| Cars are like electric lights. We often do | | | | and you are wiping away that ice and sleet! |
| not appreciate them until they go on the | | | | |
| blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple | | | | Be sure all your lights are clean and |
| service can greatly reduce the cost of car | | | | working, including brake lights, turn signals |
| ownership and keep you a much happier | | | | and emergency flashers. You can perform this |
| traveler! | | | | quick check while filling up your gas tank. |
| | | | |
| Do not let the thought of car maintenance | | | | Check your tires once a month and give a look |
| intimidate you. There are actually several | | | | over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other |
| car maintenance tips you can do even if you | | | | foreign objects sticking out. |
| are totally mechanically challenged! | | | | |
| | | | Take your car to your friendly serviceman |
| For instance, you will want to keep your | | | | once a month and have the pressure in your |
| windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This | | | | tires checked. This service should cost you |
| involves screwing off the cap and pouring | | | | less than five bucks, if anything. |
| windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You | | | | |
| can quickly check the fluid levels when | | | | Every three months have your oil and oil |
| filling up at the gas station. | | | | filter changed. Many times an inspection is |
| | | | done during the oil change. It is worth it to |
| While you have got the windshield washer | | | | pay a little extra if you have to and have |
| fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the | | | | this done. Ask to have your battery checked, |
| bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades. | | | | too. |
| | | | |
| If you see any colored fluid leaking from | | | | Have your air filter changed when it gets |
| your car, get it serviced immediately. | | | | dirty. You can ask the folks who change your |
| | | | oil to check the air filter. They are happy |
| If you smell any peculiar odor coming from | | | | to change it for you. |
| your car, take it to the nearest service | | | | |
| station. Odors mean something inappropriate | | | | No matter how non car savvy you may have felt |
| is going on under the hood of your car! | | | | in the past, finding that you can do some |
| | | | simple maintenance checks puts you in the |
| Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper | | | | drivers seat. You are likely to discover in |
| blades. You need new ones once a year so you | | | | advance if your car has a problem that should |
| might as well get them before winter sets in | | | | be taken care of immediately. |