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After You've Bought the Car
You Can Keep Your Car Running Safely
Not giving your car a regular once-over can be dangerous and costly.
You don’t need to be a mechanic—just follow the simple advice
that follows.
Tires
- Buy a good tire gauge and check all tires when the car is idle or
has been driven less than a mile. Don’t rely on pressure gauges
at service stations. Find the recommended tire pressure in your owner’s
manual.
- Test the tread grooves with a quarter, then a penny. Try to hide
the top of Washington’s and then Lincoln’s head in the
grooves. If the quarter works, you have 1/8” of tread left; if
the penny works, you have at least 1/16”. You should replace
tires at the 1/16” point.
- If tread wear is greater on the sides, the tire may be under-inflated;
if greater in the center, the tire is probably over-inflated. Unusual
patches of wear and tear may signify a wheel balance problem that needs
professional attention.
Fluids
- Check oil when your car is on level ground. If the engine has been
running, wait several minutes so oil can drain back to the engine oil
pan.
- The oil level should be between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick.
It’s about one quart between these two lines.
- After you’ve driven 10 miles, check automatic transmission
fluid with the dipstick labeled TRAN or ATF while the engine is running.
The owner’s manual specifies whether you should do so in park
or neutral. The fluid level should be between ADD and FULL, but if
it looks dark or smells burnt, see a professional.
Other
- Lights. Test lights in the dark. Look at the light
lens covers, too. A small crack could let in moisture and cause rust
or electrical damage. Fix it now.
- Batteries. Check maintenance-free batteries for
cracks and other damage. Replace the battery if you see the smallest
crack. Look for signs of corrosion—like flaky, greenish-white
crystals. Eliminate it with a solution of baking soda and water and
a stiff-bristled brush.
- Under the hood. Inspect hoses for leaks. Grasp
each hose firmly. If the hose feels soft and spongy or hard and brittle,
replace it.
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