When the seasons change, it’s great timing for some routine auto maintenance – whether you’ll be road-tripping to a warmer climate, or bearing down for the cold. These five projects are simple to complete with a little help from your owner’s manual.

5 Step Car Care Checklist

√ CHECK YOUR WIPERS

Replace your wiper blades if needed and top off the windshield wiper fluid.

√ CHECK FLUIDS

Check oil, brake, transmission, radiator coolant and power steering fluid levels. Check your owner’s manual to locate fluid reservoirs and determine which type of fluid to purchase for your vehicle.

√ CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

When the tires are cold, use a gauge to check the pressure. Fill them according to the recommended air pressure found on the side of your tire.

√ CHECK YOUR TIRE TREAD

Let Abe Lincoln be your guide. Pinch a penny – with your thumb and forefinger covering Lincoln’s body. Dip Abe headfirst in the groove where the tread seems thinnest. If you can see the top edge of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. If Lincoln’s head is partly covered up, your tread is probably okay.

√ CHECK HEADLIGHTS

BRAKE LIGHTS AND SIGNALS. If a light isn’t working, check the fuse to see if that’s the cause. If not, replace the bulb, or light.

For more helpful tips, o to Tips.aceharware.com.

Published: 2/10/2020