You may not know that your car may not be running as efficiently as it should. If your car is not running at its optimum then you are loosing fuel economy and money. If you invest just a few minutes a month you can prevent that loss.
Many problems with your car can be corrected or identified with some simple things you can do on a regular basis. Not only will you be saving gas by keeping your car running at its optimum, you may also be heading off costly repair bills.
Even more importantly you will insure that your car is as safe as it can be. You can prevent problems that could lead to critical failures that might result in an accidents causing injury.
Generally it is suggested that most maintenance should be left to the professionals. But once each month you can do the following to identify problems that can cost you money and gas down the road: (excuse the pun!)
1. Check tire pressure and look for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure whenever there is a sharp change in temperature.
2. Check for fluid leaks. Look around the car and especially under the car around the engine. If you see fluid then you should attempt to identify it. One way is by its color. Coolant is a bright yellowish green color, Transmission fluid is usually pink, Oil is black and brake fluids and power steering fluids are generally clear, with a slight tinge of brown . These fluids are all oily to the touch.
3. Check fluid levels, including engine oil, engine coolant level, transmission fluid and power steering fluid, according to the instructions in the owner's manual.
4. Check under the hood for cracked or leaking radiator hoses and cracked or split spark plug wires. Also check for loose clamps and check the battery for any visible signs of corrosion.
5. Check the brakes. Identifying brake problems can be done with this procedure. Find a flat and straight road that is traffic-free. Put your hands very lightly on the steering wheel. At a slow speed, put on the brakes gradually. If the car swerves to either to the right or to the left, it is an indication that your brakes need work. It could indicate uneven wear or that your brakes simply need adjustment. Don't wait, get this taken care of as soon as possible.
6. Use a similar test to check for problems with wheel alignment. On a straight, flat and traffic-free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and drive at an even speed. If the vehicle pulls to one side, the wheels may be misaligned.
Following these few basic procedures monthly will keep your car running at its peak performance. If your car is running at its peak, it will save you fuel, save you dollars and will help to ensure your safety.
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