Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles are designed to go 7,500 miles between oil changes. Automakers often recommend 3,000-mile intervals for severe driving conditions, such as constant stop-and-go driving, frequent trailer-towing, mountainous terrain, or dusty conditions. Changing oil more often helps the engine.The automaker's recommended pressure is usually found on a doorjamb sticker, in the glove box, or on the fuel-filler door. Do not use the pounds-per-square-inch figure on the side of the tire, which is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold. Perform a monthly pressure check when tires are cold or after the car has been parked for a few hours.
If the fluid level drops to or below the Low mark on the reservoir, then either your brakes are worn out or fluid is leaking. Either way, get the brake system serviced immediately. You should also get a routine brake inspection when you rotate the tires, about every 6,000 to 7,000 miles.
Most vehicles run just fine on regular-grade (87 Octane) fuel. Using premium in these cars won't hurt, but it won't improve performance, either. A higher-Octane number simply means that the fuel is less prone to pre-ignition problems, so it's often specified for hotter running, high-compression engines.
Most owner's manuals recommend changing the coolant every five years or 60,000 miles. Of course, if the level in the coolant reservoir is chronically low, check for a leak and get service as soon as possible.
After a jump-start, it could take hours of driving to restore a battery's full charge, especially in the winter. A "load test" at a service station can determine whether the battery can still hold a charge. If so, some hours on a battery charger might be needed to revive the battery to its full potential.
Modern engines warm up more quickly when they're driven. And the sooner they warm up, the sooner they reach maximum efficiency and deliver the best fuel economy and performance. But don't rev the engine high over the first few miles while it's warming up.
Perform regular maintenance to keep your run well and last long. The maintenance items are specified in the vehicle owner's manual. Keep accurate records and receipts to back you up in case of a warranty dispute on a future repair. Check out Napa Car Dealers.
Dishwashing and laundry detergents can strip off a car's wax finish. Instead, use a car-wash liquid, which is formulated to clean without removing wax.
Reality Check on Car-Care Myths
