Mechanic's Tips

Tire Lugs
Sometimes your wheel lugs get awfully tight. If you can't loosen them by hand, try using a "t-bar" and lifting with one hand while pressing down with a foot on the other side.

Tire valve caps are important
Don't forget to reinstall the caps on the tire stems. They help prevent slow tire leaks and they keep the valve clean.

Tire wear must be even
Using tires that show different amounts of wear can cause driving and stability problems. The problems can be severe when anti-lock brake systems detect different amounts of slippage; they may lock up unexpectedly.

Power steering fluid
In most all cars, power steering fluid doesn't get used up under normal use. If your car needs power steering fluid, you probably have a leak in the system. If you have to add fluid regularly, you should have the system checked.

Transmission fluid level changes
On most transmissions, the fluid level tends to rise as the transmission warms up. You may have as much as a quart difference. However, on some cars, the fluid level actually goes down when the transmission reaches normal operating temperature.

Hoses
If you want to remove a cooling system hose by yourself, be careful. Most hoses become "glued" in place and you may accidently dislocate something else trying to get it free. Use a utility knife to slice it at its end, then peel it back.

Deadly Liquids
WARNING: Most coolants are deadly if taken internally, and even the propylene glycol coolants aren't particularly good for you.

Fuel Type
Don't use premium of mid-grade fuel if your vehicle was designed to run on 87. There's no benefit to the engine or its performance.