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Learnzat.com For a vehicle to operate normally, you must do some basic maintenance. Whether you're a man or woman, it's never too late to start working on your own vehicle. The cash you save is real, and the feeling of empowerment you will get when you know what your auto mechanic is talking about is priceless. The following are just a few things you need to do to keep your car "healthy". A clogged air filter affects your auto's performance in a number of ways. Robbing it of power is just one negative side effect, something you need every ounce of when you're navigating a freeway on-ramp. Even more important is what a clogged air filter can do to your gas mileage. It takes 10 minutes and costs less than $20. Your radiator needs to be clean to stay cool. As time goes on, your car's radiator builds solid deposits that can clog its cooling system. A quick radiator flush can keep the system in shape. Before you start your radiator flush, make sure you have what you need to do the job right. Your tires are the only things keeping your car on the road, making sure you have enough tread depth to drive safely in any condition should be a top priority. Hydroplaning in the rain is caused by a worn tire's inability to cut through the water and touch the road, causing it to "skim" across the street's surface. The more tread on your tires, the less likely it is to happen. The "Abe Lincoln" tire test is an old one, but it's still the quickest way to check the condition of your tires. Take a penny and stick Abe's head into the groove of your tire. If it slides in up to his hairline, you're ok. If not, you should think about getting new tires sometime soon. Brakes are the most important safety feature on your car. Checking your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers while saving you money by catching any damage before it becomes expensive. With many vehicles you can inspect the brakes without even removing the wheel. You should never let anything come between your automobile and a good battery connection. It takes only a millimeter of crusty white residue to keep it from starting. The conditions surrounding your battery posts create the perfect breeding ground for nasty corrosion, which will appear as white, crystallized residue around the battery posts. As the corrosion builds up, it is harder for your car to connect strongly with the battery. That's why you need to clean them thoroughly. Change burnt out headlight bulbs. Sometimes you don't realize that you have a bulb out. Go ahead and take a look at the front of your car. Not only is it unsafe to drive with one headlight, you can get a ticket! |
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