CAR CARE
Quick and necessary automobile maintenance tips

1. Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles if using regular oil. Synthetic oil only needs the filter changed each 3,000 miles, and oil every 6,000.

2. Most cars lose less than a quart of oil with a filter change only, and many don't know you can change the filter without having to change oil. It is a waste to toss oils like Mobil ONE at low mileage. Analysts have found this oil still working well past 10,000 miles, depending on conditions and car.

3. Check oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze at least once a month. Watch for leaks and immediately identify where even a few drips of fluid are coming from. Big damage can be done if this is ignored. Remember, there is absolutely no excuse for any car leaking even a few drops of fluid. It can always be stopped completely in modern engines. Tip: Keep cheap roll of "red resin" paper in garage and change weekly under car engine to monitor leaks. This wide absorbent paper is available at lumber stores and is used by remodelers to keep carpets clean when they are working.

4. Maintain recommended tire pressure and look for uneven tire wear. Remember, pressure is important to balance according to the car manual, not the tire number. Many cars have special traction control that demand accurate pressure, and may differ on front and back tires. NEVER run an odd unmatched tire more than few miles. This is dangerous and defeats the ability of the car chassis to achieve control. An odd tire will cause erratic handling charactistics. All four tires need to match in tread wear as well as exact type and tread. It is small money compared to the danger. Watch how exacting tire changes are in major racing. You may be shocked to know that 70 mph freeways demand no less for safety.

5. Most importantly, read those manuals then follow guidelines for tune-ups, transmission services, and other necessary services. Keep records so your car will bring maximum dollars at trade or private sale. Dealers will pay more for clean cars with records, often a lot more. Besides all the pleasure and safety from a top maintenance program, you'll get the money back in the end.

6. Find an ASE Certified Technician you can trust.

Mister fixit
Bob Hewitt brings his years of knowledge fixing the family truckster to this resourceful site. If you have a problem, ask Bob. Or look at some problems others have had to see if the problem has already been coverd.

AAA
Check out AAA's website for great deals when you're on the road and away from home.

OilMedic
Any vehicle owner can obtain a complete motor oil-sampling kit from OilMedic. Sample the oil in your car yourself, or have a mechanic do it, then send the sample to OilMedic. Within 48 hours of receipt, they will e-mail the results, says Mike Bahor, president of OilMedic.