At 16, I got my first car. I couldn’t wait to be alone behind the wheel, windows down, music blasting. My car wasn’t brand new by any means: a 2001 Mercury Cougar that had once belonged to my older sister. However, it still looks mint condition. What’s the trick that keeps it in such good shape? I learned how to take care of it.
I’m always shocked by how many people have no idea what’s lurking under the hood of their cars. For all they know, their car could be powered by magical elves instead of an engine. I’m not saying you have to become a bona fide auto mechanic by any means, but a basic knowledge of what makes your car work, and how to check the parts that keep it running smoothly can do you a world of wonder and save you some cash.
A car is usually powered by a gasoline-burning engine, which works by combining gasoline and air in a cylinder chamber. The piston then compresses said mixture; a spark ignites the gas and air pushing down the piston, which supplies power to the wheels.
Every second time you fill your car up with gas you should check the different fluid levels and tire pressure in your car.
Oil:
Check your oil levels after you get gas and before you start your car again so the oil has a chance to drain down to the bottom of the engine, giving you an accurate reading. To check the level, you remove the dipstick (generally located at the front or side of the engine with a brightly colored top) from its container and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Return the dipstick to the container and then remove it again, taking the reading. The oil demarcation level should be somewhere in the middle of the minimum and maximum lines indicated on the dipstick.
Radiator/coolant reservoir:
The reservoir is usually white and semitransparent, with hot and cold (or high and low) levels imprinted into the side. You are looking for the coolant fluid (which comes in a variety of bright colors) to be between those marks, it can lean towards hot or cold depending on the running temperature of your engine.
Tire pressure:
Tire pressure is one of the most important things to check to make sure you’re safe on the roadways. Use a tire gauge to measure the pressure. Unscrew the air caps on the tires and secure the tire gauge to them to get a reading. If necessary, use a gas station air machine to add air into your tires. The pressure for different cars and tires will vary, but there is a sticker on one of the doorframes that will give you the recommended tire pressure and usually a mark on the tire itself.
Windshield washer reservoir:
Like the radiator reservoir, this is also a white, translucent plastic container. You can fill this container until you see the water level rise to the top of the container; it can’t be overfilled or underfilled.
Now that you know the basics, here are some signs that there might be something bigger wrong with your car, and you need to take it to a professional:
Weird noises:
If your car begins making weird noises that it hasn’t previously made, it can be a sign of serious trouble. It can mean anything from something dragging along behind your car to a bad wheel bearing.
Vibration:
If you notice your car or steering wheel vibrating, it can be a problem. The wheel balance of your car can be off, which is hazardous to your steering.
Leaking:
Any time you notice or suspect fluid is leaking from your car, it is a serious problem! Your car can’t run smoothly without all its engine fluids, so without them your car can be seriously dangerous to you or others.
Everyone loves their car; it’s their escape device and their adventure companion. Now you know how to keep it up and running for all the adventures yet to come.