Submitted by admin on Thu, 2005-10-06 19:00. ::
Check the tire pressures (including the spare) at least once a month when the tires are cold. Always follow the inflation pressure recommendations in your owner's manual, or those on the tire information label that is located in the glove box, on a door jamb, on the fuel filler door or the underside of the trunk lid. Don't use the inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall; this is the pressure needed to achieve the tire's rated load capacity and it may or may not be the correct pressure for your particular car. Your vehicle's air filter prevents dust and dirt from entering the engine. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts the airflow and will reduce engine performance and fuel economy while increasing exhaust emission levels.
Check the air filter every six months, or 7,500 miles. Typically, your repair shop will inspect the filter at each oil change. You can check it by holding it up to a 60-watt bulb. If you can see light through much of the filter, it's still clean enough to work effectively. However, if the light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it. The power from the battery flows to the rest of your vehicle's electrical systems through its cables, clamps and terminals. If these components and connections become corroded or loose, or if the battery is failing, your car won't have the power needed to start the engine and operate other systems.
The battery cables, clamps and connections should be inspected at every oil change. If there are signs of corrosion, or you notice other indications of electrical problems such as slow engine cranking or dimming headlights at idle, have your repair shop test the charging and starting system and clean and tighten the battery connections as necessary.Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Without adequate supply of clean oil, your engine will wear more rapidly, and could even seize and be destroyed. Oil doesn't freeze like water, but its viscosity (thickness) does increase as the mercury drops. Lighter-grade oils reduce the load on your car's battery and starter, allowing more rapid cranking and starting. Lighter oils also reach critical engine lubrication areas much quicker than heavier oils, greatly reducing wear.
Change your engine's oil and oil filter at the specified intervals and follow the more frequent "severe service" recommendations if your driving habits meet any of the conditions described in your owner's manual. Always use the weight of oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer for the existing temperature conditions.Rain, insects and other debris clinging to your windshield will compromise your vision if they can't be removed by your windshield wipers. A supply of the proper washer fluid will help the wipers remove these contaminants effectively. Water is not effective in cleaning oils, and dirt from windows and it leaves water spots on vehicle paint.
Check your washer fluid reservoir monthly and more often when you use the washers frequently. Fill it with a washer solution formulated to aid in the removal of insects and other debris and grime. During fall and winter be sure to use a solution with anti-freeze protection. Finally, test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members nationwide benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa.com .
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