Preventive maintenance and general upkeep

[shadowrider]

 Here we will look at some basic things you can do to keep your car running smoothly and safely. You will not need a large toolbox full of expensive tools. Just a willingness to learn and a desire to do things for yourself instead of paying someone else. Where possible I will link a youtube video for your convenience.

• Visually inspect your tires for low pressure before the first drive every day or after the car has been sitting all day. (I have come out from work and found a flat tire, had I not noticed it I could have ruined the tire and possibly the rim) If any are low, air them up. If you have a flat either put on your spare or use your tire repair in a can (fix a flat or tire slime are well known brands).
• Occasionally, monthly or so, check the air pressure in your spare tire. Trust me when I say you will be upset if you need it and it is flat.
• Once a week on a car you just got or once a month on a car you are sure does not leak or consume a lot, check your oil. Cars do have low oil sensors nowadays but they also fail and a few minutes checking your oil is way better than buying a new engine. If it is low you may need to add some, if you are unsure ask someone that knows cars. If it appears milky or frothy take it to someone and let them check it out. You may have problems you were not aware of.
• Once a week or so check all your lights, this can be done while driving or you can do a walk around. (I leave for work before daylight so I simply turn on the blinkers/turn signals and look for the flashing against the surroundings. Use your mirrors to see the rear ones and also press your brake pedal to check those lights.)
• Check the water/fluid in your windshield washers once a month or more often depending on how often you use them. Fill as needed. I use water some people use a cleaning solution and in cold climates you may use something to help de ice the windshield. 

More coming as I think of them.

Some of these videos may seem a bit long or boring but I wanted to give you the most informative ones I could.

How to check and adjust tire pressure

 

How to check your oil

 

Adding windshield washer fluid

 

 

[LeftyGuitar]

I'd also suggest checking power-steering fluid and blake fluid. Under the hood, you can usually find these by the caps. The cap will say brake fluid or power steering fluid. If your car feels harder to steer, you may need to add some power steering fluid. Also, make sure you don't fill it all the way to the top. The power steering should have a dip-stick that will say full. There's need to be room in the power steering container so that it can breathe. You can also add too much oil as well, so make you sure you don't over fill these fluids.

[shadowrider]

Good ideas @LeftyGuitar not sure why it took me so long to think to add these videos.

Brake Fluid

 

Power Steering Fluid