Just like having a child, a car needs you to take care of it. But the difference between a child and a car is, you get a car manual that tells you how to take care of your car. So take the time to read the manual and keep a log of oil changes, replacing your air filter, changing parts and so on.

Spring/and just before winter starts - is always a good time while the weather is nice outside, to take a look at your car from top to bottom and give it a good checkup.

Check the tire pressure.
Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving preformance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Check the tread on your tires, this is important as reduced tire grip can be hazardous.

Replacing your air filter.
This can increase your vehicle's life expectancy and fuel efficiency, especially during warmer months. Salt, sand and other impurities may have been kicked into your car's air filtration system during the winter months.

There are many fluids that require monthly attention, including the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

For more info you can check out: www.goodyeartires.com

Safe Tires!

Properly inflated tires are safer, improve gas mileage and last longer.

It only takes five minutes to check your tires, which you should do ONCE A MONTH and before every long trip. (5 minutes, take the time when your at the gas station to check them and save a life - thank you)

Here are some simple tips:

Pressure:
Underinflation puts unnecesary stress on tires, which can cause irregular wear, loss of control, decreased fuel economy and accidents. And don't be fooled by outward appearances - tires can lose up to half of the required air pressure and not appear flat.

There fore, check your tires with a tire gauge. Use the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure, NOT the inflation pressure listed on the tire sidewall. The recommended presure is typically found on a sticker located on the driver's door, or the doorpost if you do not have the owner's handbook.

Alignment:
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or porhole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have a tire dealer check the alignment periodically to ensure your car is properly aligned.

Rotation:
Regularly rotating your vehicle's tires will lead to more uniform tire wear. Unless your vehicle's owner's manual notes otherwise, tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Tread:
unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Check your tires' tread by taking the penny test: insert Lincoln's head upside down into the groove of a tire. If you can see all the Lincoln's head, you need a new tire. Also, visually check your tires for uneven wear and signs of damage.

It would also be a good idea to keep some kind of a check list in your car's glove compartment.

Battery!

Keep your motor running' with a good car battery. The battery is what provides your car's spark of life.

According to the Care Care Council, online at www.carcare.org, it's heat, not cold, that shortens the life of the battery. Excessive heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages its internal structure and leads to too high of a charging rate.

A good estimate is about every three years your battery should be replaced.

To get the most life out of a battery, here are the following suggestions:

Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add Distilled water when necessary.

Always replace a battery with one that's rated at least as high as the one originally specified for your car.

Keep the top of the battery clean!. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. As corrosion accumulates on the battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow. Check the battery and its connections at every oil change. The battery should be mounted securely, as vibration takes a toll on a battery life.

On batteries with removable filler caps, the electrolyte should be checked and topped off with distilled water. Battery connections should be clean, tight and corrosion-free.

To clean the battery case and terminals, use a mixture of baking soda and water. As an added measure to fight terminal corrosion, chemically treated felt rings can be placed over the battery posts.

Batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail. If your vehicle's barrery is three years old or more, it's wise to replace it.

When choosing a replacement, there's NO SUCH THING as a one-size-fits-all battery. Make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make, model and equipment.