Additional Maintenance Work

REGULAR CHECK-UPS

To maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is recommended that you perform the following tasks on a regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is refueled).

CAUTION: Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the vehicle.

At Each Stop for Fuel

- Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. See the procedure described in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Understanding Your Instrument Panel section or under Engine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
- Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.
- Inspect wiper blade condition.
- Check operation of lighting systems.
- Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure (at least every 14 days).
- Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.) - check for leaks.

Once a Month

- Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
- Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder and power steering and add as needed.
- Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation.

Additional Periodic Maintenance

The following maintenance items should be performed during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that occurs first.

Every 2 years:

- Inspect body for paint damage.
- Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage and corrosion.

At approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years:

- Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
- Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).

At approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years:

- Replace fuel filter.
- Replace air cleaner filter element.

At approximately 80,000 miles (128,000 km):

- Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter. Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid. After this change it is filled for life. The manual transmission comes filled for life from the factory.

At approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years:

- Replace spark plugs.

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years:

- Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent extended life coolant.

WARNING: You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a maintenance service, take your vehicle to a competent technician.

SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Coolant

Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in the coolant checked before the onset of winter (once a year in countries with high prevailing temperatures). Have the coolant replaced every five years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replacement (If Equipped)

The dust filter is replaced during routine maintenance service. The filter element must be replaced with �B� Schedule service or every 18,500 miles (30,000 km) to maintain effectiveness. However, if operating conditions are dusty, these filters should be replaced more frequently. A cover in the HVAC unit that can be reached from the passenger foot well provides access to the filter element.

ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER REPLACEMENT

The recommended oil and filter change interval is based on FSS or 1 year. Please refer to the heading FSS System in this section for a full description of the use and interpretation of symbols in the FSS system. Only use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB229.3 or MB229.5, such as Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an oil change at the proper interval if an unapproved engine oil is used; engine damage and reduced engine life may result. Information is available from your authorized dealer. The oil filter should always be changed when the oil is changed.