Stage 2 Course Content 10 — Maintenance of Automobiles

• Maintenance and care of each part of the automobile
• Checking items to carry, tools, etc. and using them
• Changing tires, etc.
• How to conduct pre-driving checks

1. Maintenance and Care of Each Part of the Automobile

Maintaining a vehicle in good condition all the time by checking it helps to prevent traffic accidents. It is drivers' responsibility and duty. Taking care of a vehicle is also important, since in addition to that a driver can always drive comfortably, he/she can notice an abnormality of the vehicle.

1. Maintenance and Care of Four-Wheeled Vehicles

① Lights

Wipe dirt off the lights and check the lens for any damage. Also, check the lighting and flashing conditions. If a light does not light up, replace its bulb or fuse.

• When you check the brake lights or reversing lights by yourself, check the reflection on a wall or glass.
• Check the headlights to make sure that both the high beams and low beams light up successfully.

※ When you replace a bulb or fuse, replace with ones that have the same shape, voltage (V), current (A), watt (W), etc. as the old one.

② Windshield and side window glasses

If the windshield and side window glasses are dirty, your visibility will be impaired and consequently a traffic accident may be caused. To ensure good visibility, always keep the glasses clean using a glass cleaner or oil film remover. Especially, if an oil film is formed, visibility becomes poor due to glare when traveling in the rain at night.

Attention — Do not impair your visibility

Do not hang a doll, etc. near the front windshield, place an object between the rear seats and the rear windshield, or apply any tint film or blinds to the windows. Doing so will impair your visibility.

Prohibition against tint film

Applying dark tint film to the windshield or the side windows on both sides of the driver's seat is prohibited. Since tint film shades lights from outside, the driver's ability to make a proper judgment will be impaired. Further, the driver's face cannot be recognized from outside. For other traffic, a driver's face is one of the important information.

③ Wipers

If the wipers do not work properly in the rain or snow, the front visibility will be restricted, causing danger. Check the wipers to make sure that they work properly and wipe off well.

• Check if the wipers operate smoothly at low and high speeds.
• Check if the wiper blades (rubber) are damaged or worn.
• Check if the windshield washer fluid in the tank is sufficient. Also, check if the spraying height and direction are appropriate.
• In winter, vehicles in snowy regions should use winter wipers and a cold weather washer fluid.

Reference — Other checks

Steering wheel: Check the steering wheel to make sure that the play is appropriate and that there is no backlash. Also, check if the steering wheel swings to one side, has a tendency to turn, or is heavy.

Exhaust device: When combustion is normal, the exhaust gas is colorless or pale blue (complete combustion). When it is abnormal, the color is black (incomplete combustion) or white (engine oil burning). If such gas is observed, the vehicle needs to be checked and serviced.

④ Battery (Storage battery)

A battery is the power source of electrical devices of an automobile. Since the engine does not start if the electric capacity of a battery lowers, pay attention to the following points.

• Check the battery fluid level. Since the battery fluid decreases little by little, you need to add distilled water (refill fluid) once in a while.

※ Since battery fluid is diluted sulfuric acid, do not touch it with bare hands and keep your clothes from touching it.

• Check if the terminals are tightened firmly. If not, retighten them. If white powder, etc. generated by corrosion is observed around the terminals, remove it with warm water, and apply grease, etc.

Reference — In the event of a flat battery

If you forget to turn off the lights or keep the radio or car stereo turned on without starting the engine, this may result in a flat battery (the battery does not function due to low electric capacity). One way to start the engine in the event of a flat battery is to connect the battery of the broken-down vehicle to that of another vehicle (a rescue vehicle) with jumper cables. In doing so, make sure to connect the cable in a proper method and procedure, otherwise electronic devices, etc. may be damaged.

1. Connect the red cord to the positive electrode (red) of the broken-down vehicle, and then connect the other end of the red cord to the positive electrode (red) of the rescue vehicle.
2. Connect the black cord to the negative electrode (black) of the rescue vehicle, and then connect the other end of the black cord to the engine block (iron part of the engine body) of the broken-down vehicle. ※ You may connect the other end of the black cord to the negative electrode of the battery or metal part in the engine compartment.
3. Start the engine of the rescue vehicle first, and then start the engine of the broken-down vehicle.

2. Maintenance and Care of Two-Wheeled Vehicles

1. Rearview mirrors: Check if they are well-adjusted. Also, check the mirror for stain or damage.
2. Handlebars: Check if the handlebars are not heavy, no wire is caught, and there is no backlash.
3. Wheels and axles: Check the wheel bearings for "backlash" and the wheels for "distortion".
4. Muffler: Check if the muffler is installed integrally and is not damaged or corroded.
5. Chains: Press the middle part of the chain by finger to check if it is too loose or too taut.
6. Nuts and bolts: The nuts and bolts securing the devices may come loose due to the vibrations and shocks while traveling. If you find a loose nut or bolt, retighten it.
7. Lubrication: When grease applied to parts where the brake lever or the clutch lever is attached or where metals rub against each other, such as a drive chain, runs out, they will not move smoothly and make metallic sounds. To make them move smoothly, lubricate them once in a while.

※ Check the lights and the battery in the same manner as four-wheeled vehicles.

2. Checking Items to Carry, Tools, etc. and Using Them

1. Inspecting Items to Carry

Just in case, make sure to always carry the following items, which may be used in the event of breakdown or accident, in your vehicle.

1. Emergency signaling devices — Red flashlight / Smoke flare. It is a driver's duty to carry either of them in his/her automobile. (Heavy special equipment, light special equipment, two-wheeled motor vehicles including those with sidecars, and automobiles being towed are exempted.)
2. Emergency warning reflector device — Emergency warning reflector board / Emergency warning light
3. Tools
4. Spare tire
5. First-aid kit
6. Fire extinguisher — A vehicle that carries gunpowder, hazardous materials, or combustible materials, or an automobile with a seating capacity of 11 people or more must carry a fire extinguisher.

※ Just in case, carry a wire, rope, and jumper cable. In addition to them, carry tire chains, shovel, etc. in winter.

2. Using the Tools

To use spare tires, jacks and tools used to fix minor problems whenever necessary, you need to check these tools and learn how to use them in advance.

※ In addition, it is recommended to carry waste clothes, gloves, buckets, etc. They are useful at such times as fixing the vehicle.

3. Changing Tires, etc.

1. How to Change Tires

When you have to change a tire of a four-wheeled vehicle after getting a flat tire, etc., work while paying attention to the following points.

• Work in a safe place with a hard flat road surface, where the vehicle does not obstruct other traffic.
• Before starting the work, apply the parking brake firmly and shift the gear into low (1) or reverse (R) in the case of a manual transmission vehicle, or parking range (P) in the case of an automatic transmission vehicle, to prevent the vehicle from moving.
• To show the presence of your vehicle clearly to other traffic, place an emergency warning reflector device or turn on the hazard lights.

※ Changing a tire at night is especially dangerous. Do it in an illuminated place as much as possible.

Procedure for changing a tire:

1. Place wheel chocks. Place wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is jacked up (lifted). The wheel chocks should be placed in front and rear of tire positioned diagonally opposite from the tire to be changed.
2. Loosen the nuts. If a hub cap is installed, remove it from the vehicle. Then slightly loosen the nuts with a wheel nut wrench.
3. Set the jack and jack up the vehicle. Apply a jack to the jack-up point near the tire to be changed, and then jack up the vehicle until the tire is slightly raised from the ground (2 to 3 cm above the ground). If you apply a jack to a place other than the jack-up points, the vehicle body may be damaged or the jack may come off. Place a jack carefully to avoid such risks.
4. Remove the nuts and replace with a spare tire. Remove all the nuts that you have loosened slightly, and then replace the tire with a spare tire. Keep any removed nuts together.
5. Tighten the nuts temporarily. Paying attention to the orientation and turning direction of each nut, tighten the nuts temporarily, to the degree that the tire does not rattle. The thinner side of the nut should face inward.
6. Lower the jack and tighten the nuts firmly. Lower the jack, and when the tire touches the ground, firmly retighten the nuts in a star pattern.
7. Attach the hub cap and remove the jack.
8. Check the tools, etc., and place them in the trunk together with the removed tire.

Reference — Tire for temporary use (spare tire) for four-wheeled vehicles

The air pressure of a tire for temporary use is higher, and the diameter and width are slightly smaller than standard tires. Since it is only for temporary use, it cannot withstand high-speed or long-distance traveling. Also, chains, etc. cannot be installed. Just in case, check the spare tire for air pressure, etc. on a routine basis.

Emergency flat tire repair kit

Recently, many vehicles are not equipped with a spare tire. Instead of a spare tire, such vehicles are provided with "emergency flat tire repair kit" to be prepared for a flat tire. Repair the flat tire temporarily using this repair kit. After repairing the tire temporarily, replace it with a new one as soon as possible.

Rotation of the tires (exchange of tire positions) for four-wheeled vehicles

On a four-wheeled vehicle, if the tires are used in the same positions for a long time, the tires wear unevenly, reducing the life of the tires and affecting safe driving. Change the tire positions periodically (about once in 3,000 to 5,000 km of travel).

2. How to Install Tire Chains

When installing tire chains, stop the vehicle in a safe place where the vehicle does not obstruct other traffic, and place an emergency warning reflector device or turn on the hazard lights. In doing so, note the following points.

• Use a chain which fits the size of the tire.
• Install chains on the drive wheels. (On the rear wheels for FR vehicles, on the front wheels for FF vehicles)

With the vehicle jacked up:

1. Place wheel chocks.
2. Set the jack and jack up the vehicle.
3. Put the tire chain on top of the tire. ※ Be careful not to mistake the inside of the chains for the outside. Install so that the folded parts of the connectors are facing outside.

Without using a jack:

1. Lay out the chains near the tire.
2. Reverse the vehicle so the wheel is on the chain (10–20 cm).
3. Install the chain to the tire, like wrapping it from the rear side.

For both methods:

4. Connect the inner hook, and then the outer hook. The inner hook should be connected to the other end of the chain. Connect the outer hook while pulling both ends of the chain closer as much as possible, so that the chain is taut. The extra chain on the outer side of the tire should be fastened using a wire, etc. to keep it from hitting and damaging the vehicle body while traveling.
5. Install a chain band. After driving a short distance with the chain installed, check the chain condition and how well it is fitted to the tire. Attach a chain band evenly in diagonal order, with the claws of the clips (clasps) face outside. Be careful not to mistake the orientation of the clips.

4. How to Conduct Pre-driving Checks

1. Necessity of Pre-Driving Checks and Obligation to Conduct Them

In order to prevent a failure or traffic accident from occurring, automobile user must carry out necessary maintenance on their automobiles including pre-driving checks depending on usage conditions and periodic inspections at predetermined times. Pre-driving checks are inspections that an automobile user or a person who is going to drive an automobile does on his/her own responsibility in the daily use of an automobile. Pre-driving checks should be carried out at an appropriate time judged based on the travel distance, condition while traveling, etc. Those who are going to drive taxis or other automobiles for business use, rental automobiles or predetermined private-use automobiles must conduct an inspection once a day before driving them.

Automobiles that must undergo pre-driving checks once a day before their use:

1. Automobiles for business use (excluding automobiles of 660 cc or less, large motorcycle, and regular motorcycle)
2. Rental automobiles
3. Private-use automobiles that fall under the following categories:
   • Automobiles with a seating capacity of 11 people or more
   • Trucks (excluding 660 cc or less)
   • Automobiles for picking up preschool children (excluding 660 cc or less)
   • Vehicles for special use (excluding 660 cc or less)
   • Heavy special equipment
   • Automobiles with 3 wheels
   • Automobiles of 660 cc or less equipped with caterpillar tracks and skis

Attention — Types of checks and maintenance

• Pre-driving checks: Checks and maintenance conducted by the user, etc. of an automobile at appropriate times judging from the vehicle's mileage, operating conditions, etc.
• Periodic inspections: Inspection and maintenance that must be conducted periodically to prevent the breakdown of an automobile and to maintain its performance (legally designated inspection). (Refer to p. 233)
• Automobile inspections (vehicle inspections): A periodic inspection to confirm that an automobile meets the required safety standards (in safety, environmentally, etc.). (Refer to p. 232)

2. Items to Check and Checking Methods

On a four-wheeled vehicle, checks should be carried out while sitting on the driver's seat, by looking into the engine compartment, and by looking the vehicle from around it. On a two-wheeled vehicle, checks should be carried out from around the vehicle.

(1) Defective parts found when traveling

(2) Checks from the driver's seat

Apply brakes (Depression range of the brake pedal / Pull range of the brake lever / Effectiveness of the brakes)

• Four-wheeled vehicles: Depress the brake pedal fully and check if the clearance between the pedal and the floorboard (pedal reserve) and the feeling of depressing the brakes are both appropriate. If the clearance with the pedal and the floorboard is too narrow, or if the feeling of the pedal is too soft, the brakes may not be effective due to a leakage of brake fluid or air mixed in the fluid.
• Two-wheeled vehicles: Inspect whether the play in the brake pedal or brake lever and the feeling of depressing (pulling) the pedal (lever) are appropriate. As for the hydraulic brakes, if the clearance between the lever and handgrip is too narrow when you pull the lever strongly, or the depression range of the pedal is too large or the feeling of the pedal is too soft when you depress the pedal strongly, the brakes may not be working properly due to a leakage of brake fluid or air mixed in the fluid.

Brake terminology:

• a Play: The extent to which the brake pedal first moves when a driver steps on the brake pedal. The brakes do not engage within this range of movement. If the play is too large, the brake engagement may delay, or the brake does not work well. If the play is too small, the brakes are likely to be kept engaged.
• b Depression: The range in which the brakes start to engage and works completely.
• c Clearance (Pedal reserve): The space between the pedal and the floorboard when the pedal is fully depressed. If the clearance is too small, the brakes will not work effectively.

Parking brake lever (pedal)

Pull (depress) the lever (pedal) fully and check if the pull range (depression range) is too large or too small. ※ If you drive a vehicle without releasing the parking brake (hand brake) completely, the brake may be damaged or a fire may be caused. When you release the parking brake, confirm that the warning light (red light) goes off.

Engine (How the engine starts / Abnormal noise / Conditions when the vehicle travels at low speed or accelerates)

1. Check if the engine starts promptly, and the revolution is smooth. Check if there is any abnormal noise when the engine starts or is idling.
2. While keeping the engine warm, check if the revolution continues smoothly during the engine is idling. Accelerate the engine gradually and check if there is any hindrance in the accelerator and the engine revolves smoothly without causing stalling or knocking. These should be checked while driving the vehicle or using other methods.

Windshield washer (Spraying condition): Check if the spraying height and direction of the windshield washer fluid are appropriate.

Wipers (Cleaning condition): Turn on the wipers and check if the wipers run successfully at both low and high speeds. If the wiper blades are worn and the wiper does not move smoothly, replace the blades. Check if they can clean the windshield completely.

(3) Check of the engine compartment

(4) Checks from around the vehicle

Lamps and turn signal lights (Lighting and flashing conditions, dirt, and damage): Start the engine and check the lighting condition of the lamps, including the headlights, taillights, number-plate lights, brake lights, and side marker lights. Also, check the turn signals for flashing condition. Check the lenses, etc. for dirt and damage.

Tires (Air pressure / Cracks and damages / Abnormal wear / Tread depth):

1. Check the flexure of each tire at the tread to determine whether the air pressure is appropriate.
   • When the air pressure is high, the tire tread becomes small, making the vehicle more likely to skid.
   • If the air pressure is low, the tire wears fast, the steering wheel becomes heavy, and the cracks and damages appear on the surface, which may result in a traffic accident while traveling at a high speed.
   • If the air pressure is different in the right and left tires, the steering wheel tends to turn to the side with lower pressure.
2. Check the entire circumference of each tire for cracks and damages. Also, check the entire circumference of each tire to confirm that there are no nails, stones, or other foreign objects stuck or embedded in the tires.
3. Check the tread of each tire for notably worn portions.
4. Check to see that the tread depth is enough by looking at the wear-indicator (slip sign) or using other methods. A wear-indicator appears when the tread depth becomes 1.6 mm in the case of a four-wheeled vehicle, and 0.8 mm in the case of a two-wheeled vehicle. When a wear-indicator appears, replace the old tire with a new one.

Wheel discs (Attaching condition): Check if there are any loose or fallen wheel nuts, bent or unevenly protruded wheel bolts, and traces of liquid containing rust by visual check or using a tool such as an inspection hammer.

Check mark legend:

• Items with ■ mark: Even for automobiles that must undergo pre-driving checks once a day, these items only have to be checked at appropriate times judged based on the vehicle's mileage, the conditions while driving, etc.
• Items with ▲ mark: In the case of regular passenger vehicles for private use, etc., these items only have to be checked at periodic inspections.
• Items with □ mark: These items are checked only for the automobile with a vehicle gross weight of 8 tons or more or with a seating capacity of 30 people or more.

(5) Checks of vehicles equipped with air brakes

Vehicles equipped with air brakes must undergo the checks listed below additionally.

Reference — Examples of malfunctions that may occur if checks and maintenance are not carried out

An automobile is comprised of many components. Friction or deterioration is inevitable with some parts (rubber parts, oils, etc.), and some other parts (bolts or nuts) may become loose in using an automobile. Therefore, if you fail to carry out checks and maintenance, the following malfunctions may result.

Part	Consequence of neglect
Battery fluid	If a battery is used with the battery fluid insufficient, the battery may generate heat or explode.
Brake fluid	Brake fluid absorbs moisture that comes in through a vent and deteriorates with use. Therefore, if the same brake oil is used for a long time, the brakes will not work effectively.
Engine oil	Using deteriorated engine oil decreases the lubrication performance, leading to an engine problem or burn in.
Wiper blades	Using deteriorated wiper blades decreases the performance of windshield wipers, which leads to poor visibility.
Air cleaner element	If the air cleaner element is clogged with dust or dirt, the engine cannot intake necessary air, causing low output, high fuel consumption, and emission gas problem.
Coolant	Using deteriorated coolant causes corrosion in the radiator or overheating.
Fan belt	Using a loose fan belt causes a flat battery or overheating.
Oil filter	Using a clogged oil filter causes a problem in oil flow, causing damage inside the engine.
Brake hose	Using a deteriorated brake hose causes problems such as cracks, leading to fluid leak, etc. Consequently, the brakes will not work effectively.
Brake pads and linings	They wear as the travel distance and usage count increases. When they are worn exceeding their limit, fluid leakage occurs and the brakes will not work effectively.

Let's Try — Course Content 10 — Check your understanding with right/wrong questions.

(See page 275 for answers.)

1. If the resistance to depression of the brake pedal feels weak, there is a risk of brake fluid leaking or air in the brake hose.
2. The purpose of coolant in the radiator is to cool the engine, and is not required to check or refill coolant during winter when temperatures are low.
3. If an oil film has been formed on the windshield, visibility becomes poor when it starts to rain while traveling. It is advisable to remove dirt with detergent.
4. Exhaust gases are colorless or pale blue when the level of gas mixture is high and combustion is incomplete.
5. When the chain of a two-wheeled vehicle is checked by pressing the middle of the chain with a finger while the vehicle is supported with the center stand, a taut chain is preferred over a loose chain.
6. Checking the wear-indicator (slip sign) is an easy way to check whether the tread depth is sufficient.
7. The battery fluid must be maintained at the specified level, otherwise a flat battery may be caused, and the engine may not be started.
8. Pre-driving checks are inspections that an automobile user or a person who attempts to drive an automobile does on his/her own responsibility in the daily use of an automobile.

(正: right, 誤: wrong)