A few extra tips,  Around every 3 month get the air pressure checked in your spare tire.  there is no worse feeling than changing a tire, just to find out the spare is also flat. A small piece of 4x4 (a scrap can likely be found) This is helpful if the area you are changing a tire is not level, so the jack won't lift the car high enough, this small piece of wood can save you a lot of trouble, along with the cost of a tow truck, if your changing your own tire.

 Check your tires: You can do this yourself by getting a penny, place it in the tread of your each of your tires... If you can see Lincoln's Head, you need a tire with more tread.

Check your tire pressure while your tires are cold. You can find this information on the tire. Beware of how you load your vehicle, be sure to include the total weight of your passengers as well. It is common to be able to load more pounds in an SUV than the tires can handle once they are warm. The longer you drive the hotter the tires will become, this can cause a tire to blow out. If you are going on a road trip allow time for stops. This will give your tires time to cool down, as well as giving the driver time to rest ! 

Most motorist know to check the oil and other fluids. While you have the hood up, be sure to check the condition of your belts, clean the battery terminals. fluids.

TIPS FOR THOSE OF US GALS  (Girls Already Learning Some) UNDER THE HOOD ALWAYS DO YOUR FIRST CHECK WHEN YOUR ENGINE IS COOL FOR SAFETY!! At least once a month, pop your hood: here are a few things to look for: check the battery for any build up ( for about $2.00 you can buy a terminal cleaner) Check the date the most common batteries last from two to three years~ CLEAN ANY BUILD UP OFF.  Auto Zone and a Advance will hook it up to a computer and let you know if the battery is holding a charge. Problem free great, not holding a full charge replace it before it strands you! Always take the black ground wire off first, red last, DO NOT let the two touch each other.While you have the hood up, take the cap off where you add water or radiator fluid, fill to the right level. Look at the fluid in there, if it's 'dirty looking', the inside of the cap a brown or rusty color. That is your warning to get it flushed ASAP, the next one will be when your stuck on the roadside with your car running hot. If you continue to drive it, you may burn up your motor. Or as they call it "You Blew the head gasket".  Wiper fluid & wiper blades. I'm the worlds worst, I would only think about these when it rained. Make sure the rubber is not torn or dry rotting. This is another thing you can do yourself, if the place you buy them won't, it's almost like chaning a razor blade...  I have been over charged when I HAD to stop & let a repair shop put my blades on, the labor was more then the blades, but that was the only way they sold them!!  Unless you have a problem & know it or even if you know you have something leaking from your motor: Park your car on a sheet or find a big box, tear it open and park over this.  This will help you know how bad a leak you have, if you have one as well as what type of fluid is leaking. There is no shame in cutting the stain part out and going to an auto parts store and asking the saleman what type of fluid it is if you don't know. As a female I really hate to depend on a man to do the upkeep on my vehicle. The call I get the MOST: I went to the store, ran in & right out, now my car won't start, Try this, shut everything off, A/C, radio, wipers, auto lights if you can. With your foot on the brake, put the auto in nutural, try to start it again!   Soon this will have it's own page, along with household items that help you help yourself BEST OF LUCK, Lisa

      ~~ IT'S BETTER TO CHECK YOUR ENGINE BEFORE YOU START OUT ~~