Lada Niva Driver s Manual Jason Chapman
Pa
g
e 2
INTRODUCTION
The VAZ2121 is a comfortable, high speed, all wheel drive, cross country, economy car
intended to carry passengers and loads on paved roads of any kind and on dirt roads. The car
design makes it possible to operate the car at ambient temperatures ranging from plus 45"C
down to minus 40 "C.
The advanced design and use of high quality lubricants ensure reliable engine starting at low
ambient temperatures down to minus 25"C without a starting pre-heater. If the car is to be
operated at ambient temperatures below minus 25"C, it should be kept in a warm garage to
ensure reliable starting of the engine. A double circuit brake system incorporating a low brake
fluid level warning device and a rear brake pressure regulator comply with the modern safety
standards for passenger cars.
High operating properties and dependability, long service life and low labour input in
maintenance largely depend upon strict observance of the operating and servicing rules.
The present Manual contains basically a description of the VAZ2121 car, whereas the
design features VAZ21212 car are given in a separate chapter.
Inasmuch as the design of the VAZ cars is being constantly perfected, some units and
mechanisms may somewhat differ from those described in the present Manual.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Prior to starting the regular operation of the car the Owner is invited to carefully
study the present Manual.
The excellent performance of the car will become more conspicuous and its life will be
considerably longer if the Owner strictly adheres to the recommendations laid down below.
The comfortable car is easy to steer and exhibits high spurt and speed capabilities on the road
which fact ranks the car with ordinary passenger cars. However, it differs from them in its
cross-country ability on slushy dirt roads, sand and snow. Nevertheless, the Owner should
always remember that the car is not intended for constant operation un der heavy road
conditions.
If the car is driven in heavy sections of the road (on mud or sand), wash the car carefully and
examine the following parts more frequently than usual:
• Front wheel hub seals and lubricant
• Front brake friction pads;
• Protective rubber boots of the suspension ball supports, steering rod joints, and front
wheel drive joints. If the boot is damaged, water and mud penetrate into the joint, causing
its abnormal wear and failure. A damaged boot should be immediately replaced with a new
one.