Regardless of the scheduled inspection intervals, do not allow fluids to leak under the vehicle, such leaks indicate a malfunction that should be repaired immediately.
Fluids are an integral part of the lubrication, cooling, windshield washer and brake systems. Due to the gradual consumption and contamination of fluids during normal vehicle operation, they should be replaced periodically. Top up only the fluids that meet the requirements of the Specifications in Section Vehicle settings and routine maintenance.
Whenever checking the fluid level, the vehicle must be on a level, level surface.
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption should not exceed 1 liter per 1000 kilometers. Higher oil consumption is a sign of worn seals and/or piston rings or engine shaft seals.
Visual control of leaks
1. With an oily engine and high oil consumption, check the following for leaks:
- Laying of the pallet of a crankcase of the engine;
- Engine oil drain plug seal;
- Seal D/V engine oil pressure;
- Oil filter housing cover gasket;
- Gasket between block and cylinder head;
- Cylinder head cover gasket;
- Oil filler cap seal;
- Crankshaft and camshaft seals.
Since the presence of a leak spreads the oil over a large surface of the engine, it is difficult to immediately determine its location. To detect leaks, proceed as follows:
2. Clean the engine by covering the alternator and fuse box with a plastic bag, spraying the engine with normal cold cleaner and washing it out with water after a short time.
3. Sprinkle mating surfaces and seals on the engine with lime or talc outside.
4. Check the engine oil level and correct if necessary.
5. In order to warm up the oil, make a test drive on the car - the viscosity of the heated oil will decrease, and it will come out faster at the leaks.
6. Finally, examine the engine by lighting it with a lamp, localize the leaks and eliminate them.
Checking and adjusting the level
1. Checking the level of impellent oil is done using a dipstick (see illustrations Engine compartment components), installed in the guide tube.
2. Measuring the level of impellent oil should be done on a cold engine, or not earlier than 10 minutes after turning it off.
If you start measuring immediately after turning off the engine, some of the oil will remain in its upper part and the measurement results will be erroneous.
3. Remove the probe from the guide and dry the blade with a clean cloth or paper towel. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the guide and pull it out again.
4. The height of the oil-wetted area on the dipstick will correspond to the oil level in the engine. This level must be between the marks «MIN» And «MAX» on the dipstick, otherwise correct the oil level. When going beyond the mark «MAX» oil should be pumped out, because otherwise, engine seals and catalytic converter may be damaged.
5. To add oil, remove the filler cap (see illustrations Engine compartment components). After adding oil, wait a few minutes for the level to stabilize, then remove the dipstick and check the level again. Re-adjust if necessary. If dirt is found on the filler cap, wash it with gasoline. Finally, close the oil filler cap tightly.
6. Is checking the oil level an important preventive measure? Which should be done as often as possible, and also before every long trip. In addition, you should pay attention to the condition of the oil: if it has a milky color or drops of water can be seen in its composition, there may be a violation of the tightness of the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the head or cylinder block, as a result of which coolant enters the oil. In this case, the engine should be repaired immediately. Each time you check the oil level, run your thumb and forefinger over the dipstick blade before wiping. If dirt particles or metal particles are found adhering to the dipstick, the oil should be changed (see Section Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
Coolant - checking and adjusting the level and condition
Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with skin or painted vehicle surfaces. If this does happen, rinse off the antifreeze immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is highly toxic, so do not leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor: children or animals may be attracted to its sweet smell and drink it.
Do not remove the filler cap of the expansion tank or the radiator cap until the engine has completely cooled down!
1. The vehicles in question are equipped with an overpressure compensation type cooling system. The location of the expansion tank depends on the specific car model (see illustrations Engine compartment components). As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant (coolant) fills the tank. When the engine cools down, the coolant automatically flows back into the cooling system, which ensures that the coolant level is maintained at a constant level.
2. Checking the coolant level should be done regularly, at least every month, and before every long trip.
3. The coolant level in the expansion tank fluctuates depending on the engine temperature: when the engine is cold (temperature around 20 degrees.) it should be level «KALT/COLD» (or a little higher) on the transparent wall of the tank, and as the engine warms up, the coolant level should increase, but not go beyond the mark «MAX». If this is not the case, allow the engine to cool, then remove the expansion tank cap and correct the coolant level.
Label on the wall of the expansion tank, option 1
Label on the wall of the expansion tank, option 2
4. To fill the cooling system, be sure to use the mixture specified in the Specifications in Section Vehicle settings and routine maintenance.
If it becomes necessary to fill the cooling system on the road, then in the summer you can use clean water, but not another type of antifreeze. Antifreeze of the required type can be added later, but as soon as possible.
5. If the coolant level drops rapidly, visually inspect the cooling system for leaks - they are usually detected by a white or rust-colored coating in the area surrounding the leak.
- Check the condition of the hoses and the reliability of their attachment to the nozzles, replace damaged hoses and clamps (see also Section Checking the condition and replacing hoses and tubes in the engine compartment, localizing leaks). Cracks are easier to detect if the hose is pinched;
- Check the expansion tank cap seal.
- Check the cooling system with pressure. To do this, install a device for pressurizing the expansion tank on the neck of the expansion tank. At initial pressure 1 atm its losses should not exceed 0.1 atm in 2 minutes. Otherwise, check the tightness of the cooling system.
6. If no leaks are found, perform a leak test on the radiator cap. To do this, first pull on the cover vacuum valve and release it - it should return to its original position. Check that the valve seat is free of dirt and damage. Then lubricate the radiator cap seal with coolant and connect a pressurizer to the cap. The valve should open at a pressure of approx 2 atm. Otherwise, replace the radiator cap.
7. You should also check the condition of the coolant - it should be relatively clean. If the liquid has a brown or rusty color, it should be drained, the cooling system flushed and filled with a new mixture (see Section Coolant replacement). Even if the coolant looks normal, the corrosion inhibitors included in its composition lose their effectiveness over time, so the coolant should be replaced periodically.
8. To check the frost resistance of the coolant, use a hydrometer.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid in contact with eyes and painted surfaces of the vehicle can damage them. Do not use brake fluid that has been exposed for a long time or is more than one year old. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can degrade its properties and lead to a dangerous loss of braking system performance.
Brake fluid is also used to actuate the clutch.
1. The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left side of the engine compartment, near its bulkhead, and is divided into two parts, each for its own brake circuit (see illustrations Engine compartment components). The transparent walls of the reservoir allow you to observe the level of the brake fluid from the outside. To warn of a low level of brake fluid, there is a corresponding K / L in the instrument cluster, the inclusion of which is duplicated by the corresponding message (see chapter Controls and methods of operation). However, it is recommended to check the fluid level regularly.
2. The liquid level with the lid closed must be between the marks «MIN» And «MAX» on the walls of the tank. Make sure that the level does not fall below the mark «MIN».
Brake fluid reservoir with MIN and MAX marks
3. If the level is low, first wipe the top of the reservoir and the cap with a clean rag to prevent dirt from entering the brake system after removing the cap. Add liquid to the correct level, but do not overfill.
4. While the reservoir cap is removed, check the brake fluid and reservoir for contamination. If there are rust particles, dirt or water droplets, the fluid should be replaced. After bringing the brake fluid level to the correct level, make sure that the cap is installed evenly to avoid fluid leakage and / or dirt ingress.
5. Liquid level in the main brake cylinder (GTZ) will fall slightly as a result of wear of the friction linings of the brake pads. There is no need to add it as long as the level remains near the mark «MIN», - it will rise after replacing the pads. A very low level may indicate worn brake pads - check them (see Section Checking the brake system and clutch).
6. If the brake fluid level keeps dropping, check the entire brake system for leaks immediately. As a rule, worn caps in the wheel cylinders are the cause. Inspect brake lines, hoses and fittings along with calipers, wheel cylinders and GTZ (see Section Checking the brake system and clutch). Brake fluid is also used in the clutch actuator, so the clutch lines and slave cylinder should be checked for damage or loose connections.
7. If the reservoir is empty or almost empty when checking the fluid level, the brake system must be checked for leaks and bled (see Sections Checking the brake system and clutch and Changing the brake fluid and bleeding the brake system).
Power Steering Fluid
With the appropriate configuration, power steering fluid is also used in the hydraulic suspension.
1. Checking the power steering fluid level can be carried out either when it is warmed up (80°С), or when it is at ambient temperature.
2. To check, the dipstick built into the cover of the power steering fluid reservoir is marked «MIN» And «MAX» (see illustrations Engine compartment components).
3. Shut off the engine and remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
4. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth.
Avoid contamination of power steering fluid.
5. Install the lid on the tank (without twisting), remove it and make sure that the fluid level is between the corresponding marks. Otherwise, add fresh power steering fluid. Close the lid.
6. Start the engine, and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to remove air from the hydraulic booster.
7. Turn off the engine. The power steering fluid level should rise by about 5 mm above the mark «MAX».
Washer fluid for windows and headlight lenses
1. Windshield and headlight washer fluid should be added to the appropriate reservoir through the filler neck (see illustrations Engine compartment components).
2. In temperate climates, plain water can be used to clean the glass, but it is recommended to add glass cleaner to it. The tank should be no more than two-thirds full to leave room for expansion when the water freezes. In areas with cold climates, use a special antifreeze windshield washer to lower the fluid's freezing point. It is usually sold in concentrated or prepared form.
Do not use antifreeze for the cooling system as an additive to increase the frost resistance of the washer fluid. Mix concentrated antifreeze with water according to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.
3. To remove stubborn dirt, a strong detergent should be added to the appropriate tank.