One resolution you might want to consider is taking (better) care of your car. This might seem like a big commitment, but it’s pretty simple, actually – especially when you consider how much you rely on your car every day. And taking care of your car is actually taking care of yourself. At AAMCO we believe in total car care because it does really mean so much more than just your car.

Fluid Checks

Along with the oil, there are many other fluids that are vital to your car’s smooth, reliable operation. A few of these are:

• Transmission fluid
• Anti-freeze
• Brake fluid
• Windshield wiper fluid

Ignore any of these for too long and you’ll find yourself wishing for the year to be over. Even something as innocuous as windshield wiper fluid, if left unchecked, will run out and leave you stranded with road crud and dirt smeared across your windshield.

Other Fluids

If you let the transmission fluid get low, you’ll experience some pretty unmistakable signs. Whining and clunking, accompanied by grinding and shaking might be among the symptoms. A burning smell and the transmission just refusing to go into gear are sure signs your transmission fluid is low, or all gone.

Antifreeze not only runs through the engine and is processed through the radiator to keep your engine cool, it prevents water from freezing up. Antifreeze also protects the engine from corrosion, facilitates heat dissipation, and prevents scale from building up inside the radiator.

Windshield wiper fluid is easy, so start with that as the  “fluid” part of your car maintenance resolution –  just be sure not to forget the others. Windshield wiper fluid can mean the difference between being stranded at the side of the road with a dried crud-covered windshield or being able to spray and wipe it away as you head happily home.

Tires

Check your tires from time to time. Treadwear can sneak up and suddenly you’ve got a flat when you least need it (who needs a flat, ever?). Even worse, you could get a blowout – and if that occurs at high speed, you’re facing an extremely dangerous situation. All of this can be exacerbated by improper inflation, so buy a tire gauge, consult the manufacturer’s recommended inflation, and do it right.

Another situation that could arise is poor traction on dry roads – possibly hydroplaning in rain – and no traction in snow or other slick weather conditions. Insufficient tread depth can lead to some serious safety hazards while driving. Check the tread depth with the penny test. Insert a penny into the grooves of the tire’s tread, preferably one of the drive tires. With Lincoln’s head facing down, if you can see the top of his head, your tires are at 2/32 of an inch or less of tread – it’s time for new tires.

Pay Attention to Trouble Signs

It’s not unnatural to just want to do the old ostrich thing and stick your head in the sand when your car starts making a strange sound, or a vibration suddenly makes your ride a little less enjoyable. The thought of taking the time to go to a mechanic (or even just finding one) can seem inconvenient, or even overwhelming – especially if money is on your mind. But consider what might happen if you don’t get that noise or shaking investigated by a trustworthy mechanic. It will turn into something bigger and possibly leave you stranded, and you could be out a lot more money than if you had just had it looked at when it started.

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