| Keep on top of oil changes: Have the oil in your car | | | | compartment in case your mechanic needs to see |
| changed every 3,000 miles. This is the single most | | | | what maintenance has been done.Try to stay with |
| important part of routine maintenance for your car. | | | | one mechanic: Knowing your car's history can go a |
| Find a dependable mechanic who can give your car a | | | | long way towards helping to diagnose and fix a |
| checkup when it is in for the oil change. The checkup | | | | problem.Be prepared to describe the problem to the |
| should include taking a look at the overall condition of | | | | mechanic: If you do have a problem with the car, |
| your engine, checking belts, hoses and fluid levels of | | | | take note of when the problem occurs - whether |
| your transmission and brakes, and checking your air | | | | the car is cold, or after it warms up? Does it happen |
| cleaner and the condition of your tires.Learn to listen | | | | when you're at an idle or when you are |
| to your car: If you hear an unusual noise, notice a | | | | accelerating?Warm up your car on cold mornings: The |
| change in it's performance or handling take it to your | | | | oil will not lubricate the engine properly if it is too |
| mechanic.Keep a copy of your car's service record | | | | cold.Accelerate gently: Zero-to-sixty in nothing flat will |
| with you: Keep a log of oil changes and maintenance, | | | | put undo strain on the engine, especially on smaller |
| along with your service receipts, in the glove | | | | cars. |