These days it’s important to watch one’s money, and proper vehicle care and maintenance is one way to save money. So, I asked Jody Victor what simple things we can all do before we hit the road to keep our cars from becoming cash vacuums.
Check Your Oil: Wait until your engine is cool, before you start the car. Find the dipstick under the hood; it will likely have a visibility red or yellow handle, check your owner’s manual. Pull out the dipstick and using a clean rag, wipe it off, reinsert, and pull it again. The oil should reach the “full” marker, if not add a pint. You car needs an oil change about every 3,000 miles—this is basic car care, but if you pay attention to your oil and mileage you’ll keep your car’s engine in much better condition. Also, if you are having to fill your oil multiple times between changes, this is likely and indicator of a problem, see your mechanic.
Check the Windshield Washer Fluid: Ideally this should be done while the car is turned off and cool. It’s an easy visual check—find the reservoir and fill when needed. Again, see your owner’s manual for details. Keeping the window clean and increasing visibility will help prevent accidents. Keep a spare gallon in the trunk, especially on long trips.
Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid: This time you’ll want the engine hot, so be careful! If the car is cool, let it run for a few minutes first—maybe run an errand and check it when you get home. Find the transmission fluid dipstick—again check the owner’s manual if you have difficultly find it, it may not be as obvious as the oil dipstick. Check to make sure the fluid is clean and to the “full” line by pulling the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting, and checking it. Unlike oil, transmission fluid isn’t “eaten” by the engine, so if its low there is a problem, see your mechanic.
Measure Tire Pressure: You’ll need a simple tool for this job, a tire pressure gauge (available at any automotive parts store). Check the owner’s manual for the appropriate pressure rating for the car (the reading on the tire itself is for maximum pressure which is irrelevant to this task). Check the tires before you get on the road and fill them when needed. If you continually find you have low pressure in a tire, it may have a slow leak. Properly inflated tires will increase traction and gas mileage.
Thanks, Jody! Important tips for sure.