Whether you just got a car or have been driving for a long time, following certain car maintenance tips can help your car perform at its best and prevent issues down the line. There are many reasons to pay close attention to as well as take care of your car. Regular maintenance is quick, easy and cheap, while major repairs can get very expensive. It's also comforting to know that your vehicle is running at its best regardless of its age or mileage. Well-maintained vehicles last longer and hold more of their resale and trade-in value than neglected ones. The good news is that you don't have to be a car enthusiast to keep your car in top shape.
Oil is like the blood of your engine. Oil lubricates all the moving parts in the engine. It’s never a good idea to allow it to run low. The process of checking oil is relatively easy. First, you want to make sure the engine is off, then open the hood. The release is usually found under the driver's-side dash; the safety catch is under the lip of the hood. Find the labeled engine-oil dipstick, and pull it out. (It's often yellow) then wipe the end with a clean cloth, replace the dipstick into its sheath, and pull it out again. Now look at the tip. There are markings that indicate a range from full to one-quart low. You should see a light coating of oil on the end of the stick. If it's between the minimum and maximum lines, you are okay for the time being. If it's at or below minimum, add a quart of your vehicle's recommended oil. You can add oil by twisting off the cap marked with the oil-can symbol and pouring in a quart of oil. Be sure to wipe any drips off the engine as oil can smoke when it gets hot. Also, keep in mind our engine doesn't just need enough oil, it needs clean oil. So be sure to get the oil filter changed as well at the mileage intervals recommended in the owner's manual.
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