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| 1. |
Read the manual. Take time to read your driver's manual and become familiar with the manufactures's recommendations. |
| 2. |
Check the battery. If a battery is older than four years, it may only work well in warm weather. Not hot weather, not cold weather. |
| 3. |
Don't get stranded. Always keep your cell phone charged. Don't use your cell phone while driving. |
| 4. |
Carry a set of jumper cables or portable power pack in case you are lost or stranded. |
| 5. |
Check your antifreeze. Check the antifreeze levels on a weekly basis. If the level drops regularly and there are no signs of an external leak, your engine has an internal leak that must be fixed to prevent major engine damage. |
| 6. |
Save fuel. Avoid unnecessary abruptly braking and speed-ups as they can decrease fuel economy by up to two miles per gallon. |
| 7. |
Switch to synthetic oil. IF you currently use conventional oil, switching to a synthetic oil will help your car operate more efficiently, help your engine to run cleaner and prevent harmful sludge build-up and deposits. |
| 8. |
Let it idle. Allow our engine to idle for a few seconds before driving in cold weather to ensure proper engine flow and lubrication. |
| 9. |
Check the air pressure. Check and fill tires to manufacture recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increase wear and fuel consumption. If a tire loses pressure regularity, it probably has a puncture or defective valve, which must be fixed. |
| 10. |
Check the tread-wear. When tires become too worn or unevenly worn, it can signal a wheel alignment problem or worn front-end parts. |
| 11. |
Flush brake fluid. The fluid in your car's brakes attracts and absorbs moisture, which can lead to corrosion of your braking system. Anti-lock systems are particularly sensitive to corrosion. It is good practice to have your brake fluid flushed and changed every couple of years. |
| 12. |
Tune it. Get a full engine tune up according to your owner's manual. |
| 13. |
Check coolant color. Check the color of your coolant. Discoloration means the inhibitor in your coolant is depleted and your engine and radiator are being corroded. |
| 14. |
Unblock hoses. An overheated engine may be the result of a blocked or pinched hose. Inspect them at every oil change. |
| 15. |
See clearly. Check your windshield wipers for cracks and tears and get them replaced annually. Heat is really hard on the wipers. |
| 16. |
Clean air filters. Check your air filter system every other oils change to ensure there are no leaks or damage. |
| 17. |
Inspect belts. Get it done with your oil change, because damages belts can cause poor engine performance or failure. |
| 18. |
Realign suspension. A suspension that is not aligned properly can wear out new tiers after only a few thousand miles. |
| 19. |
Maintain power steering. Check the fluid once a month and if it's low, look for leaks in hoses. |
| 20. |
Look at the lights. Make sure your lights are clean and working, and keep some spare bulbs and fuses in the glove compartment. |
| 21. |
Fix the brakes. Don't postpone needed brake work, its dangerous and can end up costing more to overhaul the entire brake system. |
| 22. |
Carry a Fix A Flat. A tire repair kit with you to temporarily seal a flat tire so you can get to the closest repair facility. |
| 23. |
Test shock absorbers. Check for working shocks by bouncing the vehicle up and down and stepping away. If the vehicle doesn't stop bouncing your shocks could be worn or you may have a leak. |
| 24. |
Lighten the load. Store only necessary items to save on fuel. |
| 25. |
Replace the oil filter. Get it done every time your change your oil. |
| 26. |
Check the spark plugs. Worn spark plugs waste fuel and increase exhaust emissions. so get them checked and replace them when needed. |
| 27. |
Keep cool. Check your car's air conditioning system every spring. |
| 28. |
Monitor the catalytic converter. If you hear a whistling sound or smell rotten eggs upon shutdown, your exhaust catalyst may be plugged. Driving with a plugged catalyst will hurt fuel economy, cause excessive oil consumption and harm the engine. |
| 29. |
Check your transmission fluid. Check it monthly following instruction in your owners's manual. Top-up as required. |
| 30. |
Maintain the speed limit. Your life and the lives of others on the road are worth it. |
