Car Care Tips

Let engine idle 30 seconds in cold weather before driving.

Follow your owner's manual. As a rule: conventional oil about every 5,000 miles, synthetic 7,500-10,000 miles, and at least once a year.

Flashing light = stop immediately. Steady light = check within a week.

Always use manufacturer recommended oil viscosity.

Inspect air filter every oil change, replace if dirty.

Replace every 40,000-60,000 miles (copper) or up to about 100,000 miles (iridium/platinum). Check your manual.

If your car has timing belt, replace on schedule or risk engine damage.

Use 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.

Excessive vibration at idle could mean worn engine mounts.

Let turbo idle 30 seconds before shutdown after highway driving.

Check when tires are cold for accurate reading.

Accelerate gradually, avoid jackrabbit starts.

Every extra 100 lb (45 kg) can cost about 1% in fuel economy.

Use on highways to maintain constant speed.

Open windows create noticeable drag above about 50 mph. Use the AC on the highway instead.

Well-tuned engine uses less fuel.

Use recommended octane rating, not necessarily highest.

Turn off engine if waiting more than 30 seconds.

Combine errands to avoid cold starts.

Remove when not needed - creates significant drag.

Clean with baking soda solution yearly.

Check monthly, replace in pairs.

Dimming lights at idle = alternator issues.

Test battery before winter season.

Know where fuse box is and keep spare fuses.

Clean battery ground connection annually.

Connect to switched power, not constant.

Single click no start = starter possibly bad.

Check for rodent damage in engine bay.

Replace battery every 3-5 years proactively.

Check monthly when engine is cold.

Follow your manual: often every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years, depending on the coolant type.

Slow warm-up = thermostat stuck open.

Replace radiator cap every 5 years.

Never mix different coolant colors/types.

Turn on heater full blast if overheating starts.

Coolant leak from front of engine = possible water pump.

Clean radiator fins of debris seasonally.

Test coolant pH annually with test strips.

Make sure fans turn on when AC is on.

Squealing or grinding noises = pads need replacement.

Change brake fluid every 2 years.

Keep basic tools, flashlight, jumper cables in car.

Spongy pedal = air in brake lines.

Use parking brake every time you park.

If ABS light is on, regular brakes still work.

Have the rotors measured when the pads are changed; resurface or replace them only if worn.

Pump brakes if no ABS, firm pressure if ABS equipped.

Check brake hoses for cracks every oil change.

Turn wheels toward curb when parking downhill.

Check transmission fluid with engine running.

CVTs need fluid changes more often than regular automatics.

Don't "ride" the clutch - keep foot off pedal when not shifting.

Add cooler if towing heavy loads.

Clean ATF is red, brown = needs change, black = problem.

Rough shifts could indicate low fluid or internal issues.

Always shift to Park before turning off automatic.

Change manual transmission oil roughly every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as your manual says.

Let automatic transmission warm up 30 seconds in cold.

Clunk when shifting could be bad mounts.

Rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Replace tires after 6 years regardless of tread.

Buy quality gauge, don't trust gas station gauges.

Fit winter tires when temperatures stay below about 45°F (7°C).

Get alignment if car pulls to one side.

Check spare tire pressure monthly.

Replace at 4/32 inch if you drive in rain or snow, and never below 2/32 inch (the legal minimum in most states). The penny test: if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it is time.

Vibration at speed = wheels need balancing.

Sidewall damage = replace, center tread = often repairable.

Most can drive about 50 miles at up to 50 mph when flat. Check your manual, and get the tire looked at afterwards.

Run AC weekly for 10 minutes in winter.

Weak cooling could mean low refrigerant.

Replace cabin filter yearly or when musty smell.

Clean condenser fins of bugs/debris seasonally.

Bacterial growth causes smell - use AC cleaner spray.

Don't run AC with engine off or very low RPM.

AC runs during defrost to remove moisture.

Never mix R134a and R1234yf refrigerants.

Have AC pressures checked if not cooling well.

Use recirculation for fastest cooling on hot days.

Loud exhaust or smell in cabin = possible leak.

Fix engine misfires immediately to protect converter.

Older O2 sensors slow down. Consider replacing them around 100,000 miles for best fuel economy.

Loud rattling under car could be broken hanger.

Spray exhaust joints with high-heat paint to slow rust.

Loud exhaust could mean hole in muffler.

Ticking sound when cold could be cracked manifold.

Diesel EGR valves clog with soot. Have yours checked every 30,000 miles or so.

Take diesel on highway monthly for DPF regeneration.

Blue = oil burning, White = coolant, Black = fuel.

Bounce each corner - should stop after 1-2 bounces.

Car pulls, uneven tire wear, steering wheel off-center.

Replace struts in pairs (both front or both rear).

Clunking when going over bumps = possible ball joint.

Check fluid level if steering is heavy.

Wobbly steering could be worn tie rods.

Clunking in turns could be sway bar links.

Humming noise that changes with speed = bearing.

Clicking in turns = CV joint failure.

Replace worn bushings for tighter handling.

Use UV protectant to prevent cracking.

Clean and condition leather seats every 3 months.

Use fabric cleaner and wet/dry vacuum for stains.

Wait 1 week before cleaning new tint, use ammonia-free cleaner.

Clean visor mirrors regularly to prevent scratches.

Use soft brush attachment on vacuum for vents.

Spray silicone lubricant on seat tracks if stiff.

Use foam cleaner gently to avoid sagging.

Remove and clean cup holder inserts regularly.

Baking soda box under seat absorbs odors.

Wash from top down, use two-bucket method.

Wax every 3-6 months for paint protection.

Remove immediately - acidic and damages paint.

Use headlight restoration kit when yellowed.

Clean wheels first, they have most brake dust.

Spray undercarriage in winter to remove salt.

Use clay bar before waxing for smooth finish.

Polish chrome with metal polish to prevent pitting.

Use trim restorer for faded plastic trim.

Use newspaper or microfiber for streak-free windows.

Properly aligned lights improve visibility.

Use only in fog, rain, or snow - not clear conditions.

Don't touch LED bulbs with bare hands.

Have someone check all brake lights periodically.

Rapid blinking indicates burned out bulb.

These are different from headlights.

Dim for oncoming traffic within 500 feet.

Keep note of bulb sizes for your vehicle.

Don't leave interior lights on overnight.

Clean light lenses when washing car.

Install winter blades that don't ice up.

Use winter-rated fluid that won't freeze.

Test battery before winter season.

Use plastic scraper, not metal on glass.

Keep lock de-icer in glove box.

Add blanket, shovel, sand to car in winter.

Practice putting on chains before needing them.

Run AC with defrost to clear windows faster.

Park facing east for morning sun to melt ice.

Keep tank at least half full in winter.

Check coolant level before hot weather.

Check pressure when tires are cool.

Test AC before summer heat arrives.

Use sunshade to protect interior.

Check all fluids more often in summer.

Never leave children or pets in hot car.

Clean radiator of bugs after long trips.

Heat kills batteries faster than cold.

Park in shade to keep car cooler.

Keep bottled water in car during heat waves.

Keep screwdrivers, pliers, wrench, tape in car.

Keep plug kit and compressor for tire repairs.

Buy heavy gauge cables (4 or 6 gauge).

Keep LED flashlight with fresh batteries.

Keep work gloves in car for dirty jobs.

Small auto fire extinguisher can save car.

Keep tow strap if you go off-road.

Basic OBD2 reader helps diagnose issues.

Digital gauge more accurate than dial.

Keep basic first aid supplies in car.

Anticipate stops and brake gently.

Slow before turn, accelerate gently through.

Use handbrake for smooth hill starts.

Slow down before hitting potholes.

Clean windshield inside and out for night driving.

Maintain 3-second following distance.

Take speed bumps at angle if possible.

Slow down, increase following distance in rain.

Adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots.

Maintain steady speed, avoid rapid changes.