Check your tire pressure during mild weather or in the middle of the day. Pressure changes based on the temperature. To get an accurate reading check the pressure when the outside temperature is mild instead of in extreme heat or cold. [2] X Expert Source Tom EisenbergAuto Technician Expert Interview. 26 July 2019.
Place the penny upside down in the groove of the tire and see how much of Lincoln’s head you can see. If you can see further down Lincoln’s head than his forehead, the tires need to be replaced.
Most air boxes are held shut with clips. Remove them to open the box and look at the air filter. The filter should be free of debris and usually white. If it looks particularly dirty, replace it before closing the airbox up again.
Plug the scanner into the open plastic connector port beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. If the scanner doesn’t provide an English description with the error code, you can find the corresponding description in a vehicle-specific repair manual or often on the manufacturer’s website.
Oil that’s in good condition will be translucent and slightly yellow or even greenish in color. To change the oil, slide a container under the oil pan that can capture the draining oil, then unscrew the drain plug (bolt at the bottom of the oil pan). Once the oil has drained completely, replace the plug and remove the oil filter. Install a new oil filter and then add the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle, based on the information in your owner’s manual.
Automatic transmission fluid is one of the most important ones to check before a long road trip. Use your vehicle’s owner’s manual to tell you where to find the dipstick, then check it like you would engine oil. Make sure your radiator is topped off as well by comparing its fill line to the lower limit line visible on the reservoir. Coolant will prevent your engine from heating up too much when you drive for long periods of time, so make sure you top it off before leaving. [10] X Expert Source Tom EisenbergAuto Technician Expert Interview. 26 July 2019.
Driving without the appropriate documentation can lead to fines or even having your car impounded. Keep those important documents somewhere you can easily access in case you get pulled over.
It’s also a good idea to carry a first aid kit. You may want to tailor some emergency supplies to your family or time of year. For instance, you may want to carry cat litter to help on slippery roads during the winter.
