How to Buy the Basics for Your Car

Whether you like to baby your car on the weekends or need to top off fluids before a trip, it's good to have supplies on hand. Your owner's manual has the specifics of what your car needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy parts, fluids and supplies for under the hood. This includes and air filter, transmission fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, engine coolant, engine oil, fuses and more. Consult your owner's manual for parts specific to your car. It might offer tips on when to update or change under-the-hood mechanics.

2. Treat the interior of your car well. Buy waterproof floor mats, and additional gauges, fuses and light bulbs. Keep an oil can on hand to handle squeaky hinges.

3. Take of the car's exterior as you would your skin. You should have a detailing kit set aside with all necessary cleaning items, including car polish, car wash soap and car wax. It's good to have touch-up paint to cover any nicks and scrapes (like a Band-Aid). A lot of times, a small tube will come with you car. Keep an additional spare tire in your garage and bulbs for your head lamps.

Tips & Warnings

• Many car fluids are flammable, so store all automotive basics with care. Keep away from temperature extremes, and throw out greasy rags that were used on your car.
• Keep all fluids out of reach of both pets and children.

Resources

• Cool Cars

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