HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR HEALTHY

Q.	What is the one best step I can take to avoid problems?
A.	The questions and answers in this book will give you general ideas about your car's maintenance. However, the best thing you can do to avoid problems is to read and follow the instructions in your car owner's manual.

What do those driveway drips mean?

The drops -- or puddles -- beneath your car may be a sign of trouble. It's easy to check out the cause of the problem. Just spread a large sheet of paper underneath your car and leave it there overnight. That will make the new drips stand out. (Never put paper under a car that's running or has a hot exhaust.)

A dark spot means your engine is leaking oil. Automatic transmission fluid a red oil, may indicate that front or rear automatic transmission seals need replacing If you notice a green, yellow or clear oily liquid, it is your coolant and could be caused by a bad water pump, or a leak, either in the radiator itself or in the radiator of heater hoses.

If you see clear water, don't worry: it's probably condensed water from your air conditioner. That's normal.

How often should I check the oil?

It's a good idea to check your oil every time you get gasoline. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine. Regular oil changes help keep your engine clean and running smoothly. How often you change your oil depends on your driving conditions.

To check your oil, first turn off your engine and let it sit for about four or five minutes. This allows the oil to drain out of the upper parts of the engine and back into the crankcase. Carefully pull out the dipstick. Wipe it clean, put it all the way back in, and pull it out again. Now you can read the level. The oil on the end of the stick should be between the "Add" and "Full" marks.

If the level is at or below the "Add" mark, you're a quart or more low. Add one quart, wait a minute or two, then check the dipstick again using the same procedure you used before. It's important that you don't overfill.

Cars have dipsticks for oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Check the levels of the transmission and power steering fluids every six months or 6,000 miles. For power steering fluid, check right after you turn off the engine. The proper method for checking the level of automatic transmission fluid varies with the car's make and year. Check your owner's manual.

Q.	What can I do to make my tires last longer?
A.	The life of your tires can be greatly improved if you make sure they are properly filled at all times. An underinflated tire can also affect load-carrying capacity, reduce fuel economy, and even make driving dangerous. Check your tire pressure with a good-quality air pressure gauge. Tires should be checked at least every two weeks and before any long trips. Consult your owner's manual to find out the recommended inflation pressure for your car, and adhere to it. Always check the pressure when the tires are cool. And remember, just "eyeballing" the tire is no substitute for using your gauge.
	Rotating your tires is a way to get more uniform wear. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended rotation period and pattern. Wheel balancing is also important. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly will cause vibration in the ride of your car and may lead to uneven tire wear. Finally, keeping your car in proper alignment is vital. If your car is misaligned, your tires will not roll as straight as they should. The result is uneven and sometimes rapid tread wear.

What early warning signs can I look for under the hood?

With the car running, look for (but don't touch) any bulges or leaks in the hoses. (For an example of a bad hose, see next page.) When checking under the hood, never wear loose clothing or a necktie and keep your fingers away from the fan and belts. Many newer cars have electric fans that may start without warning even when the engine is off. When the car is cold, feel the hoses for bulges, cracks, soft spots or brittleness. If you detect any, have the hose replaced. (Never try to replace air conditioning hoses yourself. Their pressurized gases can cause serious injury!)

Check the level of coolant in your radiator by looking at the coolant overflow tank. If your car doesn't have one, you'll have to remove the radiator cap to check. Do not remove the cap until the engine is fumed off and has cooled down.

If any of your car's belts looks like the one on the right, it needs to be replaced. With the engine off, check belts for cracks and missing pieces. You can check a belt for proper tightness by pressing down with your thumb halfway between two pulleys. If the belt gives more than half an inch, it needs tightening. Experts suggest hoses and belts be replaced every three years.

I hear this funny sound. What's my car trying to tell me?

Cars do "tell" their owners when something is wrong by making peculiar noises. And they usually do so long before a car actually breaks down. It's important to listen for these early warning sounds to help you avoid costly repairs. Here are a few of the more common noises and what they mean.

Click (rhythmic, high-pitched metallic tapping) -- could indicate a loose hubcap; defective wheel bearing; bent or loose fan blade; low oil level in engine loose in engine loose manifold heat-control valve.
Clunk (or dull thump) -- possibly a defective universal joint or rear differential; transmission fluid may be low.
Heavy knock (or pounding) -- worn crankshaft main bearing, bad connecting rod or loose bolts in torque converter.
Ping (or knock) -- car may be in need of tune-up; octane of fuel may be too low for engine.
Screech (or scraping metal sound)Ä possible brake problem.
Squeak (or high-pitched rubbing) -- defective drum-brake linings; chassis needs lubrication; worn suspension bushing. Squeal (high-pitched whine) -- underinflated tires, misaligned wheels; loose or worn power steering fan or air conditioning compressor belt.
Thud (low, metallic thump) -- loose pulley, worn crankshaft bearing; loose exhaust pipe.

My car's just not handling right. What's the problem?

One reason for difficult handling is often misalignment of your car. Wear and tear on the steering and suspension components in your car is normal. The problem is that as these components wear, your car's alignment changes. Alignment can also be affected by hitting curbs or potholes. Fail to make the necessary adjustments and your car's handling will be impaired.

Another possible cause of a rough ride is worn shock absorbers. If your shocks are more than 15,000 miles old, you should perform this simple check (see above). Bounce the car up and down hard at each wheel. Once it's going good, let go and see how many times the car bounces. Healthy shocks should stop it after one bounce. Weak shocks will allow the car to bounce twice or more. Weak shock absorbers can affect overall handling and also lead to uneven tire wear.

Q.	A mechanic I'm not. What about some really easy tips?
A.	Even in winter, run your air conditioner for a few minutes every week to keep the system well lubricated. You can also check your horn to make sure it's working properly, and you can have someone else watch as you check all your car's lights and signals.

I smell trouble. What do I do now?

Don't wait for a driving disaster -- have your car checked out whenever you smell something suspicious. A few of the more common smells and possible causes are:

Burning plastic -- a short circuit in the electrical system.
Burning oil -- low engine-oil level; transmission overheating because of low transmission fluid level; leaking oil on hot engine part.
Burning rubber -- hot tire because of locked brake shoe; rubber hose contacting hot engine.
Exhaust odor inside car -- puncture in exhaust pipe under passenger compartment.
Gasoline odor inside car -- defective evaporation control canister; leaking or disconnected vapor or fuel line.

Whether you're driving around town, on the freeway or just around the neighborhood, here are a few tips to help make you not only a safer driver, but a smarter driver.
Q. What is the one best step I can take to avoid problems?		Q. I hear this funny sound. What's my car trying to tell me?
Q. What do those driveway drips mean?		Q. My car's just not handling right. What's the problem?
Q. How often should I check the oil?		Q. A mechanic I'm not. What about some really easy tips?
Q. What can I do to make my tires last longer?		Q. I smell trouble. What do I do now?
Q. What early warning signs can I look for under the hood?