Simple car care tips

How much do you know about your car and how to keep it running smoothly? Firestone had one of its experts in Tulsa Thursday to present a Car Care Academy, a short course on the basics. <br/><br/>News

Thursday, October 27th 2005, 10:02 am

By: News On 6

How much do you know about your car and how to keep it running smoothly? Firestone had one of its experts in Tulsa Thursday to present a Car Care Academy, a short course on the basics.

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells visited with the expert under the hood of a Chevy Impala. If it isnâ€™t broke don't fix it, right? Well, at least we ought to check every once in a while. Trisha Hessinger was in Tulsa from Bridgestone Firestone to conduct a Car Care Academy and she recommends we do a regular once over. "Once a month you check your fluids, you check your tires."

She says with bad weather coming up, having enough tread on those tires is important. You can check them with a penny; put Abe's head down in the grooves of the tread. â€œIf youâ€™re seeing the top of his hairline or above, your tires are toast."

Correct pressure is important for safety and gas mileage. â€œIt can make up to 10% improvement depending how far off your tires are." The recommended pressure is listed on a special decal inside the driver's door or like the Chevy Impala, under the trunk lid.

Fluids is the other thing on the once a month check list. "Most of this is just eyeballing, you don't have to get your fingers dirty." The fluid reservoirs are easy to find and pretty well marked she says. Brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, the fill cap is where the oil goes if you need some and checking and changing oil regularly is like life insurance for your engine. Pull the dip stick out and wipe it off, put it back and check it. â€œIt's actually above the top dot so we are in great shape."

Simple stuff to keep your car running safely and well.

Now if you'll excuse me I'm heading to the parking lot to check my tires.