Your car is like your body - take care of it, treat it right and it will continue to serve you year after year. Neglect it, and you'll be paying the price in breakdowns, major repairs, and poor performance.
I think there are a lot of people who understand this logic. For some of us, though, there may be the issue of not having adequate money to keep up with regular maintenance or not knowing some of the insider secrets that can not only keep their car running like new, but also keep their money in their pockets.
"Voltage Regulate"
I know there are some of you who would rather not take the time to learn some of these insider's secrets, and will just dismiss it by saying "I don't know anyone about cars other than how to drive them," - but I'd like you to just open your mind up even a little. Our minds are spectacular, tools and even if you don't know how to check your motor oil, at least be willing to learn some basics so you don't get scammed by the next repair shop you bring your car to.
For some, half the battle is knowing what the mechanic is talking about. By learning the basics about car mechanics, you'll be one step ahead of the game. Most all cars have the same basic parts - from brake systems, motor and transmissions, steering and suspension to electrical - it's more or less all the same. Get to know the workings of your own car and you'll be able to identify the same things on any other car you'll buy in the future.
I won't go through all of the car maintenance and troubleshooting problems, as that would fill an whole text. I will any way shape what I feel are the most common issues that can be in effect diagnosed and even repaired by the average car owner.
The first is the classic "check engine" light. Now this may or may not indicate serious motor problems, but my caress has shown me that a majority of the time, it is not a cause for alarm. It does, however, wish your attention. I've known people who've driven their cars for years with their "check engine" light on. Theirs was obviously the case of a minor fault code, but when asked about their motor light, they'd reply, "Oh, that...it all the time stays on, it's normal." Normal? Well, something's obviously not "normal," otherwise the "check engine" light would not be trying to tell you something. This warning light is in effect wired into many separate motor sensors, and when one or more of these sensors detects something "abnormal" they relay to the cars' computer to tell the driver (you) that there's something going on here.
Whenever your "check engine" light comes on, all the time start with the basics. Shut off the car, open the hood and go through a basic checklist (I have a 92 point checklist that everyone's welcome to use). Once under the hood, check the level and characteristics of the following fluids: motor oil, antifreeze (coolant), and while you're at it, the transmission fluid if it's an automated (this will have to be checked with the car running). These levels should be with in the operating ranges marked on the dip stick or in the case of coolant, it's marked on the reservoir. Note the color and consistency as well - if any of the fluids look dirty or sludgy, it's a good time to convert it! While you're under the hood, check your air filter - if it looks like your vacuum filter after you've vacuumed the house, replace it with a new one. Also, consideration any leaking fluids and abnormal odors like burning oil or antifreeze. Use your senses to see, hear or smell anyone out of the ordinary.
If you've checked all of above items, there's a good chance you'll find the source of your motor problem. If not, then the problem may be a miniature deeper. This is where you'll wish an motor diagnostics tool. Basically, a diagnostics tool is a read out tool that plugs into your vehicle's computer that "reads" the source of the problem. It pinpoints the problem (or problems) and tells you where to look. One of the more common problems is the mass air sensor, which is settled somewhere before the air filter on your cars' air intake system. This is a common problem I've seen a lot (including the guys who've driven for years with their "check engine" light on) and it in effect is a quick fix. Obviously, you can still drive your car with this problem, but you may end up paying for it in the long run, with a shortened motor life. But the best way to find out for sure what the motor computer is detecting is to plug your car into a diagnostic tool and get a read out. Most repair shops will do this for free (if they're not swamped), but you can also spend in one yourself (most local automotive store will sell them) and do your own detective work (it in effect is simple!). It in effect pays for itself many times over if you rule to buy one, as they will work on many other models other than yours.
Another common problem I've seen a lot of is with the electrical and charging system. Your car may be hard to start, or you may go to start it in the morning and all you get is a 'click' or not a sound. Or maybe your voltage gauge reads low, your lights run dim, or the car runs poorly. These problems can be a royal pain in the butt. There are some basic things you can check however, and the solution may be a easy one.
First off, open that hood again. Zero in on your battery. Again, consideration anyone that doesn't look or smell right. A battery that's had it commonly has a strong acid smell, and should be supplanted with a new one (be true when handling batteries, as acid can burn the skin and even cause blindness if it contacts the eyes). Check all battery connections. Wiggle them to ensure tightness, check for corrosion (usually seen as clusters of white powder) and look for any broken wires. Check the alternator connections as well, and note the health and tension of the alternator belt. In most case nowadays the serpentine belt that turns the alternator also turns all of the engines' other accessories, so if you have problems with the alternator belt, expect problems with other systems as well. If you haven't found any problems so far, you may need to go deeper into the electrical system. It may be the voltage regulator, starter solenoid, a relay, or even the cars' starter itself. A diagnostic tool may or may not help you pinpoint the problem and sometimes you may have to simply replace an electrical component to see if it's the problem.
I could go on and on with the many possible problem areas for the many vehicles out there. These are only some of the basic problem areas, and it pays to learn more about your car and what it needs for maintenance. Even if you leave your cars' maintenance in the hands of a professional, it all the time helps to know what the problem is so you know you're only paying for what's necessary.
By the way, the most overlooked solution for a car that won't start? Check your gas tank!
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