Car Maintenance- What You Must Know!

[jen276here]

Not at all! I'm an insurance agent & there are an amazing number of people out there who have absolutely NO IDEA what kind of car they own & need insured!:shrug7:

I think year/make/model is all I know about my car! lol I have this button we call the 'Oh Sht' button. I have no clue why we call it that 'cause I don't even know what it does! DH says it is good in the winter if my tires spin on ice/snow. I've been waiting to use it, but don't really even know when I should press it! lol I just want to press it and it be like the Batmobile or something!!

[ssfkat3]

Everyone should know...

1- Make/Year/Model of course
2- license plate number, insurance co phone number, towing service phone number.
3- How to check and add when needed, ALL fluids in the car, should be checked weekly (or more if you have a leak somewhere) includes oil, battery, tranny, radiator, brake, windshield wiper fluids, etc Some you check while car is cold, others after its heated up, know which is which! NEVER OVERFILL ANY FLUIDS!!!
4- tire pressure, very important to the life of your tires, guages are pretty cheap and air pumps not terrible, can get one that hooks to the cig lighter if there is one in the car, or to electrical outlet if not. plus at many gas stations. tire pressures differ from winter to summer, pressure info should be on the tire itself, or the drivers side door usually has a sticker on it with info.
5- how to change a tire (especially in this day and age of wackos on the roads, don't wait for someone to stop to help, just get it done! and get out!)
6- when your warrenty maintanence is due and what is due on it. (60,000 mile checkups are costly)
7- tire rotations/oil changes, when done, when due
8- if your state does inspections, then everything on that list is good to check at least monthly!

with newer cars, some of the stuff is dang near impossible for a person to do without the equipment. In that case, find yourself a very reliable person to do those repairs for you. This does not necessarily mean the dealership! Our cars have gone up to a local texaco station where we know the people, and they have done us right for many a year now.

If buying a car...used....take a mechanic with you! Even if you have to pay them half your right arm. Find a couple cars you are interested in, and either have the car seller let you take it to the mechanic for a once over, or bring the mechanic to the car. If buying new, well, good luck, I wouldn't buy new just for the loss in value driving off the lot.

Know in advance what issues have been reported on that make/model you are looking at...do your research!

I personally do not think its necessary to change your own oil, first you have far more to deal with in disposing of that oil than its worth, with as many places as there are doing them for cheap. Old cars sure, newer cars no. KNOW WHAT oil is recommended for your car! Make sure they are putting in the correct oil, even if you have to provide it yourself! Put the right grade of gas in it based on what the paticular car is meant to have.

Keep detailed records of everything you do to your car, and when it does come time to sell, you will find you get more out of it (provided its upkeep was current through the life of the car).

A car not only is a tool to go from Point A to Point B, but it carries the most precious cargo in the world, your family. Know how to keep up with what it needs, just like you do for your families. It's not difficult to know the basics, but can save you a fortune in repairs or roadside breakdowns.

yeah, all that from someone who doesn't even have a car currently. You will never know how much you take one for granted till you no longer have one. (did not lose for any maintanence issues, we were a one car only family for five years at least)

[motherofmolly]

Possible things I can think of now that I may need to know are:
Do I need to know how to change my own oil? remember if you take your car to one of those "oil places", dont fall for all the extras. they will tell you you need a new air filter and charge you an arm and a leg...these things are more than half the price they charge and you unscrew the little do hicky on top of the round thing (yup that is what i call them, but i know how to do it) and take the air filter out and put the new one in.

How to check fluids? windshield wiper fluid, oil (make sure you look where this is and dont accidently put something else here), most cars have a marking on the dip stick...wiper fluid is easy as is oil

How to add fluids? owners manuals have tons of info on this
The parts of the engine so I know where each fluid is? ditto

What everything under the hood does? you can find a book on repair for your car that will give you the specifics. they have them for every vehicle
How to check tire tread? this is just a matter of looking at it...if you cant see it, your tread is getting bad

How to change a tire? this is an important thing...it is not that hard, but you need to know where your spare is (and please check it to make sure it is in working condition from time to time) and where your jack is...have someone show you and do a trial run..as long as you know where to place the jack and how to work the jack...you are in the running to getting it changed...and please make sure you have the right tire iron....also know if your car has a switch in your trunk that needs to be flipped if you have a small front fender bender...some cars have a kill switch and you need to know if yours has this as the car wont start until it is flipped back

What tools should I always carry with me in case of emergencies?a basic tool kit is helpful, a jug of water (if car overheats) or even just a container to put water in, an empty gas can (if you run out), a cell phone charger for your phone, a small tarp (in case you have to get on the ground), wipes to clean hands (nothing like oil on your hands), and even an old towel can come in handy

What are the common car troubles I'll run into and what to do? Etc your most common is going to be a flat tire, next is probably a dead battery (if your car goes clickity clickity when you turn your key and then it starts-this is a sign your starter is going out, the starter charges the battery), overheating......it is important to know your car and the sounds it makes..

[jen276here]

Another thing to mention- a new/newer car doesn't mean there won't be problems - so it is still worth it to be prepared!

[Whispered]

how could one not know what kind of car you drive?? arghh!
lol, i'm a TOYOTA LOVER!!...

I did extensive research, esp w/ consumer reports, when i wanted to buy a car. My last toyota p/u truck, had 257, 000 miles on her. She was over 18 yrs old. I have a 15 yr old toyota corolla now, w/ only 80,000 miles on her.

OIL change, 3,000 miles, is a good bet.. can save your cars life!
Thats the most impt thing.

I also think, if you live in a winter state, to add a shovel, and cardboard, for traction, lol, if you find yourself in a rut`

I agree that TRiple A, is one of the most impt things, you can have.
The price alone, for a year, covers a towing to a garage, if anything happens. Of course, free map too!! lol

jenrose, had a good list. Always carry, water, antifreeze, oil.. the basics.
tire gauge, spare tire, jack..

Spare food and water.. for you!! lol

[powerplay]

I would add that a flashlight with fresh batteries should be kept in your car.

Replacing the windshield wiper blades is a fairly easy thing to do yourself and it is good to replace them about once a year.