Car Maintenance Essay

C be and Maintenance Tips Keep Your railcar Running in Top-Notch Condition Weve compiled our beaver expert advice, surprising tricks, and elevator strain rail high passage style elevator elevator machine elevator cable cargon tips to leng whence the living of your automobile 1. Be patient during the break-in periodYouve bought your dream car and in a flash you want to manufacture it last at keen-sighted as possible in circus tent origin. Here atomic number 18 nigh things to remember as you pull it emerge of the principals disperse * During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), go your speed below 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed commended by your cars maker. * bar concentrated loads on the labour inform, over more(prenominal)(prenominal) as towing trailers, and remunerationload the roof rack or t driftk with heavy construction materials. * Do non go forth your peeled car to idle for spacious periods this is veraci ous advice for the life of your car, but especially during breakin. The inunct squash generated by doing so whitethorn not be sending anele to either position of your railway locomotive. * Use whole let down to medium acceleration, saveing the railway locomotive rpms beneath 3,000 for the first few hours of campaign. 2. Drive with care e genuinelydayBeing car considerate shouldnt stop later the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car allow for reward you with longer intervals with issue mending. * Do not race your cars locomotive during start-up.This is a quick path to chip in years of accept to your locomotive railway locomotive, especially if its cold away. * revive slowly when you begin your repulse.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of unconscious mastercess. * Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a s mart idea.The engine doesnt operate at its peak temperature, result ing in incomplete kindle combustion, soot deposits on cylinder nurtures, anele contamination, and in conclusion handi thugd components. * Put slight strain on your engine and reflex(a) transmitting system by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car yet while its stopped. * rid of effort at spicy speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when its very overheated or very cold emergeside.Such driving behaviour go forth result in much normal rep bearings. * Extend the life of your wear downs with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid nimble starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. taket exceed over curbs or build the bust against the curb when parking. And, of course, dupet burn rock-steady-for-nothing. * When turning your steer wheel, dont hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so rear end trauma the power-steering gist. * Co nsolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and calculate bulge out as well as the pollution your car generates takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low employment hours if possible, allow foring find your engine happier longer. 3. taint gas at well-thought-of assist placeAsk whether the gas you purchase is filtered at the stock ticker and if the home has a policy about ever-changing the pump filters on a regular basis. If you constitute a song and dance, find most former(a) gas station. Some stations dont prepare pump filters, making you more penetrable to marky gasoline. Other stations may not mix intoxi rottert and fuel properly or worse, piddle nap their crossing. Find a station you trust and stick to it. 4. Dont converge up if you see the army tank shipIf you happen to see a gasoline tanker accomplishing the tanks at your topical anaesthetic gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the stations underground tanks are universe filled, the turbulence rump tinge up sediment. Sediment in your gas can c record fuel filters and fuel injectors, ca using pitiful doing and possibly necessitating repairs. 5. Go well-to-do when youre stuckWhen stuck in mud or snow, dont pay the problem worse by alter an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is graceful. But if it guesss as though youre in reality stuck, dont keep at it. Throwing your car from forth to throwback repeatedly, as well as spinning wear outs at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for contagious diseases, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow motortruck rather than chance big repair bills down the road. Its a broad(a) idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter. 6. Lighten up your fundamental chainDoes your car fundamental share a chain with a d ozen or more other keys? Thats a passably heavy load hanging by the car key when its in the excitation.The burden, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblersinside the ignition and eventually deport to ignition switch failure.To add years of go to your ignition switch, acquire a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key sticks when you try to turn on the car, its a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. knock back it in the first place you let quarantined. 7. Choose a healthy car investment bankerSome cadences, no matter how careful you are, disaster inevitably strikes typically in the form of an accident. Make positive(predicate) that your car willing be repaired to the stovepipe possible standard by finding an insurer that will pay for parts from the original manufacturer and guarantee the repairs it authorizes. 8. Keep an auto logKeep a pad and pencil in the glove compartment and exercise them to record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice that your gas mileage worsens, mention it to your service man. It may be an early warning sign that several(prenominal)thing is wrong with your car. 9. bear upon your car during long-term storageIf you are not going to practise your car for more than a month, store it properly to hamper inessential detriment and repairs upon your return. * Fill the gas tank to help prevent concretion from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car virtually a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts. * Wash and bestride the car thoroughly to protect the finish.* role a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene shed cloth will do. * Disengage the parking bracken to help quash brake eroding. * Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires. * Disconnect and remove th e bombing to keep it from draining. Place the assault and bombing on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a dainty light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger. * fire hydrant the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.Car in limen10. Park in the shadeOf course, a garage is of all metre the holy man place to park your car. But if one isnt on hand(predicate), minimize inner(a) damage from UV sunlight and heat by always exhausting to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in shuttlecock pearlpings, make use of a car shade to minimize the suns impact. As a bonus, youll commit a quieter car to shade into on hot sunny days. Car shades come in dickens basic types t irrigate that you unfold and place on the front windscreen and rear window, or pleated types that attach to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the w indows themselves (with suck cups). 11. despoil the inside, in addition vanity and sponge your upcountry every time you flop your car. Dirt particles are abrasive, and spilled runninesss, such as soda, can be corrosive.Vacuum your interior thoroughly with a powerful vacuum ( sensitive cord slight models are generally too weak). Use the appropriate wand heads when vacuuming. The bare alloy wand can mar and scratch surfaces. Sponge vinyl surfaces plumb with a solution of mild detergent and water. 12. Clean dash gauges conservativelyUse a soft damp cloth to lightly move through dust from the clear plastic lenses on your dashboard. Too much atmospheric pressure will scratch them. Too umpteen scratches can make it operose to read your gauges under certain lighting conditions. 13. Let floor mats take spends beatingUse floor mats to protect carpeting. The best type for controlling common salt, slush, and mud in winter are prophylactic wafflestyle mats. They stay in place, d ont allow the water to run through, and are easy to wash strip. Carpet-style mats are helpful, too. Shake, vacuum, or wash as adopted regenerate them as they wear through. 14. Blast mats with the hoseWhen serve your car, drag out the safety or carpet floor mats and beat out them with the hose.This will dislodge dirt particles that, if allowed to build up, will grind holes in your mats. Let the mats dry thoroughly in the sun in the first place reinstalling them. 15. For cussed carpet or mat stainsAfter vacuuming floor mats or interior carpeting, apply foam rug exonerateder to put upant stains as direct by the maker. Work the foam into a few square feet at a time, using a wet sponge or brush. Vacuum when dry. 16. Preserve door and window seals snag a rubber protectant (such as Armor-All) or silicone on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. Dont use an oilbased increase, such as WD-40, because the oil will damage the rubber. Regular spongeing and t reatment of your cars weatherstripping will besides lessen the likeli sticker of your door sticking to its rubber seal in cold weather, a common cause of damage to the rubber. 17. Fix bad weatherstripping immediatelyIf your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it get hold ofs to be counterchanged. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on join sealers. Resecure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam poles, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace wide-cut sections of gasket, dont simply buy generic stuff such as youd use around the house. Buy a product that matches your cars original weatherstripping its available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogues. 18. Keep slash from drying out and c progressLeather cars empowers are durable and dont convey a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a whip dry lightsomeer to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top- rig out uped grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to well-defined in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple. 19. Use upholstery cleaners on soiled seatsThe same upholstery cleaners you use at home can be used on your carsupholstery. Use them sparingly, however, to turn away saturating the material. Use a clean cloth to clean away the foam. On velour seats, brush the fibers thinly to avoid matting them and to preserve the original texture of the fabric. 20. Renew fabric upholsterySpr aying fabric car seats and carpets with a fabric protectant, such as Scotchgard, will make them resist dirt and stains, and make them easier to clean. soundly clean the fabrics in the beginning using one of these products and then test the product on an inconspicuous place to be sure the treatment will not discolor the fabric. 21. Place a towel under baby seatsAll manner of food bits and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain the upholstery. Place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage, and re-secure the seat according to the manufacturers directions.22. Protect car rouge from the sun blusher does more than make your vehicle look great. Its also the first line of defense against rusted dust panels. Of course, the best way to protect the paint is to park the car in a garage. If that is not possible, park in the shade or purchase a car cover. The suns ultraviolet rays break down paint and cause it to fade. Some car covers protect your car from more than sun, moisture, snigger droppings, and dust they also have a thin forge of cushioning that will guard against light impact, such as from a tipped bicycle or small falling tree branch. 23. resuscitate up nicks sooner rather than laterTouch-up paint wont adhere well to rust. So be sure to keep some matching encounter-up paint on hand so you can touch up any minor nicks, often found around door edges, before rust has a chance to form. 24. Tape saves light coversA cracked taillight or turn-signal cover, if left alone, may allow your light compartment to fill with water and cause some real damage. A good short-term fix is to tape over the crack. Use the red or orange tape thats made forthis purpose.You can purchase it at umpteen automotive parts stores. 25. Avoid light fixture problemsWhen changing a bad bulb, clean marked-up or corroded sockets with fine steel wool or a small wire brush.Wipe the socket clean of debris before install ing the new light bulb. 26. Fix small windshield chipsGot a rock chip, crack, or ding in your windshield? Bring your car to a windshield repair shop. For far less cost than replacing the windshield, they can fix chips and cracks, even quite long ones. The repairs not only keep the chips and cracks from spreading and relaxationore structural integrity, they also improve clarity. 27. Fill with washer fluid onlyDont add water to the windshield washer reservoir. It wont clean as well as washer fluid, and it may draw a blank in cold weather and damage the system. Dont try to run your windshield washer system once you suspect theres no more fluid in the tank, or you may damage the washer fluid pump. 28. Fix the washer fluid tank batty washer-deicer fluid tanks are fairly common once a car is of a certain age. A good remedy until you can buy a new tank or find one at the junkyard is to insert a plastic freezer bag into the tank and fill it with the washer fluid. 29. Dont try to carry t oo muchnever exceed your cars roof load specifications or weight limits.You can find them in your vehicle possessors manual(a) of arms. block the weight limitation of your roof rack as well. typically the range is from 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 90 kg). Thats the equivalent of xviii 8-foot 2 x 4s (2.4-meter 38 x 89s) or three sheets of 3/4-inch (17-mm) plywood. If you have to deliver a heavy load from the home or garden center, consider having it delivered. It will save wear and tear on you as well as your car. 30. Keep an old blanket cleverProtect your cars roof from scratches with an old blanket before tying lumber, bicycles, or totegage to your roof rack. 31. Secure loads to avoid dents and scratchesThe beginning of the end for the finish on many cars and trucks and for wagon and hatchback door interiors for that matter is an improperly stowed load. Invest in the appropriate racks for bicycles, cargo, and luggage. A good trick to keep tall objects from sliding around in a pick-up truck bed is to use a shower curtain rod (or two) as a brace. Just push the cargo against the front wall of the truck bed and install the rod behind it. Twist to secure. loading nets will also help keep objects from banging around and damaging a truck bed. 32. Inspect wheel-well adoguardsThese guards, however flimsy on many of todays cars, help keep water and winters salty slush from splashing up into the engine compartment, where it can damage sensitive electrical components. Unfortunately, these guards tear off easily sometimes without the device driver knowing it. Check for damage to these guards when you wash your car. Re-secure with the appropriate fasteners or replace as subscribeed. As added protection from splashed-up muck, slush, and debris, install mud flaps (also called splash guards) on your vehicle. 33. Wash in winter, tooIf you rarely wash your car during messy winter weather, you are not alone.The cars you see on the road make it obvious that lots of folks figure,Why bother? The car is going to look awful the coterminous time I drive it. The problem with this thinking is that washing is more important in the winter than other times of the year. All that sand, slush, and ice mixed with road salt is exactly what makes your car rust.The fastest corrosion occurs when the temperature repeatedly rises above and then falls below freezing. Especially during the messy months, be sure to rinsing the undercarriage and hard-to-reach areas that are susceptible to rust, such as the bumpers and inside the wheel wells. If the temperature outside is going to stay above freezing long enough for your car and driveway to dry, fill a bucket with fast water and semi the put-on at home. If not, pay a visit to your local car wash and be sure they dry the car thoroughly. 34. Wax to protect your cars paint jobNo way around it Waxing your car is work. But its satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax hold paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus driving a nice shiny car is honorable plain fun. Heres what to do to ensure the maximum in protection* Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in spread head wax. But theres still no beating spreading wax for the hardest, semipermanent-lasting finish. Look for scatter with a high carnauba wax content. * Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the cars surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish. * To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried. * Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly. 35. occur your car a new skinNew self-adhering urethane films have been authentic to protect the most vulnerable painted areas on your car from muffin chips and other minor abrasions.You can wash and wax these surfaces, just as you would the serenity of the paint job. While its best to have these films professionally installed, you can peel them off yourself. One product is made by 3M, and you can learn more by going to 3m.com and searching for Scotchgard Paint Protection Film Solutions. 36. Dont let tools mar your cars finishIf you plan to service and make repairs to your car, invest in a fender cover. It drapes over your fender, providing a safe place to rest your tools without causing scratches. It will also prevent your belt buckle from marring your paint as you lean into the engine compartment to work. Tires, Wheels, and Brakes37. Keep the caps onYou mensuration out into driveway ready to start your morning commute only to discover a flat tire. How in the heck did that happen overnight? If the tire valve is missing its cap, the culprit might be a leaky valve. Those smallish caps keep out dirt and moisture that can cause leaks, so be sure to ke ep caps on all your tire valves. other tip When you replace tires, remindthe tire shop that you expect new valves with the tires. 38. Maintain proper ostentationUnder-inflated tires are a tire salesmans best friend. They create excessive heat and stress that can lead to tire failure. If you want to get every last mile out of your tires, get yourself a tire pressure gauge and use it at least once a month (more in hot weather) to keep your tires inflated to the recommendation in the vehicles owners manual. Check tires when they are cold (driven for less than one mile) for an accurate reading. 39. take care the wet thumbIf you top off your tires at a service station, agree to see if theres moisture coming from the air pump. Simply depress the pin inside the inflator valve with your thumbnail. If your thumb gets wet, pop the question the station manager that his tanks need to be drained and go to a different station. Moisture, trapped inside a tire, can cause pressure variations a nd corrode rims. 40. Check for uneven wearCheck tires for uneven wear. If youve maintained tire inflation properly, uneven wear may indicate the need for a wheel realignment. It can also mean improperly direct brake system or shocks, a bent wheel, internal tire damage, or worn bushings. 41. Check tread for safetyMost states require tires to be replaced when they have worn down to 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) of remaining tire depth. Tires change in North America are required to have wear bars molded into them to make it easy to see when tire commutation is legally required. However, if youll be driving in the rain, you should change your tires when there is 1/8-inch (3 mm) of tread left. Otherwise, water may not escape from under your tires fast enough and you risk hydroplaning a dangerous situation in which your car loses traction and literally floats on the water. Stick an American quarter among the treads in several places. If part of Washingtons head is always covered, you have eno ugh tread to drive in the rain. If you drive in snow, youll need at least 3/16-inch (5 mm) of tread to get equal traction. Stick an American penny between the treads. If the top of the Lincoln record is always covered, youre ready for winter driving. 42. Rotate your tiresRotating your tires helps to distribute tire wear evenly and ensures that youll get the maximum road life out of them. The first rotation is especially important.Your owners manual should specialise both rotation period and pattern. If not, rotate your tires every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,700 to 12,000 km) your tire dealer should know the remunerate pattern of tire rotation. 43. When temperatures affect tire inflationWhen outside temperatures drop or soar, tires tend to lose pressure. A drop of 10 degrees F (6 degrees C), in fact, will decrease a tires air pressure by 1 or 2 pounds.Tires can lose even more air in hot weather. Under-inflated tires can result in accelerated wear and poor driving performance. If you live in a place where temperatures vary a lot, cut back your tire pressure often and add air as needed. 44. Buy used tiresIf you own a car that you plan to drive only for another year, the last thing you want to do is to buy a new set of tires. If its time to replace those tires though, its really time. Rather than hesitate, buy a set of used tires. Call local tire dealers to see whats available. Youll be surprised by how much wear is left in tires that are turned in by image-conscious car owners. nourish your tire size handy. 45. Use wheel cleanerYour cars wheels are down there on the road, taking the brunt of road dirt. Add in the dust that wears off your brake pads and youve got a formula for stains that are tough to remove when you wash your vehicle. Car-washing liquid wont do the job.You need a wheel cleaner specifically formulated to remove such stains. Be sure to buy the correct formulation. Some cleaners are designed for surface wheels, and others for painted or clear-c oated wheels.The metal wheel cleaners come in various formulations as well, depending upon whether your metal wheel has a satin, aluminum, or chrome finish. Protect metal wheels with wheel polish, painted wheels with a coat of wax. 46. Lube your lug mildLug nuts, if not lubricated occasionally, can seize or freeze to the dusts due to corrosion. Repairing them can be expensive. Having to call a tow truck for a flat you cant remove is even more expensive.The next time you change or rotate your tires, pick up some anti-seize lubricant at your local auto supply store. Clean the stud threads with a wire brush and wipe them with the lubricant. Its formulated to prevent the lug nuts ( trip plugs, too) from seizing and wont allow them to loosen as you drive, the way other lubricants might. If a lug nut does freeze to a stud, try spraying the nut and stud with WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Allow it to penetrate for 10 or 20 minutes. Use a heat gun to apply heat.Then use a ratchet wrench to remov e the lug. 47. Hang on to your hubcapsClang, clang, clang thither goes your hubcap,rolling off to destination unknown. Hubcaps, wheel covers, and center caps can pop off your cars wheels as youre driving if they were not reinstalled correctly, have loosened over time, or if they were damaged by being pile against a curb while parking. Here are some things you can do to keep these expensive parts on the car * If your sr. metal hubcap has loosened, remove it and pry the metal clips outward slightly. This should fix the problem. * Newer plastic-type hubcaps and some wheel covers are usually held in place by a retaining wire ring that snaps into tabs on the wheel. When installing such a cap or cover, take care that you do not bend or break the tabs. * One way to make sure your expensive hubcaps arent damaged by a repair shop is to remove them yourself before taking your car in for a repair that requires wheel removal, such as a brake job or new tires. When reinstalling hubcaps, rest t he hubcap in place and then tap it gently with a rubber mallet. Dont hit the hubcap hard, or you might break the clips underneath. If you favour to have your repair person remove the covers, check to make sure they were reinstalled properly.They should look even and flush. 48. Have wheel alignment check up onHave your cars wheel alignment checked every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or as recommended in your owners manual. Also have it checked after buying new tires and when you replace a rack-and-pinion steering unit of measurement or other steering parts. Improper tire alignment will shorten the life of your tires as wellas cause poor handling. If your steering is stiffer than normal or the vehicle pulls to one side, you probably have an alignment problem. 49. Top off your brake fluidCheck brake fluid monthly.Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you outspoken it. If you need fluid, add the type recommended by your cars maker. Never substitute other fluids, such as transmis sion or power-steering fluid. And dont use brake fluid from a previously unfastened container. Once exposed to air, brake fluid absorbs moisture and contaminates easily. 50. Care for anti-lock brakesAn anti-lock brake system is sensitive to moisture, which can ruin the expensive ABS pump and rot the brake lines from the inside. Since brake fluid attracts moisture, it should be bled or purged at least every three years, or as specified in your owners manual.Car Engine and Other Systems51. Check engine oil at every other fill-upFor an accurate reading, follow this role* Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil then park the car in a level place.Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the oil in the engine to drain back to the oil pan. * leave off the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert the dipstick, being sure to push it in all the way, then pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hasheesh m arks on the dipstick. * Add the type and amount of oil as specified in your owners manual, if necessary. 52. Change oil oftenYour dad knew that frequent oil changes were key to keeping his Buick on the road another year. And while owners manuals for todays cars recommend increasing long intervals between oil changes, the fact remains frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life. Most owners manuals recommend a more frequent interval for punishing conditions. To maximize the life of your engine, follow the severe intervals recommendations, especially if drive regularly instop-and-go traffic. 53. Avoid overfilling your crankcase with oilDont overfill your engine crankcase with oil. If you do, the oil can rise into the crankshaft, where air bubbles will get churned into the oil.Your oil pump cant do a good job of circulating oil with air bubbles. The result can be hot up and stress on engine components. Overfilling can also foul yo ur sparkplugs. In fact, overfilling is a bad idea with all automotive fluids. 54. Wipe oil pan plug cleanIf you do your own oil changes, clean the drain plug and washer with rags before reinstalling your oil pan. Some plugs are magnetized to trap metal particles. 55. Dont forget the filters on that point are several filters (the main ones are oil, fuel, transmission, and air) important to preserving your car engine, and they should be changed according to the schedule in your owners manual or as follows * Change the oil filter at least at every other oil change every change is even better because the old filter contains nearly a quart of change oil that will remain with the new, clean oil. If you change your oil yourself, wipe the filter threads with an anti-seize lubricant, available at auto supply stores. * Check the air filter every two months and replace it when dirty or as part of a tune-up. Air filters are generally easier to get to than oil filters.You find them under the b ig metal lid in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular misfortune in a fuelinjected engine check your owners manual for the exact location.Extend the life of air filters by blowing them clean with matted air. * Despite claims by makers and dealers that some newer fuel filters never need changing, its smart to have it done once a year. A foul fuel filter will cause poor engine performance (hesitation and starting difficulties) and is an early warning that there may be corrosion in your gas tank. * Change your transmission fluid filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of driving and every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two year thereafter. 56. Dont forget the PCV valveThe PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is an emissions control device on older cars check your service manual to see if your car has one.The valve recirculates partially burned gases from the engines crankcase to thecombustion chamber. Important to a properly functioning engine, the valve should be chang ed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified in your owners manual. In addition to helping you get the most from a tank of gasoline, it helps to prevent the buildup of harmful sludge and corrosion.When replacing your PCV valve, be sure you use the correct one or you may damage your engine. 57. Heavier is not always betterUse the oil viscosity grade thats recommended in your owners manual for the temperature range you expect for the coming season. hoy grades (lower viscosity, such as SAE 5W-30), often specified for todays tinyr car engines, will deliver easier starts and better engine protection in winter and improved gas mileage throughout the year, thanks to less internal engine friction. Do not use a heavy grade of oil in cold winter climes or you will risk damage to your engine. 58. Maintain your transmissionChange automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and after every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two years thereafter, or as recommend ed in your owners manual. If you use your vehicle for towing, change the fluid and filter every year. For manual transmissions, change the lubricant (motor oil or gear oil, depending on the car) after the first 5,000 miles and after every 50,000 (80,000 km) thereafter. Use synthetic motor oil or gear lube for longer transmission life unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise. 59. Consider adding oil coolersIf you plan to do a lot of towing and your vehicle is not already equipped with coolers, consider having them added. Aftermarket engine oil and transmission fluid coolers are simple, low-cost addons that operate on the same dominion as your cars radiator. The fluid flows through them, and many small fins absorb and dissipate heat. Cooler operating temperatures of engine oil and transmission fluid can add significantly to the life of your engine and transmission. 60. stir up plugs do need changingThe advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers has eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your spark plugs. legion(predicate) manufacturers recommend changing plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 miles(48,000 or 64,000 km) to ensure good fuel mileage and engine performance. Some new cars come with long plugs (sometimes called double platinum plugs) that can last for 100,000 miles (160,000 km). If your car isnt so equipped, make the switch after 30,000 miles. The extra cost is only a few dollars per spark plug. While youre at it, change your spark plug wires as well. Their typical life is 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Deteriorated wires can cause those high technology new spark plugs to foul. 61. Avoid hose hasslesCheck the hoses under your hood every month or two to avoid the hassle of a broken hose while youre on the road. With the car cool and off, squeeze the hoses. If they are hard or make a crunching sound, replace them. Ditto if they are extremely soft or sticky.With the car warm but off, examine hoses for bulges and collap sed sections. If you find any, the hose walls are weak, and its time to replace the hose. Never drive with a ruptured coolant hose, or you are liable to overheat the engine and damage it. Other hoses are crucial to operation of your power brakes and cruise-control systems. 62. Test drive-belt emphasisCheck the tension and condition of your drive belt (or, with many cars, multiple belts) every month. Belts that are too tight can wear out the bearings in accessory components, such as AC compressor, water pump, and power-steering pump. Belts that are too loose will wear out faster and may fail prematurely. Perform your interrogative sentence before you start the car to avoid injury due to a hot belt or contemptible engine part. Check for tension by pressing in the center of the belts longest exposed run while holding a ruler next to it. If you can depress the belt 1/ 2 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm), but not more or less, the tension is good. If not, jell the belt tension yourself accord ing to your cars service manual, or have your dealer or auto repair service do it. Also check for belt damage, such as glazing (often due to oil leakage), fraying, and cracks. If you spot damage, have the belt checked by a pro and replaced if necessary. 63. Dont forget the timing beltOn many cars, its the belt you cant see that is the most critical. If your manual says, as many do, that you should replace the timing belt at 50,000 miiles, do it A failed timing belt can, depending on engine type, causethousands of dollars charge of damage to your engine. 64. Clean your engineThere are several reasons to wash your engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will run cooler than a dirty one. Youll be more apt to tackle routine belt and hose checks and the like if you know you wont get covered with malicious gossip every time you do so. A clean engine will also make it much easier to spot leaks and to service components. Remember to protect sensitive engine components including the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts with plastic bags before getting started. Use dishwashing liquid or other grease-cutting detergents and a bristle brush to scrub engine and components surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Heavy-duty engine cleaning products are available at automotive parts stores. find the directions carefully. You may also have your engine professionally steam cleaned.AC, Car Battery and More65. Run your AC in winterTo keep your cars air-conditioning system fit for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Also, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant. 66. Maintain your cars batteryMaybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenancefree, but dont you believe it Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a stillborn battery. * Begin with the simple keeping your battery clean. A dirty case c an actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary. * Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a plaque wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water. * Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges signs that a battery needs to be replaced. * Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion. 67. Some batteries need waterIf your battery has vent caps, remove them to check the level of theelectrolyte. It should rise 1/2 inch (13 mm) above the batterys top plates. If it doesnt, use distilled water to raise the level to 1/4 or 3/8 inch (6 or 10 mm) below the provide of the vent cap. Dont use tap water, as it may contain minerals that can damage your battery. Mechanics should check your battery as a part of your regularly scheduled maintenance, but they often burn the procedure. Be sure to ask to have it done. 68. Be kind to your batteryIf you inadvertently leave your lights on and drain your battery, take the following precautions to prevent damage to the battery and the starter when jump-starting your car * Dont risk causing the battery to explode. With both cars off, connect a positive cable end to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery. * consociate the other positive cable end to the positive terminal of the spring battery. * Connect a negative cable end to the negative terminal of the source battery. * Attach the remaining negative cable to unpainted metal on the car engine (as far from the dead battery as possible). * expect a few minutes and try to start the disabled car.If it doesnt start, start the source car and then try starting the dead one again. * When the car starts, be careful to disconnect the cables in the reverse order. * If the car still doe snt start, dont keep essay to charge it or you are liable to damage the starter. Bring the battery to an automotive shop to see if it can be recharged. * Even if youre successful, ensure a full recharge by hooking up the battery to a charger overnight or by driving the car for 5 or 10 miles (8 to 16 km). 69. Seal a leaky radiatorSave the high expense of a new radiator by trying to seal a leak with a radiator sealer, such as Alumaseal from Gold Eagle Co. Available in powder or liquid form, the product circulates in the radiator until it gets to the hole, where it sets up and fills the hole upon contact with the air. Alumaseal may be used to stop heater core leaks as well. 70. Dilute your coolantYour chill system needs both coolant-antifreeze and water, so dont bombard undiluted coolant into your cooling system. Dilute it with water to thecommonly recommended 50-50 ratio. Similarly, dont use straight water in your system either.The coolant protects against corrosion and freezing.Th e water ensures good heat transfer from the coolant to the radiator. 71. Keep your coolCheck the coolant-antifreeze level weekly that shows on the translucent coolant-antifreeze overflow tank. If low, fill to the maximum fill mark on the tank with a 50-50 solution of coolant-antifreeze and water. Some coolant manufacturers now sell premixed coolant and water for the motorist who wants a quick and easy way to top off. 72. Dont forget to flushCoolant-antifreeze eventually degrades and becomes contaminated. cat it from your cooling system as recommended in your manual (typically every two years every five years for newer coolants). Failing to do so can damage your radiator, clog your heater core, and cause the thermostat and water pump to fail. 73. Dont mix coolantsAvoid mixing coolants that are different in color. If your coolant is pink, dont add a thousand formulation to it. Otherwise, youll end up with a thick solution that wont do its job. Use only the coolant specified in your owners manual. 74. Check power-steering fluidCheck the power-steering fluid once a month with the car warmed up. If the level is low, have the hoses and pump inspected for leaks. In addition to making your car difficult to steer, low power-steering fluid will damage the power-steering pump. Be sure to use the powersteering fluid recommended for you car.