When reading the numbers on a tire, move from left to right (facing the tire). The order is Width, Aspect Ratio, Radial, Diameter, Load Index, Speed Rating, and Mud/Snow certification.
Unless the vehicle manufacturer recommends synthetic fluid for your automatic transmission, use regular fluid. Non-synthetic fluid is far less expensive and, if you have the fluid changed regularly, it won't have time to break down.
One of the problems with headlamp lenses made from polycarbonates is that they can oxidize over time and become dull. Regular maintenance with a specially designed cleaner will keep things bright.
Extend the life of your car's automatic transmission and prevent expensive repairs by checking for leaks. Inspect your parking spots for any signs of red fluid under your car.
Emergency warning lights serve an important purpose as they protect the drivers of vehicles as well as those on the road. Don’t make others guess, regularly check your emergency lights to make sure they're in good working order.
Dented or broken fins on a radiator can impede airflow through the system. Bent fins can be straightened; broken ones are not necessarily a problem unless too large a gap is created. If that's the case, the radiator may need replacing.
Pay attention to the manufacturer’s information regarding the timing belt, if your car has one. The reference to time or distance is for whichever comes first. Replace the belt at the recommended interval or risk severe engine damage.
Worn shocks can increase the braking distance if you're driving on rough roads. They can also increase the chances of skidding on wet roads, increase tire wear, and have a negative impact on a vehicle’s suspension.
Belts are another engine item that requires periodic inspection because if they fail, you won't be going anywhere. Look for cracks, fraying, sagging, and rips and tears and replace them if needed.
Gas charged shocks improve ride performance by increasing the ability of the fluid in the shocks to do its job, improving the ride on rough roads, and increasing stability when cornering.
If your car has an odd or musty smell when the air-conditioner is turned on, or if airflow through the vents seems restricted, the problem may be with the cabin filter. It should be replaced every year or two, depending on driving conditions.
Non-working electrical parts are often the result of a defective fuse, an inexpensive part to say the least. Check your owner’s manual for the location of the fuse box and the proper fuse. Removing and replacing it is just a snap-out, snap-in process.
There is a saying “don’t fix it if it’s not broken,” but there is also a notion of breakage prevention, which is especially applicable to complex mechanisms like automobiles. Regular maintenance is the best protection.
If you load your car or truck to maximum capacity, or if you tow boats, trailers, or other items, air-assisted shocks provide needed control and stability. Air can be added to them as needed to improve vehicle stability.
Check your automatic transmission fluid regularly to make sure your transmission is in good working order. If the fluid is a cherry red color, it's clean. If brown, it's burnt and needs to be replaced.
If you smell the aroma of burning plastic coming from the engine will it's running, it may be a problem with the battery cable, or other wiring in the engine could be in contact with the hot engine.
General Motors has been one of the leading innovators in automobile transmission evolution. Their 1928 Cadillac introduced the synchronized manual transmissions to the world, and the 1939 Oldsmobile was the first car with an automatic transmission. However, it was sold as an extra.
One of the parts of your vehicle that you will need to periodically replace would be its drive belts. Over time, these components wear out and become less efficient, so it would be a good idea to replace them when an inspection reveals that they’re close to their wear limits.
One simple, yet important vehicle maintenance chore you can perform is an oil level inspection. When done regularly, this check allows you to keep tabs on your car or truck’s oil consumption so you can top up when you start to run low.
If your check engine light comes on after refueling, it could simply mean that the gas cap has not been properly tightened. However, after tightening it, if the light does not go off, it may indicate a greater problem – bring your car in for a check.
While you can’t keep your car from getting dirty, you can take steps to make sure it doesn’t stay that way. A regular wash, in particular, should be part and parcel of your auto maintenance routine to ensure that the vehicle always looks presentable.
While your vehicle’s coolant isn’t something you normally have to top off, you should consider a coolant flush now and then. This procedure releases any rust, scale, or debris that may be trapped in your cooling system, thus allowing it to operate more efficiently.
If you want your car to maintain some value, it would be a good idea to keep up with its maintenance requirements. You should also hold on to records and receipts for any work done so you can show potential buyers that the vehicle is well cared for.
