Tips from Used Car Advisor

Car Advisor Tamotsu Todoroki

Hi, this is Tamotsu Todoroki. I am a car advisor of PicknBuy24.com.
I write an online column every week to take care of your vehicle. My column is all about something useful and practical for your vehicle. Please have a look once to keep your car in good condition.

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Car Maintenance Tips for Every Woman - Vol.312

There are many helpful car maintenance tips that many people should know and women can use to support the longevity of their car. Unfortunately, mechanics might assume that women lack knowledge of their vehicle and may attempt to take advantage of this and exploit them by overcharging or performing unnecessary work. In general, the knowledge of vehicle mechanics by todays drivers has decreased in both men and women, but armed with a few maintenance tips it can be easy to avoid unnecessary work by overzealous mechanics and to keep your vehicle running smooth.

Vital Fluid Maintenance
There a numerous fluids required to keep your car operating efficiently and safely, and an understanding of how they work, how to check them, and when to change or replace them can be very important. The engine oil keeps the moving parts of the engine lubricated for frictionless operation and should be checked on a regular basis. You can check the status of you oil with the dipstick, which is marked to show where the appropriate level of oil should be. First, remove the dipstick and clean it off and then replace it before pulling it out a second time. Upon pulling it out the second time check to make sure the oil is within the limits and is not dark in color or viscous. Engine oil should be changed based on the manufacturers recommendations, but typically needs to be done between ever 3,000 to 10,000 miles. Another vital fluid is the coolant or antifreeze, which helps to prevent the vehicle from overheating. Regularly monitor the temperature gauge which should remain in the "normal" range, but if it begins to become overheated you should stop driving your vehicle so it can cool down and consider changing the coolant. Brake fluid allows the hydraulic brake system to operate, and can deteriorate over time. Be sure that the maintenance technician flushes out the brake fluid and replaces it with new fluid. Window washer fluid can be vital to keep your field of vision clear while driving, and can be simply maintained by purchasing commercial-grade window washer fluid available at most gas stations. Be sure that your mechanic does not charge you for filling your windshield washer fluids, as they often charge an inflated price and this is something you can easily do yourself.

Pay Attention to Changes in How Your Car Operates
The best way to maintain your vehicle's longevity is to pay attention and to regularly check up on a variety of things such as the fluids, the tires, any the warning lights. There are typically signs of any problems, whether a dashboard light comes on, you notice a leak or smoke, or the car begins to make a noise that it had not made before. Strange or unusual smells can also alert you to any issue and should be addressed as soon as possible. One of the most detrimental and costly mistakes made is to ignore an issue at first and allow it to become a larger problem. You should know how to replace a flat tire using the spare provided in your vehicle and how to check the air pressure of your tires and fill them with air if necessary. If you plan to own and operate a vehicle it is important that you educate yourself on the basic mechanics and upkeep, in order to avoid expensive mechanic work and ensure your vehicle operates safely and smoothly. Finally, find a mechanic that you trust and use them consistently. Ask a friend to provide a recommendation if you are unsure where to find a reliable mechanic, and develop a positive relationship with that mechanic to avoid predatory behavior.