Car Maintenance for Women

Car maintenance guide for the female car enthusiast

Women of this era aren't the apron-wearing, muffin-baking June Cleavers of the '50s. Vehicle maintenance is no longer just a man's job, as many women are taking an interest in automotives.

Learning the basics of car maintenance will keep it in top running condition and potentially save you a lot of money in repairs. First and foremost, you need to know your car. The owner's manual is a great place to start as it contains all the basics, such as fuel type, tire size, tire inflation levels and type of engine. It also outlines maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, belt changes and similar procedures.

The minute you notice anything unusual about your car - this could be strange noises, strange smells, leaks or problems with braking and handling - make an appointment with a certified mechanic to have it inspected. Some problems can lead to serious damage if they aren't repaired. Carefully explain the symptoms of the problem to your mechanic for an accurate diagnosis. Ask them to save the old parts and get any guarantees in writing. Take your car to a different shop for a second opinion if this will ease your worries about getting scammed.

Basic Car Maintenance

Here are a few maintenance procedures that every girl should know. Each of these tasks is necessary for the optimal performance of a vehicle:

• How to check tire pressure - The optimal tire pressure will be specified in the owner's manual. When the tires are cold, use a pressure gauge to check the pressure. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). If the psi reading on the gauge is below the recommended pressure then slowly inflate the tire until the gauge shows the right amount.
• How to change a tire - Try to park on level ground and put the parking brake on. Slightly loosen the nuts so that you're not spinning the tire once it's up in the air. Fit the jack in the safe jacking point of the car (this can be found in the owner's manual) and pump up the jack until the wheel is off the ground. Loosen the nuts and remove them from the wheel, leaving the top one for last to prevent the wheel from spinning around. Take off the wheel and replace it with the spare. Reattach the nuts, lower the wheel to the ground and remove the jack. Never go under the car when it's being held up by the jack alone.
• How to check oil level - Check the oil level every two weeks. When the engine is cool, carefully pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Next, reinsert the dipstick into the oil container and verify that the old mark is where it should be. Top it off if it's low, but only use the type of oil specified in the owner's manual. The oil should be completely changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, or as recommended by the owner's manual.
• How to check coolant level - Before checking the coolant level, prepare a mixture of ⅓ anti-freeze and ⅔ water in advance. When the engine is cool, look for the plastic container with the water symbol on the cap. If the fluid level is below the marked maximum level you'll need to unscrew the top and pour in your mixture until it reaches the optimal level.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.