Basic Car Maintenance

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1022 -- More Projects »
Certified auto mechanic David Haines explains simple maintenance checks for your car that may prevent costly and confusing repairs.

Initial Tips


  • Before you start checking under the hood, follow a few safety instructions. Pull your hair back, remove jewelry, secure any loose clothing and don a pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands clean.

  • The fluids in your car should be light-colored and clear. When they become dark or opaque, it is time to replace them.

Cold Car Checks


  • Always check your fluids when the car is cold and on a flat surface.
PHOTO

Master Engine Cylinder
  • The Master Cylinder. This reservoir holds the brake fluid and is located at the back of the engine compartment. Always clean the top of the reservoir before removing the cap. It is important to keep the brake fluid as clean as possible. Visually check to see if the fluid is low. Fill carefully to the max fill line. Make sure you are using the appropriate fluid for your vehicle. It is specified on the cap.
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    Dipstick for the engine oil reservoir
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    To see if your oil is dirty, compare its color to some fresh oil spread on a white sheet of paper.
  • Engine Oil. This is typically located at the front of the engine and has a dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and clean it off by running it through a rag. Redip the stick into the chamber to see what the level of fluid is. If the level is low or the oil is dirty, replace. If the oil needs replacing, remove the cap to the oil reservoir found at the top of the engine block and carefully pour in fresh oil, using a funnel. Be sure to use the correct grade of oil, specified in your owner’s manual.

  • Power Steering Fluid. The reservoir for this can be hard to find. Check the owner's manual, or ask your mechanic where it is. Remove the cap and make sure the fluid is above the minimum mark. If it is low, carefully fill and recheck the dipstick.

  • Engine Coolant (antifreeze). Visually check the fluid level with a flashlight. The reservoir should be visible near the front of the engine.

    Running Engine Fluid Check

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    Figure A
    Turn the ignition key to check the transmission fluid. The car should be idling in Park to make this check. The dipstick generally is red (figure A). Pull the dipstick out, wipe it and reinsert it. Pull it out again and read the fluid level. Sniff the fluid to make sure it doesn't smell pungent or burnt. The fluid will have a pinkish tint when it is in good condition. If fluid needs to be added, place a funnel directly into the dipstick opening and carefully add the fluid. Recheck levels with the dipstick.

    Tires

    This is the most important aspect of auto safety. You need to check for pressure and wear and tear.

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    Figure B
  • Wear. To determine if the tires are worn beyond safety levels, stick a penny into one of the tread grooves with Lincoln's head pointing down. If the tread is lower than Lincoln's hair, your tires need to be replaced. If his hair is covered (figure B), your tires are fine. Be sure to check all four tires because they may wear at a different rate, even on the same vehicle.
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    Figure C
  • Inflation. Look for the correct tire pressure in one of three locations on your car: the glove box, the door jamb or the fuel filler door (figure C). A two-pound decrease could affect fuel mileage by about 4 percent.
    • Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1022
    •Flower-less Centerpieces
    •Basic Car Maintenance
    •Offbeat Brunch Recipes
    •Smart Solution of the Day