| Whether or not you pump your own gas, your car | | | | unscrew the lid, depending on which type your vehicle |
| probably receives less attention than it should. Regular | | | | has. If you need fluid, add the approved type of fluid, |
| maintenance checks and simple service can greatly | | | | and check for possible leaks throughout the system. |
| reduce the cost of vehicle ownership. Most of the | | | | 7. Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir full. |
| checks and services described here can be done at | | | | When topping off, use some windshield washer fluid |
| little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to | | | | on a rag to clean off the wiper blades. In winter |
| do and they can save you time, money and | | | | months, pay attention to the freezing point of the |
| inconvenience now and later. | | | | washer fluid. |
| Always refer to your owner's manual when | | | | 8. Use extreme caution when handling a battery. |
| performing any maintenance task on your vehicle. | | | | It can produce explosive gases. Do not smoke, create |
| Periodically your car should have a thorough inspection | | | | a spark or light a match near a battery and always |
| by a qualified technician. | | | | wear protective glasses and gloves. Have it checked |
| | | | with every other oil change. The battery cables should |
| 1. Check the antifreeze/coolant level at least once a | | | | be attached securely and be free of corrosion. If the |
| month. | | | | battery has filler holes, add only clear, odorless drinking |
| Some cars have transparent reservoirs with level | | | | water when needed. |
| markings. Fill to the level marking with a 50/50 solution | | | | 9. Check the power steering fluid level once per month. |
| of anti-freeze and water. Caution: Do not remove the | | | | Simply remove the reservoir dipstick. If the level is |
| radiator pressure cap when engine is hot. | | | | down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for |
| 2. Visually inspect the belts and hoses monthly. | | | | leaks. |
| Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts. Tighten them | | | | 10. Inspect the windshield wiper blades whenever you |
| when more than 1/2" of slack can be depressed | | | | clean your windshield. |
| between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt | | | | Do not wait until the rubber is worn or brittle to replace |
| tensioners require no adjustment. Replace any bulging, | | | | them. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once |
| rotten, or brittle hoses, and tighten all clamps. If a hose | | | | per year, and more often if smearing or chattering |
| looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be | | | | occurs. |
| replaced. | | | | 11. Be sure all your lights are clean and working. |
| 3. Check the transmission fluid monthly. | | | | This should include head lights, parking lights, |
| Check your transmission fluid with the engine warm | | | | side-marker lights, brake lights including the third brake |
| and running, and parking brake on. Shift to drive, then | | | | light, turn signals, emergency flashers and license plate |
| reverse, and then to park. Pause for a few moments | | | | lights. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle. |
| between shifts. Remove the transmission dipstick, wipe | | | | 12. Keep the tires inflated to recommended pressure (it |
| it dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the approved | | | | helps to own your own gauge). |
| type fluid, if needed. Do not overfill! | | | | Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wire. |
| 4. Check the motor oil monthly. | | | | Uneven wear indicates the tires are misaligned, under |
| Turn the motor off, remove the dipstick ,and wipe it | | | | or over inflated or out of balance. Keep a record of |
| clean. Insert it fully and remove it again. If it is low, add | | | | tire rotation. Rotate the tires every 6,000 miles. |
| oil. To maintain peak performance, change oil every | | | | 13. Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers |
| 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. | | | | or struts. |
| Replace the oil filter with every oil change. | | | | Test shock action by bouncing the car up and down. |
| 5. Check the air filter every other month. | | | | The car should stop bouncing when you step back. |
| Replace it when it's dirty or as part of a tune-up. It is | | | | Worn or leaking shocks or struts should be replaced. |
| easy to reach, right under the big metal lid in a | | | | Always replace them in pairs. |
| carbureted engine; or in a rectangular box at the | | | | 14. Look underneath the vehicle for loose or broken |
| forward end of the air duct hose assembly on fuel | | | | exhaust clamps and supports. |
| injected engines. | | | | Check for holes in the muffler or pipes. Replace rusted |
| 6. Check the brake fluid monthly. | | | | or damaged parts. Have the emission checked at least |
| First, wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir | | | | once a year for compliance with local laws. |
| lid. Pry off the retainer clip if any, and remove or | | | | |