Your cooling system needs both coolant and water, so don’t pour undiluted coolant into your cooling system. Dilute it with water to the...

If you inadvertently leave your lights on and drain your battery, take the following precautions to prevent damage to the battery and the...

Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenance free, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life...

There are several reasons to wash your engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will run cooler than a dirty one. You’ll be more...

On many cars, it’s the belt you can’t see that is the most critical. If your manual says, as many do, that you should replace the timing...

Check the tension and condition of your drive belt (or, with many cars, multiple belts) every month. Belts that are too tight can wear...

Check the hoses under your hood every month or two to avoid the hassle of a broken hose while you’re on the road. With the car cool and...

The advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers have eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your...

If you plan to do a lot of towing and your vehicle is not already equipped with coolers, consider having them added. Aftermarket engine...

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and after every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two...

Use the oil viscosity grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual for the temperature range you expect for the coming season. Lighter...

The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is an emissions control device on older cars—check your service manual to see if your car...

There are several filters (the main ones are oil, fuel, transmission, and air) important to preserving your car engine, and they should...

If you do your own oil changes, clean the drain plug and washer with rags before reinstalling your oil pan. Some plugs are magnetized to...

Don’t overfill your engine crankcase with oil. If you do, the oil can rise into the crankshaft, where air bubbles will get churned into...

Frequent oil changes were key to keeping your car on the road another year. And while owner’s manuals for today’s cars recommend...

For an accurate reading, follow this procedure: Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car in a level...

An anti-lock brake system is sensitive to moisture, which can ruin the expensive ABS pump and rot the brake lines from the inside. Since...

Check brake fluid monthly. Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you open it. If you need fluid, add the type recommended by your...

Have your car’s wheel alignment checked every 30,000 miles, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. Also, have it checked after buying...