• In case of emergency — have an emergency kit ready. In addition to a properly inflated spare tire and a working jack, you should include these in your trunk: spare wiper blades, bottled water, matches and candles, blankets window scraper, flashlight with spare batteries, basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench), extra windshield washer fluid, an emergency supply of medicines, first aid cables kit, flares and jumper. All these will come in handy especially when stranded in a deserted highway at midnight. Check out Handyman Do it Best’s wide array of car gadgets at very reasonable prices. Its Car Care Sale is ongoing until June 30, 2004.
• Regular Check-Ups is a must. Keeping the correct temperature range by regular checks and maintenance help assure long life of vulnerable engine parts. Always check condition of water pump and radiator for leaks and corrosion. Be sure you have plenty of coolant. Look for leaking hoses and connections tighten loose clamps. Cracked, mushy or otherwise deteriorated heater hoses and clamps should be replaced.
• Daily Do’s. Inspect windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield. Do not wait until rubber is worn or brittle to replace them. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year, and more often if smearing or chattering occurs. Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle. Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure (it helps to own your own gauge). Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wire. Uneven wear indicates tires are misaligned or out of balance.
• Weekly checks. Check the antifreeze/coolant level weekly. Cars have transparent reservoirs with level markings; fill to level marking with 50/50 solution of anti-freeze and water.
• Monthly rules. Inspect belts and hoses. Check transmission fluid with engine warm and running, and parking brake on. Check motor oil monthly. To maintain peak performance, change oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Check brake fluid. If you need fluid, add the approved type and check for possible leaks throughout the system. Ensure power steering fluid level by removing the reservoir dipstick. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.
• Every other month. Air filters should be replaced when dirty or as part of a tune-up.
• Play it by ear. Having a special "connection" with your vehicle makes everything easy. Listen to your car. A simple squeak or grunt may mean "tired tires".
Handyman Do It Best stores are located at all Robinsons and Waltermart Malls and other selected malls nationwide.