By Frank LingAs far as car maintenance advice goes almost everyone has heard that it’s a good idea to check tire pressure, the car battery, and windshield wipers. But there are some tips that, while important, are easy to overlook.
When you’re checking the tire pressure, take a few minutes to wipe off the brake dust that has accumulated on your wheels. Brake dust usually looks like very dark grime or dirt. Washing this stuff off will prevent it from baking on in hot weather.
If you need to change your headlights, always make sure that you don’t touch the bulbs with your fingers. Oil can be left behind by your fingerprints and can cause the bulb to get hotter in these areas and can eventually crack the glass.
Turn SignalsHave you ever noticed that the turn signal clicking sound is faster for one side than the other? If this happens this means that one of your bulbs has burnt out and needs to be replaced.
Check your car manual for instructions on how to change the turn signal bulb or check with your local auto parts center for information on this. Buy the right type of bulb for your car and resist buying cheap, bargain priced bulbs to avoid short bulb life.
Check Gas CapWhenever the check engine light goes on, a lot of people experience anxiety over this because this warning is so vague and scary at the same time.
A common thing that sets off the check engine light is due to a gas cap not being tightened correctly. If the gas cap is loose, this sets off the check engine light because cars have a pressurized fuel system and vapor recycling system. This “leak” tells the car that something is wrong.
Every time you fill up at the gas station, always turn the gas cap until you hear it click several times; this means the gas cap is properly sealed.
Check the CoolantMost people are aware that checking the oil levels in a car is important. But while inspecting under the hood, why not check the coolant too? This will not only let you know if you’re low, but could indicate that you have a leak somewhere in the cooling system.
Check when the car engine is cold and view the level of liquid in the coolant reservoir, usually located to the left or right sides. The level should be between the high and low markers. A little bit on the low side is normal and can be remedied by adding the proper mixture of coolant and water. If the level is extremely low, this could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Don’t add coolant via the radiator cap if the engine is hot. This is very dangerous and can cause coolant to splash out and cause burns.
Source:
CarBibles