Vital fluids

Check the level of all of your vehicle's vital fluids. They includes engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. With the transparent reservoir tanks in most newer vehicles, in many cases you don't even need to get your hands dirty. The owner's manual will outline the proper procedures for your vehicle in terms of checking and adding fluid. When checking the brake fluid, also look at the liquid's color. It should be clear or light amber. If it's dark and cloudy, the fluid should be replaced and the brake system flushed.

You should also perform a quick "spot check" in your driveway. Run your vehicle for about 10 minutes until the engine is up to its normal operating temperature, then park it for a few minutes and note any fluids that may have dripped from underneath. Often they can be identified by their color and feel. Red liquid is power-steering fluid or transmission fluid. Brown or black fluid is engine oil. A yellowish-green liquid is coolant. A clear liquid is either water (usually just condensation from the air conditioner, which is no problem) or brake or clutch fluid. You can tell the difference by the feel; brake or clutch fluid feels oily and doesn't dry quickly like water.

While virtually all manufacturers currently specify using a multiviscosity engine oil throughout the year, if you have an older vehicle and have been running a lighter single-weight "winter" oil, now is the time to switch to one that's formulated for hot weather. Use the grade of motor oil specified in your owner's manual.


BELTS AND HOSES

High underhood temperatures are hard on rubber parts. The normal life span of a rubber radiator or heater hose is about four years. Check the hoses on a cool engine by pinching them. They should feel the same along their length, without any soft spots or ballooned-out areas. Check for leaks as well. A deteriorated hose can look fine on the outside; squeeze the hose while you roll it back and forth between your fingers, feeling for lengthwise cracks in the hose's inner liner.

Examine all the belts for cracks, worn spots, or shredding fabric reinforcement. V-belts (which have a V-like profile) also have a normal life span of about four or five years. You should be able to deflect a properly tensioned V-belt a half-inch or so by hand. If it's either too loose or too tight, it needs to be adjusted. See your owner's manual or have it serviced at a shop. A serpentine belt, which is flat and snakes around the front of the engine, normally drives all or almost all of the engine accessories. With its automatic tensioners, a serpentine belt should last between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. Check the belt annually and replace it at the first sign of cracks or noise.


Battery

Battery problems are a common cause of roadside trouble. If you have a battery that requires maintenance, check that the fluid is up to the proper level. Fill the battery with distilled water as described in your car's owner's manual. With a maintenance-free battery, the most common type found today, it's done by looking at the color of the small inspection window on the top of the case. With conventional batteries, you need to remove the caps on top of the battery to see into the six individual battery cells. Also check to see that there are no cracks or holes in the battery casing itself.

In addition, make sure that the battery cables are securely attached to the battery terminals. If the terminals and cables are covered with corrosion--evident by a white powdery substance--remove the cables from the battery and thoroughly clean all the parts. This can easily be done by scrubbing them with an old toothbrush dipped in a solution of baking soda and water. Then reconnect the cables and tighten them securely.

For complete Ratings and recommendations on a variety of common battery models, see our latest battery report.


Brakes

If you hear any grinding noises or feel unusual vibrations in the brake pedal or the steering wheel when you apply the brakes--or if the vehicle pulls to one side--you should take the vehicle to a mechanic for a comprehensive checkup.