Routine Maintence

Most people who work a daily-job/career often have little or no knowledge of their own vehicles ,but can prevent the use and the costly repairs of having to take their vehicle to a repair-shop or garage simply by routine vehicle maintenance and "Visual Inspections" both within the motor area as well as the undercarriage as well as noticing tire wear ,especially balding to the outside edge of the tires as this would usually indicate a need for 2 or 4 wheel alignment or other possible worn parts ,as well check for proper tire pressure on all 4 tires...routine tire rotation will also extend the life of the tires greatly about every 3,000 miles .

Grease the fittings to keep things running smoothly as well

A visual inspection should include bending of the vacuum lines for dry-rot ,as well as the same procedure for the plug-wires , this indicates replacing them simply by gong to a parts store and when replacing plug-wires always do them one at a time as you remove one wire at a time compare it to the exact match length of the new one this will " Eliminate Any Confusion" in the process.
same thing with any of the vacuum lines {same procedure as above listed }
...As well as the "Serpentine-Belt" any cracks or worn treads on the belt in the same manner bend it and look for cracks , this is also a little more tricky as the belt wraps around many various pulleys if No Diagram is available i recommend one is located or obtained in order not to become confused and lost in the process ..as well note if you have a digital camera take pictures to help you remember exactly how it was removed .{note } if you are not confident enough or have doubts :Do Not Attempt it .

Always check your oil ,and smell it for any signs of a strong odor such as gas ,and visually look at the color if it looks milky brown it would suggest a blown-head-gasket ..it should be clear brown so routine oil change every 6 - months or 3,000 miles as well as the oil filter...all gas stations are now required to accept your used motor oil.

checking the transmission fluid is done by allowing the vehicle to warm up to normal running temperature as the fluid will expand when warm and should only be check this way whit the motor running for a precise measurement on the dipstick {KEEP AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS AND DO NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING AROUND ANY MOVING / RUNNING AREAS OF THE MOTOR } ...

Check the Brake-Fluid Reservoir for proper levels as well if low it may indicate a leak somewhere within the system and a Visual inspection can be made looking for wet spots or leaks on the ground will better help you isolate the issue ...flexible brake hoses can be bended to ensure they are not cracked ..as well will not pass inspection if they are
jacking -up of the vehicle at any time requires the use of jack-stands for
" Safety Reasons " doing a brake job should be done by a professional this is a "Absolute Safety Issue" however if you are confident only done side at a time and use the other side as a guide in case you become lost or confused as well if you have a digital camera take photos to better remember how they came apart as well as a Manuel of your vehicle will also better your understanding, but as i stated without basic knowledge i Highly Recommend a Repair shop on that issue .

check the radiator fluid if low and depending on how low it is improper mixture or a leak may be also present or the radiator cap need replacement or a mere tightening of the hose clamps and if you suspect a leak or hole in the hose always stand back when trying to locate itbut be aware most leaks will point themselves out from the "brownish stain" or even the fluid color may be present as well as wet spots are best to isolate the location and "Never 'Ever "remove the cap while the Engine is hot ...allow at least 4-6 hours just to be sure ..aface-full of hot fluid of any type can seriously cause severe damage and burns ...i hope that one is a no brainier in any event.}......other fluids include the washer fluid the power steering fluid never inspect any of these with the exception of the transmission fluid while engine is running for your own "safety"

Wires that are touching and or rubbing up against the motor can lead to a short in the system and should be inspected and replaced or if not too severely damaged can be taped up with Electrical Tape and with a Tip-Strap attached and drawn away from the motor

an inspection of all the running lights , 4 way flashers turn signals,reverse lights and brake lights can prevent tickets and possibly an accident a 2nd person is needed in order to view the reverse and brake light function s.
check you windshield wiper blades for rips and tear's.
check the Air-filter to help keep things running cleaner also .


Thanks from My Fix-ya tips