Things You'll Need:
- A car
- An emergency kit
- Jumper cables
- Cell phone
- A friend who knows something about cars
- An honest mechanic
- Motor oil
- Steering fluid
- Paper towels
- Funnel
- Water
- Coolant
- Winshield wiper solution
- Winshield wipers
- Tire pressure gauge
- Insurance
- Registration
- A license
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Step 1
© sfhazwaste on FlickrGet your oil changed every 10,000 miles or 3 months. Don't do it once a year when you go to get your car inspected. You can cause damage to the engine and simple, inexpensive problems can become complicated, expensive ones.
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Step 2
Get your car inspected, insured, and have a license. This seems obvious but if you don't have the resources to do these things, you shouldn't be driving.
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Step 3
courtesy of einhard.comDon't speed. When a driver is riding your bumper, switch lanes or pull over to let them pass so the state trooper can nail them up the road.
Speeding increases wear and tear on your car and increases your car maintenance bill.
Also current gas prices should inspire you to slow down. The average limit is 55 miles per hour for a reason. Two reasons actually.
1. gas consumption is optimal at the rate and
2. the limit reduces accidents, which was an unintended consequence to the 55 limit law put into effect in the 70's. -
Step 4
Have an emergency kit and jumper cables in your car. Not only are you prepared for an emergency but you can also help someone else who might be stranded. People always appreciate your help when you jump their car. Of course if you don't know the person, use your judgement in approaching and responding to them.
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Step 5
courtesy of wrxtra.comUse a tire gauge to check your tire pressure. Read your owner's manual for information on what pressure you should have in your tires and using the right kind of tires. If you don't know how to check your tire pressure, ask a friend to show you how or go to a local auto parts store and ask for more information.
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Step 6
Keep water in the car. You will need it if your car has an issue with overheating, such as if the fan on the motor or the water pump malfunction. It's also a good idea to have water on hand if you ever get stranded so you won't get dehydrated.
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Step 7
courtesy of edition.cnn.comAlways have a cell phone. If you aren't a big cell phone user, you can get a prepaid phone. Pay $10-$20 for the phone and the same amount to keep it active for 3 months at a time. Keep it in the car along with a cell phone car charger. You don't need to give the number out except for an emergency. Even if you don't have any minutes on your cell phone, you can still dial 911.
Note: Even if you have no minutes on your phone, the law states that as long as it is charged and functioning, you can dial 911 without active service. -
Step 8
Find an honest mechanic. Although the term "honest mechanic" might seem like an oxymoron, they do exist. I was getting the registration renewed on my car and asked the notary for a trust worthy mechanic. He warned me about certain establishments and gave me the business card of the mechanic he can personally vouch for.
Ask friends, coworkers, your notary, and neighbors who they recommend. -
Step 9
© Denmark 304 on FlickrCheck all fluids in your car regularly including windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, oil level, and coolant. Keep extra of each in your trunk.
