Basic maintenance tips

[Brent]

Right, let's get this thing started with a few simple maintenance tips that can help you save money by doing it yourself and not having the mechanic do it at the regular service check.

1. Check the tire tread depth by sticking a coin into the tread in several places on each of the tires. If part of the head on the coins is always covered, the tire tread is still good otherwise it's time to replace them.
2. Keep the tires properly inflated. Keeping the tires inflated to the right pressure can help your fuel economy and extend the life of your tires. Just remember that they must be checked when the tire is cold, i.e. before rather than after a trip. Get yourself a portable air compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter. These compressors have a tire gauge that you can use to check the air pressure in your tires at any time.
3. Check your oil level regularly and top it up if necessary rather than taking it to the mechanic every time the oil light comes on. This should be done when the car has been standing for a while so that the oil can settle in the sump. Checking the oil level is easy. Just locate the oil dipstick on the engine. If you're not sure where the oil dipstick is, check in the owner’s manual. It will be indicated under Maintenance. Once you've located the oil dipstick, remove it from the engine and wipe off the oil. Then replace the dipstick, and remove it once again without wiping the oil off. Check if it is between the two lines that are marked full and low. It should be nearer to full.

That should help you save some money in the long term.

[datsun]

Nice tips Brent. Another tip that's always overlooked is checking the condition of your wipers before the rainy season begins. Might be the difference between getting to where you're going safely, or a crash.

[castro]

Nice tips there from both of you. Thanks for sharing.