Car Care Resolutions

As long as you're making lists of New Year's resolutions, go ahead and add a few to help your auto make it through 2004.

Start Small
The sage advice for resolvers stresses simplicity. Rather than resolving to reach a state of physical perfection, try starting with a brisk half-mile walk every day. The same goes for automotive resolutions. If you're approach to car care thus far has been characterized by statements such as, "If I don't worry about it, it won't break," or "Maybe that noise will go away by itself," start out with baby steps.


The smallest of all the steps: Locate and read your owner's manual. A resolution can't get much simpler than that. Just about every car care tidbit involves the phrase, "According to the manufacturer's recommendations." Well, guess what—all those recommendations are in the manual. These include information on oil changes, fluid capacities, filter changes, tire pressure (which is also located on the driver's doorjamb), etc. If your manual has gotten up and walked away or you purchased the vehicle used and the manual wasn't part of the deal, check with your local dealer. Your owner's manual is your automotive Bible.

Battery
There are a few easy, basic things even the most non-mechanical driver can do to catch minor problems—the kind of problems that escalate when you're on a busy freeway or heading out for an appointment. For instance, check your battery. All you have to do is make sure the terminals are secure and not surrounded by green, hairy erosion. If your battery is the unsealed variety, check the water level. If the level is low, be sure to use distilled water and add the water when your battery is fully charged.

Wipers
Also, check your wiper blades and washer fluid level. The rule of thumb is that blades need replacing if they don't clear the windshield in two passes. Another easy way to spot a potential problem is to look for signs of leaks on your driveway, garage or wherever your vehicle is parked. A little water condensation from your air conditioner is normal, but big brown drips or green puddles are not.