GREAT CHAMPIONS

​EASY GUIDE TO STREET CAR MAINTENANCE

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​1) ENGINE OIL: follow the 5 recommendations below and your engine will last a long time:

• Use oil with the exact specification indicated in the car manual. The API classification of the oil can be the same or higher, but NEVER lower than the recommended one and NEVER mix oils with different bases (mineral with synthetic).

• Change the oil at the mileage indicated in the manual OR at the time of the last oil change, whichever is due sooner.

• Keep in mind that synthetic oils are of better quality than mineral and semi-synthetic oils. 

• Always replace the oil filter when changing the oil.

• IN SEVERE CONDITION OF USE (​short urban transits, traffic jams, dirt roads, dirt, sand, in places with iron ore dust or extreme temperature or humidity conditions), change the oil at half the mileage indicated in the manual or at half the recommended time of the last change, whichever is due sooner.

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2) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL: refer to the manual for oil type and change mileage. In the absence of this information, experts recommend changing it every 60,000 km (or 40,000 km for CVT exchange).

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NOTE: Pay attention when checking 60,000 km and its multiples, as several parts must be inspected and/or replaced.

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3) AIR FILTER, FUEL FILTER AND AIR CONDITIONING FILTER (CABIN): on average, the air filter and air conditioning cabin filter are changed every 20,000 km, but if the car is used on dirt, clay or sand terrain, the change period must be shortened. The fuel filter must be changed at the mileage indicated in the car manual.

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​​4) BATTERY: if the car takes a long time to start, it could be a symptom of a weak battery. Check that the battery pole clamps are securely connected. Once that's done, have an electrician check that the alternator is good. If it's good, it's very likely that the problem really is the battery. 

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5) ALIGNMENT, CAMBING, BALANCING, WHEEL SCREWS/NUTS: Every 5,000 km, ask your mechanic to check whether the brake pads and discs are good, identifying a problem, replace the part with the problem immediately. It is recommended to change the brake fluid every 2 or 3 years, use the fluid specification indicated in the manual. There is no expiration date on tires, but it is not recommended that they be used after more than 10 years of manufacture, as they begin to lose grip.

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6) BRAKES, BRAKE FLUID AND TIRES: every 5,000 km ask your mechanic to check whether the brake pads and discs are good, if any problem is identified, change them immediately. It is recommended to change the brake fluid every 2 or 3 years, using the fluid specification indicated in the manual. There is no expiration date on tires, but it is strongly not recommended that they be used after more than 10 years of manufacture, as they begin to lose grip.

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​NOTE:In some cars, brake fluid is also used in the car's clutch system, so it's important to change it at the intervals indicated in the manual.

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7) SPARK SPARKS, SPARK PLUG ROPES, POLY V BELT, TOOTH BELT AND CONTROL CHAIN: they must be changed at the frequency indicated in the car manual. When changing the timing belt, take the opportunity and change the belt tensioner.

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​8) RADIATOR: It is recommended to change the radiator fluid around 60,000 km or every 3 years and use the additive indicated in the manual. You can use a ready-to-use additive, or use an additive in the correct proportion with demineralized water. Do not use tap water as chlorine accelerates system corrosion and never mix additives with different chemical compositions.

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9) BUTTERFLY BODY: it is good practice to inspect the Throttle Body every 30,000 km to check if there is excess carbonization or oil sludge there. If you encounter this situation, it could be a sign of: expired oil, adulterated fuel, a problem with the oil breather valve, or, in some cases, normal use of the car.

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10) Vehicle with NGV (Natural Gas Vehicular): cars with NGV need to reduce the period for changing the oil, air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires, rear springs, etc. To preserve the components of the engine's power system, it is strongly recommended to start and run the car for 1 km on liquid fuel before switching to gas, and the car should be switched to liquid fuel 5 km before reaching the last destination of the day. Other than that, all inspections and safety tests of the NGV cylinder recommended by legislation must be carried out.

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TIPS TO DRIVE YOUR CAR ECONOMICALLY​​

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The car must be used with good quality fuel and oil, calibrated tires, up-to-date alignment, air and fuel filters, spark plugs, spark plug wires and coils, all in good condition.

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1) Throttle Usage: for Otto Cycle engines (gasoline/ethanol) it is important to maintain the speed at around 2,000 RPM. If there is a need to "stretch the gear", do so and then return to the range mentioned above. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary acceleration as much as possible, realizing that the light has turned red in front of you, take your foot off the accelerator and let the car coast until the sign. Do not use the car in neutral, as this is prohibited by the National Traffic Code. If you are going up a very steep hill, you should use the engine close to the maximum torque range to optimize its performance.

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2) Cars with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): this type of gearbox is extremely sensitive to the driver's driving style. To get out of standstill, accelerate, keeping the engine speed at around 2,000 RPM and when you reach the desired speed, reduce the pressure on the accelerator and maintain the car's inertia, keeping in mind that the gearbox electronics will determine the correct speed of the engine. to maintain the desired speed and save fuel. Where possible, use autopilot, as this helps a lot to reduce consumption.