My Dad's Top 7 Car Maintenance Tips that Can Save You Thousands

My dad is a pretty frugal dude.  He picks and chooses his penny-pinching categories, relentless to give in (think keeping a computer ten years or $1 beef tips), yet enjoys splurging on lavish vacations.  Spend five minutes with him and you'll discover he has a '94 Honda Civic he bought for $300.  And "it still blows cool air".  Dad's funny like that.

Part of his vehicular success stems from an intimate knowledge of engineering and mechanics.  I see car maintenance as take-it-in-when-it-doesn't-run-anymore.  He is diligent about keeping the machine in strong working condition, catching problems before they become pricey.  Here are some of Dad's tips to keep the car in tip-top shape, saving you thousands in the long run.

1. Check the oil and get it changed regularly.
Only check it after the car has been turned off for a while and is cool.  Read your manual to find the oil dipstick and pull it out.  Wipe it down once with a rag and reinsert to get an accurate reading.  Your stick has a "full" measurement, which you want to see.  If it's a bit low, add more of the same brand oil with a funnel.  Look at the color also--if it's black, time for a change.  Whitish usually means something funky is mixing in with the oil and you'll definitely want to take it in.  

2. Check transmission fluid.
This takes a bit more finesse but you can check it on your own.  Locate the transmission fluid dipstick under the hood.  Put the car in park and pop the hood.  The stick has a cold and hot measurement at the end.  If your vehicle has been running for a while, it should read "hot" and if it's a cold engine you should see "cold".  Make sure you wipe down the stick before reading it.  When the fluid is brown, it's time to switch it out.  

3. Keep engine coolant full.
That big tank-looking thing under the hood is like engineered sweat for your engine.  When it runs out or stays low for a long time, failing to cool the engine, you can expect serious auto heart failure.  This is a big money fix so you'll want to keep an eye on it.  Keep the level between "low" and "high" for the best efficiency.  If you are constantly running low, take it in to check for leaks.

4. Become a tire pressure nerd.
Remember how part of last November's campaign to propose energy reform was to encourage more tire pressure checks?  While this is a laughable option to finding alternate energy or new drilling areas, there are measurable savings to be had just by keeping your tires at the right pressure.  You can save around 3.3% just by adding a bit of air to your car's rubber shoes.  Check it at least once a month.

5. Wash and wax your car often.
I've always thought maintaining the outside of a car was a bit vain.  I care if the inside is a train wreck since I don't spend much time looking at the outside.  The reality is, keeping the car washed and waxed protects its clear coat and prevent bugs and bird poo from corroding or staining the exterior.  Getting minor chips and dents fixed (you can do it on your own too) will keep rust from invading.

6. Check the constant velocity joint boots.  
When the seals break on these and dirt contaminates the joint (on front wheel drive vehicles), you have a hefty bill to pay for axle repair.  Replacing the seals is a drop in the bucket.  Ask your mechanic to check them out during oil changes.

7. Maintenance requirements every 2-4 years.
Every time I go in for an oil change and the guys recommend flushing this or that I always refuse.  My estrogen sensors go on high alert and I feel taken if I give in.  The truth is while some of them are trying to tack on an extra buck, there are things that need to be drained every few years.  The cooling system, transmission fluid, replacing drive belts and hoses, and changing the timing belt will keep the car running longer without resorting to major surgery.

Thanks, Dad, for imparting your auto wisdom and instilling at least an iota of cheapness in the next generation. Take it from Pops; sending your car for a routine check up will save you hundreds (or thousands) in auto ER bills.  Long live the old clunker!