Preventing hazardous situations can be simple, says Therese Bartholemew, Jiffy Lube International`s director of training. She offers the following tips for preventive maintenance:
Change your oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Check the oil level every other fill-up.
Keep the antifreeze container full. Drain and change it once a year.
Know how your car runs, rides and sounds. Use all of your senses. For example, if you hear a squeak when you hit the brakes, take the car to a mechanic or service station immediately. Document how and when any problem arises to help the mechanic diagnose what`s wrong.
Check the air in your tires. A properly inflated tire can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs. Continuous driving over a potholes with under- or over-inflated tires can wreck your front end, forcing you to pay for new tires and an alignment. Be careful driving on rough terrain.
Adhere to the ”severe conditions” chart in your owner`s manual, because in Chicago there are only two kinds of weather: winter and construction.
Analyze leaks. Place a piece of cardboard on the ground under the engine to determine the origin of the leak and the color of the fluid.
When starting up in cold weather, first press on the gas pedal only one time, then turn on the ignition. Do not pump the accelerator. To warm up an engine, drive it rather than letting it idle. Travel at a moderate speed until your temperature gauge registers at the normal level.
Over time, excessive idling can lead to overheating of the exhaust system and may damage components like the catalytic converter.
Since not all emergencies are unavoidable, drivers should have safety items on hand. These include a flashlight with fresh batteries; triangles or flares (Bartholemew prefers triangles, because you don`t need to light them, a real plus in rain and cold weather); a warm blanket and bag of sugar cookies in case of wintertime stalls.
Also make sure your spare tire is filled with air; check it frequently, and make sure you have a jack and lug wrench. Carry a first-aid kit for minor scratches or burns, and have duct tape handy for patching up holes in hoses.
Nylon hoisery tied tightly can function as a temporary alternator or fan belt. A bungee cord or wire can tie up fallen exhaust pipes to the frame of the car.
Carry jumper cables to recharge the battery; but, Bartholemew cautions, if they are put on backwards, your battery could explode.
