B
MAINTENANCE
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
39
Owner’s Guide
The correct cleaning method is to spray the top and sides of the battery with a solution of baking soda and water. Apply
this solution with a plastic spray bottle. The solution is 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with
1 quart (1 liter) of water. Spray the solution on all metal components near the battery also.
Allow the solution to set a minimum of three minutes. Use a soft bristle brush or cloth to clean the top of the battery to
remove residue that can cause the discharge of the battery. Clean the area with low pressure clear water.
Be careful when you use the aerosol containers near battery terminals. Use a metal container that
has insulation to prevent an explosion.
Clean one time a month or more often in harsh conditions. After the battery is clean and dry, apply a commercially avail-
able protectant to the terminals.
TIRE INSPECTION
Inspect the tire condition according to the Periodic Service Schedule. Tire inflation pressures must be checked when the
tires are cool. Always install the valve dust cap after you check or inflate the tires.
BRAKES
Always inspect the pedal travel before you operate a
vehicle to confirm some brake function is found.
Make sure you do all brake tests in a safe location
with regard to the safety of all personnel.
A subtle loss of performance can occur over time; therefore, it is
important to establish the standard with a new vehicle.
The Periodic Brake Performance Test should be performed regu-
larly as an evaluation of braking system performance. It is useful
as a method of identifying subtle loss of performance over time.
1 quart (1 liter)
Clear Water
2 teaspoons (10 ml)
Sodium Bicabonate
(Baking Soda)
Plastic Spray
Bottle
Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
Latch park
brake and take
foot off pedal.
Line or Marker
Acceptable
Stopping
Distance
Normal Range of
Stopping Distance
Any vehicles that stop
more than 4 ft. (1.2 m)
beyond the acceptable
stopping distance or
pulls to one side should
be removed from service
and inspected by a
qualified mechanic.
Accelerate to
maximum speed.
4 ft. (1.2 m)
Line or Marker
Dry, Level, Clean, Paved Surface
