The days of the full service gas station are gone, and modern cars can go 30,000 miles or more without a tune-up - so it's up to you to check under the hood periodically. This simple monthly check will alert you to potential problems that can be dealt with before you get stranded or end up paying for expensive repairs. The following steps in this monthly checklist are detailed in subsequent eHows.
Instructions
1. Check the oil. Add oil if necessary.
2. Check the coolant level. Add antifreeze and water if necessary.
3. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid if necessary.
4. Check the power steering fluid level (if applicable to your car). Add if necessary.
5. Check the clutch reservoir (if applicable to your car). Add brake fluid if low.
6. Check the automatic transmission fluid (if applicable to your car). Add ATF if low.
7. Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Fill as needed.
8. Check the belts for cracks, age and proper tension.
9. Check the hoses for leakage, cracks or other signs of age.
10. Visually inspect the engine for any leaks.
11. Look under the car for any indication of leaks from the engine.
12. Check the tire pressure on all the tires, including the spare.
13. Visually inspect the tires for uneven wear, or nails or other sharp objects lodged in the tread.
14. Check the dash lights for proper operation.
15. Start the engine and listen with the hood up (after doing this a few times you will learn what sounds "normal" for your car).
Tags: necessary Check, applicable your, brake fluid, fluid level, Visually inspect
