General pre-planning

A little pre-planning can save a lot of time and aggravation. This may sound obvious, but many of us don’t think to do this until we are in a situation where we really could have used one of these items.

For example, you should always have the following in your glove box:

• Owner’s manual
• Insurance card/claim instructions
• Vehicle registration
• Your roadside assistance provider’s phone number and account number
  Map

Further, you should have these items in your trunk at all times:

• Spare tire. Check it regularly to make sure it is properly inflated
• Tire jack/tire iron
• Tire pressure gauge
• Air pump
• Jumper cables
• Flat board*
• Cat litter*
  (*These items will help you get out of the mud or other wet, slippery conditions)
• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Flashlight (including spare batteries)
• First Aid Kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Tool kit

These items can save your life if you break down or are involved in an accident!

Under the hood

Short of having a professional examine your car, there are many problems you can avoid by regularly checking some simple areas. In addition, never ignore any engine maintenance light. They come on for a reason!

Do you find it hard to remember when to check your car? If you use your computer frequently at home or work, you can use the Calendar function to set reminders for yourself!

Check your oil. You can cause serious damage to your engine by not maintaining sufficient and/or clean oil. If the oil is low, or has been more than 3,000 miles since your last oil change, bring your car in for an oil change.

Check your coolant level. This is especially important when the season begins to change in the fall/winter.

Filters-Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing the air filter, fuel filter, and automatic transmission fluid.

Wiper fluid (and wipers). Keep your wiper fluid filled. You never know when weather or road dust conditions can reduce your visibility. If wipers are worn, replace them.

Belts and hoses-It is important to know your manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing or servicing all belts and hoses.

External

Check your tires!! Your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road surface. Further, proper inflation can reduce your gas consumption. Tires should have proper tread, and even wear. If they wear unevenly, you may need an alignment. If the tread is worn down, your safety on wet or icy conditions is at risk.

Wiper blades (see above). Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. You don’t want to find out during a severe storm that they are smearing, streaking, or dragging across your windshield. Every 6 months is a good rule of thumb.

Lights-Test your headlights, brake lights, parking lights, and turn signals regularly to make sure none of the bulbs are burned out. In addition to running the risk of getting a ticket, other drivers will have a more difficult time seeing you if one of your lights is out.

Gas cap-Make sure the gas cap is tightly fastened. Did you know you could possibly lose 2mpg in fuel efficiency due to fuel evaporation? Next time you fill up, give the cap an extra twist.