10 Car Care Tips

A checklist featuring ten tips for good automobile maintenance that can help you avoid car repair bills.(J.P. Gelinas)

The best way to keep your car in peak running condition is to follow a consistent maintenance schedule. The following check list will help you avoid those costly automotive repair bills.
1. Read the owner's manual that came with your car. If you have lost it, make sure you get another one. The manual will provide you with helpful information on the care and operation of your particular vehicle.
2. Change your oil and your oil filter every three months. As you drive your car, the oil in your engine eventually breaks down into a black sludge that will not adequately lubricate the vital parts of you car engine. Use only the gauge of oil that is recommended in your car's ownership manual.
3. Have your timing belt replaced every 75,000 miles. Basically, your timing belt enables your engine to function and if it is damaged or worn out, serious engine damage can result. This function should only be performed by your mechanic.
4. Have your radiator flushed out every 25,000 miles. Over time, the radiator in your car will become clogged with sediment and dirt. Your mechanic should drain and flush out your radiator with a power washer. This should be done at the start of each year's fall season, along with adding fresh anti-freeze and engine coolant. This will improve your car's performance during the harsh winter months.
5. Use the type of gasoline specified in your car's ownership manual. The manual will indicate the type of octane your vehicle requires. This will not only enable your car to run at peak performance levels but you will save money as well.
6. Maintain proper air pressure in your tires. Tires that are under inflated or over inflated can often cause engine trouble as well as accidents. In addition, lack of proper tire pressure increases your car's gasoline consumption by as much as ten percent.
7. Have your mechanic rotate your tires every 6000 miles. This will prevent any particular tire wearing down faster than the others.
8. Wash your car at regular intervals; particularly during the winter months when road salt can cause rust problems.
9. Bring your car to your mechanic for a tune up at least once a year. While your mechanic has your car, make sure he checks all of your car's fluids, brake and transmission functions along with the wheel alignment.
10. Be aware of how your car is performing while you are driving it. If the operation of your vehicle does not feel right to you, do not hesitate to have your mechanic check your car for possible problems.