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