Tips

1. Air Filter

 It is recommended that air filters be checked every other oil change for clogging and/or damage. These filters stop airborne contaminants from getting into the engine’s combustion chambers which affects performance, creates loss of power and may keep the vehicle from performing altogether. It also saves gas.

2. Tire Pressure
Improper tire inflation can lead to tire failure. The right amount of inflation for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the sticker inside the driver side door.
3. Air Conditioning

Did you know that driving a current automobile with the windows down, uses more gas than driving with the windows up and the air conditioning on? So it’s important to make sure your air conditioning is working the way it should.

4. Balanced Tires
An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly can result in irregular wear or vibration.
5. Tire Tread
Visually check tires for signs of uneven wear, particularly high, low and unusually smooth areas may mean you need new tires.
6. Fluids

Fluids, such as anti-freeze, transmission fluid, trans-axle and windshield solvent, should be checked along with regular oil change (approximately every 3,000 miles). For best results, manufacturer recommended intervals should be followed.

7. Battery
Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean as needed.
8. Oil Change
To sustain the life of your vehicle, on average oil and oil filters should be changed out every 3,000-4,000 miles, with a tire rotation approximately every other oil change.
9. Wiper Blades
Inspect wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them once a year unless it begins streaking sooner.
10. Belts
Belts should be inspected regularly, checking for cracks and missing segments, as these can affect engine performance.
11. Idling
Your vehicle doesn’t use up gas by restarting, so avoid long idling. If your vehicle is sitting for more than one minute, turn it off.
12. Tire Purchase

To avoid handling balance issues with your tires, buy either in matched pairs or complete sets. Mismatched sets can also affect your ABS system, making this all the more important. If you buy only a pair, as a general rule, have them mounted at the rear to maintain maximum traction and stability.

13. Tune Ups
Keeping the engine tuned up, free of bad spark plugs and restricted fuel injectors makes a difference. Otherwise these can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%.
14. Cooling System
For optimal performance, your vehicle’s cooling system should be flushed and refilled. Check the condition and concentration of coolant frequently.
15. Replacing Tires

Replace tires if any portion of the tread is worn to the wear indicator bars. Also, if you see bulges on the tire, the side walls are cracked severely, or have any indication of tread separation from the tire’s carcass, uneven tread wear, or irreparable punctures it means you’re in need of new tires.

16. Tire Inflation
When it comes to tires, seeing is not necessarily believing. A tire does not have to look “flat” to have lost air. Tires can have lost as much as 50% of inflated pressure while appearing normal. Regularly inspect your tires visually and with a tire gauge while they are cool. When in doubt, have your tires checked by an expert.
17. Wheel Alignments

Is your vehicle pulling to one side or the other? This may be a sign you need a wheel alignment. Before rotations, take care of any alignments or out-of-balance conditions you may have with your wheels. Poor wheel alignments will wear away tire treads faster.

18. Oil
When checking your oil, always make sure that you are parked on level ground, are in a well lit area to read your levels, and do not add more than one quart of oil at once.
19. Tire Rotation
Properly rotating your tires every 5-8,000 miles can add up to 50% to the life of your tires.
20. Timing/Camshaft Belt
The camshaft belt allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which opens and closes the vehicle’s valves. This belt is necessary for the engine to run, otherwise if gone unchecked, could break and the vehicle would stop running and leave you stranded. Periodically have your belt inspected for wear, cracks and slack.
21. Power Steering
If you hear a whining noise when turning the steering wheel, have your power-steering system checked. Check your power steering fluid level occasionally and make sure it’s topped off. When recommended, it’s generally a good idea to have the fluid flushed and replenished.
22. Drive Axle Boots
Replace drive axle boots/CV boots when recommend. This rubber cover protects the drive axle joint from element exposure and contains grease within to keep the joint working properly. Without the covering, the joint will fail costing hundreds of dollars, whereas the boot itself is a fraction of the cost.
23. Service Engine Light
If your service engine light comes on and the car is running ok, general rule of thumb is that you can drive it, however have it checked at your earliest convenience. If the light goes out by itself, do not think you should ignore it, but rather get it checked out anyway as your vehicles computer system will retain previous information so it can be properly diagnosed by a trained service technician.
24. Drive Belts/Serpentine Belt
Drive and serpentine belts power other components in your vehicle such as alternator, water pump, power steering pump and other accessories. Over time these belts can wear, crack and eventually break, causing malfunctioning of these components and possible engine damage. Most importantly, it could leave you stranded.
25. Check Your Oil
Get in the habit of checking your oil levels, keeping it ideally at the full mark. If you regularly run on low oil, report this to your mechanic or service technician. You may be burning oil or have a leak that should be repaired.
26. Lights
Check blinkers and headlights often to make sure they are in proper working condition. Use a broom or mop handle, and place the stick end against your brake pedal and the other firmly in your driver seat to check your brake lights by walking behind your car.
27. Winter Driving
Keep a bag of kitty litter in your trunk during the Winter months can help you get unstuck.
28. Brakes

Brake pads should generally be replaced when the pad thickness decreases to 3/16 of an inch. Most brake pads have tabs that are set to squeal when the friction material has been worn to the replacement point. It is highly recommended to get brakes replaced at this point.

29. Battery Caps
The red plastic caps that cover the positive side of a gold battery can be disposed. These caps are merely for identifying the positive terminal of the battery, and to protect the post during shipping.
30. Parking
In the Summer time, parking your car in the shade reduces the load on your air conditioning, and in turn saves on gas.
31. Battery
If a battery sits long enough it can lose its charge. It also drains small amounts whether in use or not.
32. Brakes
Pay attention to any squeaking, chirping noises or grinding during breaking. These, and a shaky steering wheel, are signs of needing brake service. If neglected, this could cause damage to other parts of your brake system and ultimately cause your vehicles brakes to fail. This also may lead to additional expense and headache.
33. Tire Size
Choosing the correct size of your tires is important. Start with the originally equipped tires on your current vehicle. The specifications (numbers and letters are actually identifying codes) are printed on the sidewall of the tire. Speed ratings and load ratings are contained within the code. Speed means the tires ability to dissipate heat and prevent heat build-up. The tire load rating represents the load-carrying capacity. Talk with a trained tire expert to find the correct replacement tire for your vehicle.
34. Steering
In regards to power steering, you should only have about a quarter inch of play, anything else indicates that something is worn or loose and needs to be repaired.
35. Electrical
You may have a charging problem if the battery constantly depletes, slowly cranks the engine, or dies. Check your headlights for dimness and see if there is noticeable difference when you rev the engine. If they shine brighter, the alternator is providing some current but not enough during idling to keep it properly charged. If the brightness is normal and doesn’t change during engine revving, the charging system is functioning normally.
36. Coolant

Coolant eventually breaks down and can corrode the inside of the radiator causing larger, more expensive problems. Instead, opt for an annual radiator flush as a better, more cost efficient alternative.

37. Selecting Tires
Some tires are labeled as “All Season” and others are “Specialized.” Some drivers prefer the All Season tire that provides acceptable capability, versus the exceptional abilities of a Specialized tire. In regards to buying the right tire, it really is based on your driving environment and primary needs. When selecting at tire, factor in load capability, wear, noise suppression, ride quality, fuel economy and cost. Speak with a trained tire expert that will help you find the right tire for your vehicle.
38. Brakes
Squealing brakes doesn’t necessarily mean it is time to replace your brakes. A certain amount of noise is considered normal on semi-metallic brake pads found on most front wheel drive cars and mini-vans. A visual inspection is recommended.
39. Oil
It is not good practice to wait until your dipstick reaches the add mark. Add oil whenever the dipstick shows a low reading, even if it reads half a quart. However, make sure you do not overfill, as this can ironically cause a drop in oil pressure and loss of lubrication to vital parts of your vehicle’s engine.
40. Tire Balance
Tires should be balanced whenever they are re-mounted, or newly installed.
41. Tire Tread
Check out the depth of your tire tread by simply using a penny as a measurement. Place the copper piece into the groove of your tire, if it sinks to the president’s hairline, your good to go. If it’s lower, it’s time for some new wheels.
42. Transmission Fluid
Replace transmission fluid at manufacturer recommended intervals. This protects vital components of the transmission and trans-axle in your vehicle.
43. Exhaust
Blue smoke coming from the exhaust indicates that your engine is burning oil. If it burns over a quart every 500 miles, the engine may need to be overhauled. Normal depletion should be a quart or less within 1,500 miles.
44. Tire Pressure
Check tire pressure and adjust monthly. Under inflated tires can have a huge impact on your vehicle’s handling, safety and fuel consumption. Recommended measures can be found on your driver’s side door-frame or glove compartment.