Be sure all gauges, fuel, oil, temperature and battery, function properly and indicate normal levels.
• Check brakes for smooth operation. Pedal should be firm and vehicle should not pull to one side while stopping.
• Check for steering wheel vibration, hard steering or strange noises. If vehicle pulls to one side, have tires and alignment checked by Courtesy Garage.
• Accelerator pedal should not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
• Make sure, headlights, stoplights, taillights and turn signals operate properly. Check headlight aim.
• Check that wipers and washers are working and do not streak.
• Ensure that air or heat comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient quantity.
• If the exhaust noise sounds unusual or there is a smell of exhaust fumes, roll down windows and bring vehicle to Courtesy Garage immediately.
• Test automatic transmission “Park” mechanism on a fairly steep hill. The vehicle should be held securely in the “P” position without applying brakes.

• Check fluid levels, engine oil, coolant, brake and power steering fluids. Engine oil should be checked with the vehicle parked on the level ground and the engine stopped.
• Check automatic transmission fluid level after putting the selector level in “P” with the engine idling.
• Check radiator for dirt, insects or leaves that may have accumulated. Inspect hoses for cracks, deformation or loose connections that lead to overheating.
• Make sure engine drive belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.

Operating a vehicle with insufficient oil can cause irreparable damage to the engine, so check the oil regularly and change it as often as noted in the maintenance schedule.

How to check the oil in your vehicle:

• Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply parking brake.
• Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
• Turn off the engine.
• Wait for few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
• Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
• Reinsert it all the way.
• Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level, it should be between the “H” and “L” marks.
• If the oil level is below the “L” mark, remove the oil filter cap and add the recommended oil.
• Do not overfill.
• Recheck oil level with dipstick.

• Inspect tires for damage, cuts or excessive wear. At the service station, test pressure with a gauge and adjust if necessary. Also check for missing or loose wheel nuts.
• Check windshield wiper blades for cracks or wear.
• Look underneath vehicle to check for a low hanging muffler or anything that looks abnormal.
• Also look at fluid leaks.

• Use only gasoline with the octane recommended in your owner’s manual. A common misconception is that octane measures the quality or power capabilities of gas, but octane is simply the measurement of gasoline’s resistance to detonation or pinging. Using higher-than-recommended octane gas is a waste of money, while lower-than-recommended octane will result in poor performance and increased operating costs.
• Be sure to avoid running the tank too close to empty. Gas impurities and sediments collect at the bottom of your tank and cause problems if drawn into the fuel line.

• Get your vehicle completely off the road and away from traffic.
• Never stand near the edge of the highway while checking the vehicle.
• Turn on your hazard warning flashers and raise the hood to warn traffic and signal that you need assistance.
• If you decide to wait for professional assistance, stay inside your car with the windows up and the doors locked.

• Park on a level and solid surface.
• Apply parking brake and shift manual transmission into “Reverse” or automatic transmission into “Park”.
• If you decide to change your tire yourself, follow your vehicles’ specific jacking instructions listed in your owner’s manual.
• Never change tires when vehicle is on a slope, ice or slippery area.
• Also never change tyres if oncoming traffic is close to your vehicle.
• Observe the mileage limitations on the temporary spare, and return jack and other tools to their proper and secure locations when finished.

• On extremely hot days, be sure to keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If you’re running hot, make sure to shut off the air conditioner and roll down the windows. If this doesn’t lower the temperature, turn on the heater to get coolant circulating through more of the engine.
• If the temperature rises beyond the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Continued operation of an overheated engine will cause serious damage, so pull over to a safe place and raise the hood. Be extremely careful of radiator and hoses which may be spraying steam and hot coolant. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
• If vehicle overheated because of a long hill or from sitting in traffic on a hot day, run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpms) until temperature returns to normal.
• If there’s a coolant leak, broken belt or other malfunction, shut off the engine. After the engine cools, check coolant reservoir while engine is running and bring the vehicle to Courtesy Garage Ltd.