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Cars are a big expense no matter how you look at it. But by doing some routine maintenance you can cut down on the cost of owning a car. Routine maintenance helps your car perform better and can also save problems farther down the road, such as labor intensive and costly repairs.
Oil maintenance is a great way to start the regular checks on your car. You should wait for ten or so minutes after you turn your engine off to check your oil. This will allow the oil to settle and give you a more accurate reading. Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it off on a towel or rag. Return the dipstick to its holder, wait for a few seconds, and remove it again to see what your oil level is.
Windshield washer fluid is also a good way to give your car good maintenance. You will be able to see when it needs refilling since you can see the fluid in the container under your hood. There are two types of washer fluid. The summer fluid is usually a pink liquid and is a mild solution to wipe off bugs, bird droppings and the like. The second is blue and is for winter use. This contains anti-freeze so it won't freeze in when temperatures fall below freezing.
Transmission fluid should be checked while the engine is warm and running. Checking this fluid is much like checking the oil. Pull the dipstick out and wipe the fluid off of it. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it back out to check the level. To refill the transmission fluid, use a funnel to pour it into the transmission fluid hole.
Air filters are important to check and replace regularly. When you pull the air filter out, check to see if you can see through it. If you can't, it’s dirty and time for a change.
Make sure all your belts are in good condition. They should not be cracked or frayed. The tension in them also needs to be checked. Push on them a little bit to check this. They should all give a little, but only about half an inch. If they give more they're too loose and if they don't give that much, they're too tight.
All of the hoses and wiring need to be checked under the hood. Look them over and see if they have any damage. If they do, they should be taken out and replaced.
Wiper blades are one of the biggest assistance in driving since they determine your visibility. Wipers should wipe liquids off the windshield in a clean, streak-free manner. If they are cracked, frayed, or leaving your windshield in poor condition after use, it’s time to change them.
Tires should also be checked. They should only be checked when the car has not been driven for at least three hours so the tires are cold. Using a gauge made to measure the pressure in your tires, make sure the pressure is up to manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s down, put some air in the tires. Don't forget to do the spare as well. If the pressure level is too high, you can release some by pressing on the little pin found in the middle of the tire valve.
Turn your headlights and four-way signals on. Get out of the car and walk around to make sure they are all working.