Simple Maintenance
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Now that you have filled up with fresh
oil, start the car, get under it, and check for leaks from the
filter and drain plug. This is also a good time to examine other parts for signs of leaks. Uh Oh! I seem to have a leak in the photo to the left. This is one of the power steering hoses and it looks wet with oil. |
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I can confirm the leak shown above by looking on the power steering fluid dipstick - the level is low. This is a good time to check all your fluid levels. |
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This car has a see-through brake fluid reservoir and the level is ok, up to the plastic seam on the container. |
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Windshield washer fluid is empty - time to add some! |
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This coolant tank has its own dipstick - looks like it is ok. Some coolant tanks are see-through like my brake reservoir and do not have dipsticks. You can also check the fluid in the radiator itself but NEVER open it when it is hot! |
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Turn on the engine to check the automatic transmission fluid. Looks like we're ok here. Manual transmission fluid does not need checking or changing. |
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Since the air filter has not been changed in 50,000 miles we are going to do it now. The factory one (right) is quite dirty; I have purchased an AC-Delco original equipment filter (left) which is white. |
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Each car has a different air filter housing so to open it refer to your owners manual. Mine has 2 metal clips in the front (as shown in this photo). It is also a good idea to clean out dirt from the housing while it is open. |
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Now to wrap up, take your oil drain pan to the local auto parts store and recycle the used oil. Please do not throw it in the trash.
Also, if your car has an oil change indicator on the dash be sure to reset it (see owner's manual).
You can see that this really is not hard at all. It all can be done in 30 minutes and with minimal mechanical skill.
Back to the Camaro page!