Basic Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Fluids, Tires and Lights

There are many simple things that one can do that contribute to the enjoyment of one's automobile ownership experience. Basic maintenance will help ensure many things such as reliability, economy and　safety; all factors which affect your enjoyment of your vehicle.　Regardless of one's technical skill level there is a basic level of preventative maintenance that all responsible car owners should aspire to complete regularly. Basic systems such as fluids, tire pressure, lights and signal functionality are easily checked and can be corrected by anyone.

The Details: How to check fluids, tire pressure, and light function

Fluids Generally: Most vehicles have several serviceable fluid types. The most common are, oil, coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Each is usually checked with a dipstick and none (except transmission fluid) requires specialized equipment in most cars. If you have no experience checking these fluids make sure to look up a how-to specific to your vehicle. This information is usually available in the manufacturer’s booklet. I recommend that you watch your fluid levels even if you do not wish to service them yourself, knowing when to go to the full service fluid shop is important, even to the vehicle owner that has no desire to do the work him/herself.

Oil: Makes sure you use the correct type! Viscosity and synthetic vs. regular requirements can be found in you owner manual. Usually sports cars have the most stringent requirements. Open the cap and fill until the dipstick registers that you have the appropriate amount inside. If your vehicle is warm all the oil is in the pan and you will get the most accurate reading. DON’T PUT IN TOO MUCH, TOO MUCH IS JUST AS BAD AS TOO LITTLE! Many cars have been destroyed by incorrect oil levels.

Break and Power Steering fluids: These fluids rarely need to be added but it is advisable to check them as regularly as all the others. They are checked via a dipstick or marked reservoir.

Wiper fluid: Easy as pie. If it is low add more. Wiper fluid is cheap and idiot proof to service.

Transmission Fluid: Tranny fluid is something that rarely needs to be checked. Use your vehicles mileage to determine an appropriate schedule. Often vehicles have dipstick checked tranny fluid; this is then easy to do. However some cars have so called ‘no service’ transmissions which is a misnomer. They still need service but it is not something you can not do without going to a mechanic. Often these systems require computers and hot injection methods to determine fluid levels. Never try and service this yourself! Though it is possible by taking shortcuts and mickey-mousing I would strongly discourage this practice.

Tire pressure

This is easily done by anyone! Purchase a tire pressure gauge and deploy it on each of your tires. They sell fancy digital gauges if you’re into the coolness factor. Check your results against your manufacturers suggested specs. Be aware that ‘hot’ tires and ‘cold’ tires will give you different results. A ‘cold’ tire has not been used recently and the air inside will be under less pressure as a ‘hot’ tire which has been used recently. As your tire spins the air inside heats up and air pressure will rise. Outside temperature is also a factor, take a balloon from inside a warm house into freezing winter air and sit back and be amazed by the results! To fill a tire with air you need a compressor. These are usually available for use at most service stations.

Light Function

Cars have more than headlights! Yes those are the most important to you but remember that turn signals and break lights are also critical to the safe use of your vehicle. Light function is most easily tested with the assistance of a partner as they can observe whether the lights work as you cycle through them from the driver’s seat. If you are alone however you can still check by driving your vehicle close to a wall and looking for the reflection off that wall of your desired light function… I know, I know, you can get out and check for yourself… but remember your reverse and break lights! How can you check those without being in the car to make sure it does not start moving? So once you determined that one or more of your lights are not functioning take out the bulb, usually via a slick, no tools required, panel from the back of the light housing. Replace the defective bulb and presto! Your have successfully solved the problem. When replacing headlights/halogens, make sure you wear gloves or do not touch the bulb with your fingers. Oil from you skin can be deposited and these bulbs can bust as they operate are very high temperatures.