also helps to keep the motor
from overheating while it's running, and keeps many internal
parts lubricated (like oil). No
matter where you live, it's always best to use a 50/50 mix of
water and coolant (anti-freeze).
I used to mix this manually, but
luckily for us, most brands now
have it pre-mixed so it takes
away the guesswork. Cars now
have the reservoir on the side
to fill from, older cars have just
the radiator cap. Either way,
never fill this when the engine
is hot!
Transmission Fluid: This is your
other dipstick. Usually it's colored red, but not always. Check
it the same way as checking oil,
but this is the only one that's
best to check while the engine
is hot and running. Also, if you
do have to add fluid here, you
fill it where the dipstick goes.
These are some of the basics.
The little things make the biggest impact, so keeping these
practices will help to prevent
any big delays on the side of
the road as you wait for a tow
truck and huge mechanic bill.
More to come next month. In
the meantime, drive safe!