Driver's Ed--Vehicle Maintenance

Here is what happens during a tune-up:

- spark plugs, spark distributor, distributor cap, and air filter are changed - timing of the vehicle is checked and adjusted - contact braker points changed (if your vehicle has them)

How To Check Oil

-car on level ground -engine off -before running car that day -pull oil dipstick all the way out -wipe off with a rag -replace dip stick, click all the way down -remove -read oil level and how it looks -oil should be between full and empty -replace dip stick

To fill oil

-engine off -on level ground -remove oil filler cap -place funnel in opening -add a quart at a time -replace oil cap -run engine for a few seconds to allow the oil to circulate -check oil level again -repeat steps until full

Emergency Kit

-flares -basic tools -flashlight -jumper cables -first aid kit -fire extinguisher -cell phone charger -spare tire -tire chains -wheel blocks

Put these on the to-do list:

-tune-up -replacement of hoses and -belts -oil changes and lubrication -transmission service -alignment, wheel balance, and tire rotation

If you notice uneven wear on your tires...

...find the cause. It's likely due to improper tire pressure, wheel balance, or alignment. Get the root of the problem fixed as soon as possible, or you will have to buy new tires.

Do not drive...

...if oil is below low or empty

If you smell gasoline while driving...

...stop the car as soon as possible. Turn off your engine and figure out what's going on. Prevent the stress by getting your fuel system checked for leaks as part of your regular maintenance.

Fuel System

A leak in your fuel system is bad. It can cause a fire and expose you to toxic gases. Leaks can occur in the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor, and fuel injector lines. Always securely replace your gas cap after you fuel up. (Listen for a couple clicks as you tighten it.)

Brakes

Brakes that are failing or not responding as well as they used to should not be on the road. Unless you want to get into a collision, get your brakes inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Exterior Lights

Check all of your exterior lights for burned-out bulbs. Everything may seem normal inside the car, but you could have problems on the outside. Driving without properly adjusted headlights is illegal. Interior lights need some attention, too. You need them to see displays both at night (especially in the case of an emergency) and during the day. They must be maintained and in proper working order.

Brake Fluid

Check the level of your brake fluid once in a while. Replace it with new brake fluid periodically according to--you guessed it!--your vehicle's manufacturer. Figure out the ideal weight of brake fluid for your particular car.

5 Steps to a Healthy Relationship with Your Car

Commitment, know your car, loyalty, consistency, communication

Leaks

Fluid could potentially leak from your shocks and/or struts. Replace leaking fluid as soon as possible.

Oil Changes

Follow your owner's guide when it comes to periodic lubrication and oil changes. It will save you from some expensive repairs, prevent dangerous breakdowns, and keep your vehicle running strong for years to come.

Good Advice

I know all this stuff sounds like a lot of work, but trust me when I say that preventative maintenance is worth it. You will save money and time in the long run by getting comprehensive inspections a couple times per year. Go ahead and replace parts that you tend to burn through easily, even if they are still functioning.

Electrical System Maintenance

If the electrolyte in your battery can be refilled, check it regularly and refill it with distilled water when necessary to keep your battery functioning. Be very cautious if you're around electrolyte fluid. It's corrosive (damaging) and can thoroughly hurt your eyeballs. Another hazard is hydrogen gas, which can explode when a battery cap is removed.

Middle of Nowhere

If you need to drive through a remote area, plan for the worst. Being stranded because of a breakdown is bad, but being stranded without emergency items is worse. Pack some extra water, non-perishable food, and warm clothing.

Tune-Ups

If you want your vehicle to stay in good condition, take it to the mechanic for routine tune-ups and transmission service. Catching a problem before it gets worse will save you the stress of a breakdown and the high price tag of major repairs.

Smog Control

In order to register or sell your vehicle, it will need to pass an emission test. Have your smog control components checked at least once every two years, or whenever you get a tune-up.

Steering

Know the condition of your steering system. There shouldn't be any play (loose, slack feeling) in your steering wheel if you have power steering, and no more than two inches of play if you don't have power steering. If your steering wheel is feeling sloppy, have it checked out by a qualified technician. If you ignore the problem, the result will be a breakdown, accident, and costly repairs.

Suspension

Listen for any new sounds or movements coming from your vehicle. It could be a squeaking or grinding cry for help. Don't ignore vibrations, strange noises coming from the wheels, or a sensation of pulling or swerving from your vehicle at stops. These clues point to problems with your suspension system, steering system, brake system, wheels, or tires. Avoid this stuff by getting regular inspections and repairs.

Interior Control

Malfunctioning vehicle controls (especially those related to lights) can impair your visibility and keep others from seeing you.

Don't alter the emissions system or engine in any way to make your car sound louder.

Mufflers must be in good working condition without a cutout or bypass. In other words, hush. Make sure your exhaust system doesn't have any leaks. Noise issues aside, it's dangerous. Leaks expose you to carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.

Oil Type

Oil comes in different weights, such as 10w-30 or 20w-50 (which also happens to be my cousin's serial number). Get the kind your manufacturer recommends. It's also good to consider the outside temperature and the age of your vehicle when choosing oil.

Exhaust System

Stay ahead of bigger problems by keeping your exhaust system in good condition. Look out for these changes: - changes in noise level - abnormally strong smell of fumes - rattling under the vehicle. --These spell trouble for your exhaust system. Get it inspected for leaks and secure attachment along with your other regular maintenance.

Cooling System

Taking care of your cooling system is another good way to avoid breakdowns, accidents, and expensive car repairs. Maintain the right level of coolant and change it when the owner's guide says you should.--Make sure you don't have any coolant leaks, cracks or deterioration in the hoses and belts, or noises and leaks from your water pump. Replace the hoses and belts every three years or so. You can tell a problem might be developing if there is a sudden change or trend in your engine temperature (shown on the temperature gauge).

Fenders and Mudguards

The California Vehicle Code cares about the kind of fenders and mudguards you use on your vehicle. Don't modify them without checking the CVC first to make sure they are okay. We don't want anyone on the roads with the kind that can throw rocks and debris at the cars behind them.

Instruments

The instruments and panel indicators in your vehicle can fail, too. Getting bad information (or no reading at all) can lead you to make the wrong decisions. You could crash, break-down, get stranded, or damage vehicle components such as the engine. All this can be avoided by maintaining your gauges and instruments.

PCT primary care technician

The mechanic you trust and always go to

Oil isn't just for your engine...

The transmission, differential, and power steering also rely on fluid that needs to be checked and replaced now and then. Make sure to get the right fluid for each purpose.

Alternator Belt

Things start falling apart when the alternator belt slips or breaks. Your battery will discharge, lights and other electronic accessories may stop working, and eventually the vehicle will stall. Belt tension is necessary for the alternator to do its job. Maintain it with the guidance of your handy-dandy manufacturer's guide. Cracked belts need to be swapped out for new ones.

Tire Maintenance

Tire maintenance is the easiest way for you to assure your vehicle's ability to maintain good traction.--When examining your vehicle's tires, check their tread depth and inflation pressure. Look for uneven wear and cracks, too, and replace them when their condition gets bad.

Gauges

You rely on your gauges and instruments for important information, so quickly repair or replace any gauge that isn't working or seems to be providing incorrect information.

Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers are controlled by a motor and linkages, and that motor can fail. Check your wipers if you have not used them in a while. If they have stopped working, you don't want to find out on the highway in the middle of a rain storm.

How to find a PCT

ask for a referral, go into the shop (in person), they explain what is wrong so you can understand, comfortable with them, not pressured into getting an uncertain repair,