If
you are not mechanically inclined, there may not be much
you can do to check the brakes. You can check your fluid reservoir
(if you don't know where it is, have someone who does show
you). Brake fluid levels don't usually change much so a sudden
change in fluid level is a red flag. You should have your
brakes checked regularly since preventive work can save you
money in large quantities. Let your brake pads wear down too
far, and they not only won't stop you when needed, but they'll
carve trenches into your rotors, and rotors are not cheap
to replace.
Don't scrimp to save money on tires or brakes; buy quality tires you can
count on and don't let anyone install cheap brake parts. Your life depends
on them. Last weekend, I passed by the wreck of a vehicle on US93, near
Wickiup, Arizona. The vehicle had suddenly left the road to the right,
cart-wheeled and exploded. It literally burned to the ground. I don't
know why the crash occurred, but it's certainly possible it could have
been brake or tire related, or both. If you lose braking ability or traction,
you are no longer in control.
Check your coolant level. Make sure you have the cooling
system serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule. Like many others,
I once thought the service interval for cooling system maintenance was
"optimistic." I thought my mechanic was "optimistic"
about making money because I would stick to the manufacturer's recommended
service plan. Here's the lesson I learned: if you let your cooling system
go too long without service, the coolant loses its alkaline nature and
becomes more acid. Guess what "more acid" does to your engine
parts? My failure to adequately service my cooling system (involving two
or three service appointments at about $50 each over 100,000 miles) led
to a more than $1000 repair bill later. I thought I was saving money,
but my water pump, thermostat, radiator and heater core, as well as all
the hoses, had to be repaired or replaced. A simple flush and fill every
two years would have prevented most of that damage. Your mechanic says,
"Pay me now, or pay me more later."
Listen to the sounds your vehicle makes. They will
often tell you when things are going wrong. A metallic scuffing sound
(and feel) underneath your foot can mean your brake pads are worn and
metal parts are scraping on those expensive rotors. Clanking and rattling
can mean you have a steering problem. Whirring or shrieking noises under
the hood can mean you're about to lose a water pump, a power steering
pump, or maybe a belt. Ratcheting noises while turning may mean that your
CV struts are about to go. When you hear a noise, get it checked. Waiting
to see what happens next can mean lots of extra dollars spent, not only
for towing, but quite often, an early repair means LESS needs to BE repaired.
Check the oil, and make sure you keep good quality,
fresh oil in the vehicle, at LEAST as often as the manufacturer requires.
I don't use the most expensive oil out available, but I use the grade
specified by my owner's manual and I make sure it meets the rating required
-- SG, SH, whatever the maker says you need. The letter grades are printed
on the oil bottle label. You should always use the correct grade or higher
(SJ is later than SG, for example).
Pay attention to your car's needs—and it will
take you where you want to go on your roadtrip—safely!
Keep the shiny side up!
<Rule
#25: Maintain Your Tires
Rule #27: Get Rid of Tailgaters>
