How To Save Money By Properly Maintaining Your Car

By: Dr. Drew Henry

Did you know that you can substantially save a lot of money
simply by doing a quick 10-20 minute checkup on your car each
week? In this article, I will give you the information you need
properly maintain your car and saving money that would otherwise
be spent on expensive repairs.

My first advice to you is that you need to read and understand
your Owner's Manual for each car that you own. Next, follow the
tips below and inspect your car on a weekly basis (should take
no more than 10-20 minutes).

- If you can get someone to help you just for minute or two then
get them to watch your lights and turn signals to make sure they
are all working properly.

- Look at your tires and make sure that they look good without
cracks or cuts. You need also to check the air pressure in each
tire with a gauge. The tire will have a psi pressure on it and
it will also be printed in your manual. Tire pressure is very
important to the control of the vehicle.

- Look at your belts and hoses for cracks and tears and replace
as needed. Also check your hoses for any leaks.

- Check the oil in your engine with the vehicle "not running".
Pull out the stick and wipe it off then replace the stick in the
engine and then pull it out again and check the level. Add
proper oil if needed and be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3000 miles.

- Look under your car and look for any fluid leaks. Fluid leaks
are the most common failure of vehicles. The vehicle needs all
of its fluids and when it leaks the leaking part can fail at
great expense.

- Check your battery. Your battery will have two flat covers on
the top. Pull each cover off and check to make sure there is
enough water in each cell. Put distilled water in batteries.
Also check the connections and if they are corroded you will
need to take them off and clean them with a wire brush.

- Check your brakes. The brake master cylinder is normally
mounted on the fire wall just on front of the driver. It has a
flat cap on it and it just pops off. Make sure that your brake
fluid is kept full and if you keep having to add fluid you need
to check for a leak in the brake system. This is very important
as a brake failure can get you killed.

- Check your power steering. The power steering unit will be
located on the front of the engine and it normally has a screw
on cap that has a short stick gauge attached to it. The power
steering unit is a closed system and you want to be very careful
not to over fill the unit. If you have a power steering failure
the vehicle will be hard to steer and control.

- If you vehicle has a transmission stick pull it out and wipe
it off. Replace it in the transmission and then pull it out and
check the level and condition. The fluid should be red in color
and full on the stick. You should have your transmission filter
and fluid changed about every 30,000 miles unless you live in a
very hot or very cold climate. If you live in a harsh climate
you need to change your fluid and filter at least once a year.

Note that you should be careful to keep your hands and any
foreign objects away from the fan and the belts while the engine
is running. It is best to have a professional car technician
help you out if you are doing this for the first time.

By following the above tips and advice, you can quickly and
easily inspect your car each week and save a lot of money by
having a longer-lasting, more durable car!

About the author:
Dr. Drew Henry maintains a network of auto-related sites,
including Auto
Transport Secrets, Car Lease Secrets and
Car Accident
Online. Visit his sites today.