Car Maintenance Tips

Auto maintenance is a huge industry, and for good reason: We typically own our cars for several years, and that means we need to perform a lot of maintenance to protect the investment we've made in our cars. From auto parts to simple check-ups, this list can help you remember some basic tips on car maintenance.

Depending on how much of a do-it-yourselfer you are, you may be able to complete all of these on your own. If you need assistance, seek the help of a licensed professional. Remember that there's also a wealth of resources available to you on the Internet to help you care for and repair your car on your own.

• Check your oil: This is one of those things we used to learn in high school - and as the years dragged on, we let roadside assistance or some other service handle it for us. But the fact is that we need to know how to check our engine oil. Find out where your car engine's dipstick is located. Pull it out, wipe it out, put it back in and pull it out again. Look to see if it's at the "full" mark for the engine oil level. If it's far below "full" then it's time to change your oil. Depending on the type of oil you use - synthetic or regular - you'll probably need to change your oil either every 7,500 or 3,000 miles. Check with your car's manufacturer to learn more.
• Check the condition of your oil: Now that you know how to find your engine oil dipstick, you can also assess the quality of the oil in your engine. This is because sometimes you might have enough fluid, but it's poor quality and should be changed. If the oil is very dark black, you should change it. If it's brownish, that means that oil is OK. If it is brownish, but becoming transparent, that means you need to start thinking about changing your oil very soon. If the fluid is white-ish colored (like the color of coffee with cream in it), this could be a sign of a significant problem. Sometimes engine coolant can mix with engine oil. If your engine oil is white, take it to a repair shop and have it inspected.
• Check your tires: Tires are also significant areas for self-maintenance. You should check the pressure on your tires at least once a month - even more if you live in a climate that tends to have big changes in temperature. The pressure on your tires is a serious safety issue and can affect how well your car handles changes in the road, traction or braking. Also be sure that you're rotating your tires once every six months. This ensures that they're getting proper and even wear. You'll get more life out of your tires if you keep them at the correct pressure and properly rotated.