Know Your Basic Car Care

Regular checks

It may seem intimidating, but basic care car is often simply a matter of popping open the hood and taking a look at the engine of your vehicle.

Some basic car care starts with examining the exterior. Check your tires at least every other week to make sure they are inflated properly. This should be an actual check with a tire pressure gauge, but you may also advantage from a visual check to make sure the tires appear equally and properly inflated.

body and bumper damage, which should be monitored for insurance purposes
leaking fluids underneath the vehicle, including oil, power and brake fluid, transmission or other fluid (air-conditioning may cause water to drip under a vehicle)
smoke in vehicle exhaust, aside from normal diesel emissions or startup fumes
engine or fluid warning lights, which should be promptly addressed before any further driving

Under the Hood

Of course, much of the day-to-day driving maintenance for your vehicle must occur with the hood opened and up, but that doesn't mean you have to be a mechanic. The most important things to monitor and check regularly include the following:

engine oil level and cleanliness
antifreeze/coolant level (never attempt to remove radiator cap while engine is hot or warm)
brake and power steering fluid levels
transmission fluid
belts

Changing the Oil

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your vehicle is to change the oil and oil filter regularly. Some mechanics recommend changing the oil every 2,000-3,000 miles, but you can safely drive further. However, you should be sure to change the oil of your vehicle, or have it changed, at least every 5,000, including a new filter.

Your oil should be relatively clean, but still have a dark color to it once it runs through your engine. You should regularly check your oil level, and maintain it between the minimum and maximum fill lines. This is why it is a good idea to have some motor oil with the vehicle so you will be able to add some if needed.

There are a variety of types of motor oil to choose from. Lighter weight oil, such as 5W-30, is typically better for colder temperatures, while heavier oil, such as 10W-40, is more suited to warmer temperatures and climates. If your vehicle smokes or uses a lot of oil, a heavier weight and synthetic blend motor oil is probably best.

Other Replacements and Maintenance

Other important components and parts of your vehicle and engine that need regular maintenance and infrequent replacement include the following:

air filter
headlight, turn signals, and brake lamps
spark plugs and cables
engine timing belt
windshield wipers
Most engine tuneups are either actual motor work, or electrical tuneups consisting of spark plug, cable, and distributor cap replacement.