My first car was a red 1988 Acura Integra hatchback with about 100,000 miles on it when I got it. The morning of my 16th birthday, I woke up and ran out to the driveway and…it was empty. So much for that dream. It became very apparent that if I wanted to be mobile, I would have to save up and pay for it myself. I worked very hard for the next year and somehow managed to save up $3400 and pay for it outright. My dad then began to show me how to keep it roadworthy. He is a master mechanic, and he felt that it was very important for me to know how to take care of my vehicle. Being a woman, I was never required to mow the lawn, but I was required to know basic car maintenance. Here are some helpful tips that all women can use to get the most out of their cars.
An oil change should be done every 3,000 miles. If you are using regular oil, you should absolutely follow this rule. This is the one thing you can do that will extend the life of your car. Not following this will result in expensive and often even irreparable damage to your engine. If you have an older vehicle, or if you find yourself continually going over the 3,000 mile mark on your oil changes, you should consider going with full-synthetic oil. It has a consistent viscosity and doesn’t require your engine to be at a certain temperature to work at its full potential. The synthetic oil molecules are all a consistent size, and contain no impurities that are often present in conventional motor oil. These uniform molecules result in less oil evaporation and less deposits inside your engine. A full synthetic oil change will cost you a bit more than a conventional oil change, but you will end up with a smoother and longer lasting engine.
A very important part of your car is the tires. Your ride depends on them.
The gauges on air hoses at gas stations are not very accurate, so it is highly recommended that you purchase a good quality tire gauge. My dad bought me one when I got my first car, and I still use it. Check your air pressure every month or two. Find the recommended pressure listed by the car manufacturer, usually located in your driver’s side door jamb or in the manual. Don’t go by what is listed on the side of the tire, which is usually the maximum pressure that the tire can withstand.
The best way to check if your treads are getting low is to take a penny and stand it up in a groove between two threads. Do this so Lincoln’s head is pointed into the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head when you do this, you need to seriously think about replacing some tires.
You should always try to replace all four tires at once. This will allow even wear across all the tires and help keep your alignment straight. A straight alignment will allow for a smooth ride without vibrations, and it will help increase your gas mileage. If you can’t afford to purchase all four tires at once, get two at a time. Always buy tires in pairs, never replace one at a time.
Get a Manual…And Read It
Make sure you read your manual. If your car didn’t happen to come with a manual, one can be found online for pretty cheap. Mine cost about $4 bucks. Your manual has a wealth of information about your car. You can learn where your fuse box is, how to change your light bulbs, even how many gallons of gas your tank holds. All the specs on your car can be found there, and other important information. It’s a great way to get to know more about your specific model.
After working as the service cashier at a BMW dealership for 3 years, I have to say that the dealership is the better choice. When you take your car to a dealership for repairs, you are putting your car in the hands of mechanics who have repaired hundreds of your kind of car. They are trained to accurately assess what the problem is, and are under pressure to get the job done right in a reasonable amount of time. Sure, their hourly charges will be a bit higher than your local auto repair shop, and their factory parts might be a little more expensive, but you will save a lot of time and money in the long run.
These are important tips, not just for women, but for anyone who owns a vehicle. A car is an important and expensive piece of machinery. It needs basic maintenance to ensure a long life.
Scott, Curt
Synthetic Oil: Rx for Long Engine Life
http://www.synthetic-motor-oil-change-and-filters.com/amsoil_articles/mineral-petrolium-oil-compared-to-synthetic/
AMS Oil website
Synthetic Versus Conventional Oil
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/synthetic_vs_conventional_oil/index.html
Car Craft website
Walczak, Jim
General Tires FAQ: Little Known Facts About Car Tires
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/cs/tiretips/a/tirestips4x4_3.htm
About.com
What Type of Motor Oil is Best for my Engine?
http://autos.yahoo.com/maintain/repairqa/air_filters_oil/ques120_1.html
Yahoo Autos
