My Summer Car – Satsuma AMP Maintenance Guide and Tips

To maintain your Satsuma on the road in My Summer Car, you can follow this road kit and introduction guide to ensure a smooth driving experience and minimize headaches. This guide outlines what to expect as a Satsuma owner and offers advice on keeping it in good condition for the future. Before diving into the details, let’s first highlight the essential items you should always have in your trunk:

Road Kit

• Wrenches/Ratchet: These are necessary for removing bolts. Never leave without them, as a simple flat tire or a lost part can bring your journey to a standstill.
• Spare Tire: Flat tires are quite common, especially when driving on rough terrain. If you use the spare tire, be sure to make plans to repair the damaged one as soon as possible.
• Gasoline: Whether it’s due to forgetting to check the fuel level or encountering a mechanical issue, your Satsuma needs fuel to operate. Having a backup supply can save you from a long trip to refuel.
• Non-Perishable Food: In case you get stuck during your journey, having non-perishable food and drinks on hand can be a lifesaver. Make sure these items won’t spoil if left in a hot car.
• Light Source: Breaking down at night can be frustrating, especially if you can’t see what’s gone wrong. Carry a reliable light source and have backup batteries if needed.

Not Breaking the AMP

To ensure that you don’t encounter vehicle damage or injury while using your AMP, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

• Battery Safety: When connecting or disconnecting the battery, always start with the positive terminal and then the negative one. This helps prevent electrical issues.
• Cooling System Caution: Never attempt to open the radiator and check the fluid levels when the engine is hot. Wait for it to cool down to avoid burns and potential damage.
• Choke Usage: Use the choke when the engine temperature gauge shows it’s at 1/4th of the way up. This helps with smoother engine performance during startup.
• Gentle Driving: Drive your car gently until it’s fully warmed up. This allows the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature gradually.
• Speed Limits: The recommended maximum speed for your AMP is 100-120 km/h. Going faster than this could lead to premature wear and tear.
• Maintenance Awareness: If you notice any issues with the car, such as strange noises or decreased performance, pull over promptly. Avoid turning a minor problem into a major breakdown.
• Starting Troubles: If the car doesn’t start within 5 seconds of cranking, stop trying to prevent battery drain and wear on the starter motor.
• Brake Care: Avoid sliding or locking up the brakes, as this can lead to unnecessary tire wear.
• Cruising in 4th Gear: On flat terrain, your AMP can comfortably cruise in 4th gear when traveling above 60 km/h.
• Getting Unstuck: If you find yourself stuck, be cautious not to burn the clutch while trying to get unstuck. Apply gradual and controlled pressure to avoid damage.

Parts Basics

Understanding the basics of maintaining your vehicle’s parts and fluids is crucial for a trouble-free journey. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to manage these elements:

Worry-Free Items (No Adjustment Needed While Driving):

• Camshaft Timing
• Valve Adjustment
• Carburetor Adjustment
• Spark Timing
• Belt Adjustment
• Oil Filter Tightness

Basic Parts to Monitor:

• Fan Belt: A properly adjusted belt system should remain in good condition for an extended period. If you hear a squealing noise while running, it may be due to poor adjustment or a malfunctioning alternator/water pump.
• Battery: Under normal conditions, a well-functioning alternator keeps the battery charged. Avoid leaving the key in the ignition with the door open, as it can drain the battery. If the battery is drained or the alternator fails, consider replacing the battery. Signs of a dying battery include slow cranking or no dash lights.
• Headlight Bulbs: Replace them monthly if you frequently drive at night, or bimonthly if not. It’s a good idea to carry at least one spare bulb in the car.
• Oil Filter: Replace the oil filter during every oil change.
• Spark Plugs: Check them every two weeks. If any plug appears dirty or worn, replace all four.

Fluid Maintenance:

• Fuel: The fuel level should remain constant when the vehicle is not running. If the vehicle won’t start, check the fuel level first.
• Oil: Check and top up the oil every 3-5 trips, depending on the length of your journeys. If the oil appears dark brown or black, and it’s time for an oil change, replace the oil filter as well. If the red oil light comes on, pull over immediately, stop the engine, and add oil before restarting.
• Brake Fluid: Check it every month or if you notice weak braking performance. Make sure to inspect both the front and rear fluid reservoirs.
• Clutch Fluid: Check the clutch fluid along with the brake fluid. If the car won’t move in gear, it’s an indication that the clutch fluid needs to be topped up.
• Coolant: Do not check the coolant when the engine is hot. Inspect and add coolant every 3-5 trips based on their length or if the engine starts running hot. If coolant starts spraying, reduce engine load. If it continues to spray, pull over and turn off the engine until it cools down.

Parts Advanced

Now, let’s delve into more advanced aspects of car care, particularly focusing on items that may experience wear and issues as your mileage increases:

Low Mileage Wear Items:

• Alternator: Keep an eye on the red circular charge warning light on your dash. If this light comes on frequently or if you’re dealing with frequent dead batteries, it’s a sign that your alternator may need replacement.
• Clutch: Wear in the clutch system can manifest as high RPMs when you’re moving from a standstill and even smoke emanating from the transmission area.
• Fuel Pump: Early indicators of fuel pump issues include difficulty starting the car when it’s cold, power loss, and stalling. If the fuel pump fails, the car won’t run.
• Head Gasket: You’ll notice wear in the head gasket when you see white smoke coming from the engine bay and exhaust. Additionally, the engine may run hotter and lose coolant.
• Water Pump: A failing water pump can lead to high engine temperatures and coolant loss. Neglecting it for too long may cause it to seize, potentially damaging the belt system.

High Mileage Wear Items:

• Crankshaft: Crankshaft damage can present as aggressive vibrations and stalling. This is a critical component of your engine’s operation.
• Gearbox: A damaged gearbox may lead to the loss of gears and significantly impact your ability to drive the vehicle.
• Pistons: Early signs of piston damage include blue exhaust smoke and increased oil consumption. If left unattended for too long, damaged pistons can seize, rendering the engine inoperable until repairs are made.
• Rocker Shaft: Wear in the rocker shaft may be evident as a clicking or hammering noise. Engine performance can also be affected to varying degrees.
• Starter: A worn starter may produce clicking or grinding noises without successfully starting the engine.

Monitoring and addressing these advanced wear items is crucial as your vehicle accumulates mileage. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues can help extend the life of your car and prevent more significant problems down the road.

Brakes and Suspension

To wrap up your knowledge on maintaining your AMP, let’s cover brakes and the suspension system:

• Alignment: Keep an eye on your car’s alignment. Poor alignment can manifest as a tendency to pull to one side while driving and can result in increased tire wear. Regularly check and correct alignment as needed.
• Struts: Your AMP’s front suspension includes struts. If a strut is damaged, it can lead to unpredictable handling, excessive bouncing, or a complete lack of bounce in the front suspension. Promptly address any issues with damaged struts.
• Shocks: Shocks are part of the rear suspension system. While they have a lesser impact on handling compared to struts, damaged shocks can result in poor dampening, affecting ride comfort and stability. If you notice issues with your car’s dampening, have the shocks inspected and replaced if necessary.
• Wheels: The tires on your AMP are generally durable and tend to last a long time. Most tire failures occur due to punctures rather than natural road wear. Keep an eye out for punctures and replace tires as needed to maintain safe and efficient driving.

With this comprehensive knowledge of your AMP’s maintenance and care, you’re well-equipped to cover significant distances with confidence. Don’t hesitate to refer back to this manual whenever needed, and if you have any corrections or additional questions, feel free to share them in the comments. Safe travels!