Do-it-yourself car maintenance tips
Sunday, March 8th, 2009 Posted in Safety Tips, Useful Tips
1. Check the oil
Check the level and condition of the car’s motor oil. Change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or follow what’s in the owner’s manual. If it’s time for an oil change, be sure to get it done before your trip.
Make sure your car’s battery and cables are securely attached and free of corrosion. Car batteries typically last three to five years.
It’s important that you’re able to see and be seen on the road. So check headlights, brake lights and turn signals and replace any burned-out lights.
Take a close look at your tires. Good, well-maintained tires are critical to braking and steering. Make sure the tread is OK and there are no gouges in the sidewall of the tires. Sometimes someone may hit a curb and it may pierce the sidewall of the tire.
You’ll also want to watch out for bulges and bald spots on your tires. If you find anything that looks suspicious, it may be time for some new tires.
Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual and on the placard in your car door. Inflate or deflate your tires as needed.
Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car’s been idle overnight. Driving with under-inflated tires is a common mistake. Low tire pressure has been attributed to a lot of problems from accidents to premature wear, and even low gas mileage.
If your tires are under-inflated, your car won’t handle or respond the way it’s designed to. So make sure all four tires and the spare are inflated to proper tire pressure.
Check the pressure in your spare tire. A lot of people neglect that. If the spare is under-inflated, you may not be able to drive on it.
Do your wipers give you a smear-free view when it rains? If not, replace them before your trip. Don’t forget to top off your wiper fluid. If you’ll be traveling in cold weather, be sure to use wiper fluid that doesn’t freeze.
Check the level of coolant or antifreeze. Top off with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water as needed. If the coolant level is too low, your car could overheat.
Other important fluids to check include brake fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. If you don’t feel confident checking these on your own, take your car to a mechanic.
If this cap is not secure, gas will evaporate from your tank as you drive. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council.
It’s critical that your brakes are in tip-top shape before you take off on a long road trip. When in doubt, have your brakes inspected by a mechanic. If they’re making noises, or if you’re feeling vibrations when you hit the brakes, take it in.
