Posted by Alice Moon on Mar.18, 2009

©iStockphoto.com - BeckyRockwood

It is nearly impossible for most of us to get through modern life without a vehicle. While they are enormous pollutant machines, we can reduce some of that waste and ensure ourselves greater safety in their use by following a few simple guidelines on upkeep and maintenance. You don’t need to be a trained mechanic to follow these steps. In fact, a little education and empowerment can really take the mystery out of simple auto maintenance.

Proper tire inflation Tool needed: Pressure gauge
Improperly inflated tires lead to accidents and tire failure, and decrease fuel economy. Consult your vehicle’s manual for instructions on finding the recommended pressure for your vehicle’s tires. Tire pressure should be checked once a month. Do it on the same day each month as a handy reminder. Don’t forget to check your spare! Put a note with your tire gauge if you tend to forget.

Most gas stations have air available for under a dollar. Park safely and remove the caps covering each tire valve. Place them in a pocket or unused ashtray. Locate your tire gauge and check the pressure in each tire. Simply press the gauge to the valve stem. It’s best to double check each tire, as the gauge can stick and give a false reading. Two similar readings and you’re good to go.

If the pressure is low, operating the hose is easy. Start the machine, uncoil the hose, and visit each tire. The hose end presses over the valve stem. The hose usually has a trigger or handle to squeeze to allow the air to flow. You’ll hear the motor rev on the machine as it pushes the air into your tire. Add air for only a few seconds between pressure checks until you get used to the amount being dispensed. When all of the tires have been filled, reverse the process, coil the hose and replace your caps.

If all of this makes you nervous, make a standing appointment with a local tire shop for a quick monthly check. The low cost of the check will easily be offset by savings in tire wear and performance.

Tire inspection Tool needed: A penny
Kill two birds with one stone and as soon as you’re finished inflating, perform a tire check. Visually inspect each tire for any signs of uneven wear, damage, or low tread. Hold the penny so Lincoln is upside down. Insert the penny into the groove of the tread. If you can see the top of the president’s head, the tread is getting too thin. If you see tiny metal wires, bubbles, or bald spots, the tire may be dangerous. Uneven tread wear may signal an issue with your alignment or inflation. Consult a tire expert to help diagnose the trouble and possibly prevent a larger problem.

Check your oil Tool needed: Paper towel or shop rag
If you have your oil changed regularly, you needn’t worry too much about the oil level unless your vehicle is giving you cause for concern or you’re planning to drive a great distance. Park on a level surface. Choose a time when the car has been sitting for an hour or two. Why? Because if you’ve recently driven, some of the oil you want to measure will be distributed throughout the engine, doing its job. A couple of hours is long enough to allow it to settle and provide a more accurate reading. If this isn’t possible, you can still get a reasonably accurate reading during a stop at the local gas station.

Find the oil dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the oil symbol on the engine; consult the vehicle manual for a map of the engine. Clean the stick by wiping it with the cloth. Reinsert the dipstick, remove it, and check the reading. Try to avoid holding the stick at an angle as this can cause a false reading. If the oil reads low, add no more than a quart at a time before taking a short drive and checking again, as you want to avoid overfilling the reservoir. Also, check the look of the oil. It should be a honey color and clean. If it is thick or blackening, this could be a sign of engine trouble.

The manual will also tell you how to read your particular engine’s dipstick. The stick itself should have markings which are easy to read. If you don’t understand, ask your mechanic at your next oil change. Your service provider should be happy to show you what to look for. A check takes only a minute and can tell you if your engine is losing oil or if there is a looming engine problem.

Empty your car of accumulated waste Tool needed: Empty bag
Especially when gas prices are at a premium, every extra pound in your car is costing you money. Remove anything you carry that you don’t use regularly or need for safety. Loose cargo can become a lethal projectile in the event of a crash, one more reason to not have a bunch of stuff floating around the interior of your vehicle. Secure anything left inside with netting or a tie strap. Store heavy items either in the trunk or with safety restraints in open cargo areas. Regular removal of trash will also keep vermin from being attracted to your automobile.

Clean your mirrors and windows Tool needed: Elbow grease
This can be done as easily in your driveway as at the local gas station. Keep a bottle of vinegar water and a recycled cloth handy. This five minute job may not be needed except during changing seasons or if you live in a dusty area. Don’t forget the interior surfaces.

Your local mechanic will usually top off all of your car’s fluids for a nominal fee when the oil is changed (if you request this service), but if you use your wipers frequently, you may need to freshen the washer fluid reservoir between visits. Return to the owner’s manual if you cannot locate the fluid tank. The tank is usually clearly marked with a fill line. Simply pour in washing solution up to the mark and replace the cap.

Windshield washing fluids are formulated to prevent the solution from freezing in your tank, as well as to help clean the unique forms of grime which accumulate on a windshield. They are made to do so without streaking. Ask a professional before you make any substitutions.

Check your lights Tool needed: A helper
A regular check of lights on your auto is a safety must. Bulbs can burn out without warning, rendering your car invisible to other traffic in certain conditions. You can check most lights by yourself, but this is easier with a partner. You’ll need either another person or a reflective surface to check your brake lights.

Simply turn on your headlights. Visually inspect both high and low beams to see that each is responding. The taillights should also be illuminated. See if your license plate light is functional. Check each turn signal. Look at both the front and back blinkers on each side. Finally, apply the brakes and have your helper confirm that both sides are working.

If only one part of a light or signal is out, a bulb may need to be changed. If an entire light isn’t working, a fuse or bulb may need to be changed, or a wiring problem may exist.

Items to carry
Here is a general list of equipment to consider keeping inside your vehicle for small repairs and emergencies: a set of jumper cables, a flashlight and extra batteries, cones/flares/safety flasher (There are certain flashlights which come equipped with a flashing orange safety light), an adjustable wrench, one of each type of screwdriver, a socket wrench and socket set, a tire iron that fits your lug nuts, a wrench for any hubcap covers or specialty rims on your vehicle, a functional car jack, and a state and local map.

If you don’t already own a cell phone, an emergency phone would be a great idea. Also, a bottle of water and small ration of durable food. A tarp for summer or a blanket in winter could offer shade and extra protection if you become stranded. Winter brings with it poor road conditions. During that time, a collapsing shovel, bag of sand, and a warm hat and gloves would be excellent additions to your kit.

Resources for further reading and video guides:
http://www.automedia.com/Tire_Talk_What_Are_They_Telling_You/ccr20040901td/1
http://www.aa1car.com/library/tirepres.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Check-the-Fluids-in-a-Car
http://autorepair.about.com/od/regularmaintenance/a/checkoil.htm
http://www.sutree.com/how-to/38817/Add-washer-fluid-to-your-vehicle
http://www.ehow.com/video_2326773_test-car-lights.html

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Posted under Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency, Living.