I. Scan the text to find answers to these questions.

1. What maintenance is important to keep your car safe?

2. What is important to keep the engine in a good condition?

3. What is the function of the air filter?

4. What does a blocked filter decrease?

5. What actions can save you from costly repairs?

Preventive maintenance is important to keep your car safe. With proper care your car will last longer and some of the possible problems can be avoided.

A well-maintained car is not only safer but it is also more economical and produces less pollution. Servicing your car regularly you prevent it from becoming unreliable.

If you are a poor mechanic stopping at service stations periodically you will save your time and money. Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good condition. And don’t forget about the air filter. Its function is to remove particles of dirt, dust and other impurities from the air passing to the carburettor. A blocked filter decreases the airflow to the carburettor and increases the amount of fuel in the mixture. This causes the engine to operate inefficiently. Cleaning and changing filters regularly you prevent a considerable damage to cylinders of the engine.

Avoid overtaking the engine. Changing spark plugs, your air filter, oil filter, timing belt and other items according to maintenance schedule will save you from costly repairs.

II. Read the text “How to Avoid Car Problems” and say why it is important to follow these recommendations. How to Avoid Car Problems

An automobile service company recommends the following interval services for all cars. They include most of the items listed below.

Every 3,000 miles:

• C hange oil

• New quality oil filter

• Lubricate chassis (when available)

• Inspect wiper blades

• Check the windscreen fluid level

• Check the coolant condition

• C heck the brake fluid condition and level

• Check the steering fluid level and condition

• Check the transmission fluid level and condition

• Check the tyre pressure, front and rear

• Check the tyre wear and condition, front and rear

• Check the air filter

• Visually inspect the exhaust system (manifold and heat shields, the muffler, and the exhaust pipes)

• Visually inspect the shocks and struts

• Visually inspect the universal joints

• Visually inspect the oil, coolant, transmission, steering, differential and transfer case for fluid leaks

• V isually inspect the battery connections and cables

• Visually inspect the belt condition and adjustment

• Visually inspect the radiator and heater hose condition

• Check the brake pedal adjustment

• Check the emergency brake adjustment

• Check the clutch adjustment

Every 15,000 miles:

• All of the services at 3,000 miles, plus:

• Replace the cabin or passenger compartment air filter

• Rotate tyres

• Inspect the brakes: the brake lines and hoses, disc and drum systems check and adjust the parking brake

• Lubricate and inspect the shift linkage

• Lubricate and inspect the steering linkage

• Lubricate and inspect the throttle linkage

• Adjust the clutch, as required

• Check the clutch reservoir fluid condition and level

• Inspect the power steering lines, steering gear, linkage and drive shafts

• Inspect the front and rear suspension system

• Check the lights and horn for proper operation: