Americans have traditionally regarded their automobiles as appliances that should be seen and used but not fussed over. As a result, American motorists have tended to be rather casual about maintaining their cars. This attitude has begun to change in recent years, especially as full-service gas stations have increasingly disappeared. Today, many car owners are willingly assuming maintenance tasks that their parents would never have considered.

That is all to the good, but even if you prefer to have your maintenance work done for you, your car still needs careful monitoring and checking at regular intervals. Doing so will protect you from most on-the-road breakdowns (the vast majority of which are preventable ones caused by sloppy maintenance) and add years to the life of your car.


EACH TIME YOU DRIVE
An amazing number of problems could be prevented if people would simply pay attention to their cars. No one knows your car better than you do. Each car has its own particular "feel" to it, its own sounds and sensations. Any significant change is a possible warning flag of trouble brewing. So listen to your car--it may be trying to tell you something! Pay special attention to the following:

• Fluid leaks
• Vibrations and noises
• Brakes
• Steering
• Transmission and clutch
• Windshield wipers
• Horn
• Gauges and warning lights
  

Fluid leaks.
As you pull out of the garage or down the driveway, look back to see if there are any unusual pools of fluid standing beneath where your car was recently parked. If so, make a note of the color of the fluid and have your car checked. Many of your car's fluids are color coded. Transmission fluid is red, for example, while coolant is greenish-yellow. This data will help your mechanic get to the source of the trouble.

Vibration and noise.
Many parts or components can be felt or heard as they begin to go bad. For this reason, any unusual noise or vibration should be checked as soon as possible. It may be nothing, but it may be something like a wheel bearing that requires immediate attention if very expensive repairs are to be avoided. Tires often give off strange or higher noise levels as they are going bad, as do exhaust systems and other components. Many experienced drivers can "feel" when their car needs a tune-up.

Brakes.
After you have lived with a car for a short while, the natural feel of the brake pedal will become second nature to you. Any unusual brake pedal softness or any noises while braking could be a warning signal that something is seriously wrong.

Steering.
The way your car steers is also something familiar to you. Any changes demand investigation. Any pulling to the left or to the right, or any abnormal vibration coming up through the steering wheel, may be the sign of a serious problem.

Transmission and clutch.
If the transmission isn't shifting the way it used to, if the clutch (on manual shift cars) is chattering or if there is annoying slippage during shifts, have your transmission and clutch checked by an expert.

Windshield wipers.
Streaking, smearing or chattering are signs of worn wiper blades. Have them replaced as soon as possible. Most service stations sell good quality wiper blades for popular late-model cars.

Horn.
Check your horn before starting out. This is one of those components you really need when you need it. (A little tap will do it; you don't have to wake the dead--or the neighbors.)

Gauges and warning lights.
These items are put there for a purpose and when a light comes on while driving, or when a gauge shows an abnormal reading, have it checked. The point is, take your car's warning lights and gauges seriously. If something like a "STOP ENGINE" light comes on, do what it says!

Warning lights that issue commands to take decisive action usually mean just what they say. A "STOP ENGINE" light, for instance, usually means your engine is overheating to a frightening degree and is about to self destruct. Don't wait a few miles for the next off-ramp from the freeway because the life of your engine may be calculated in feet--not miles--at that point. Pull over to the side of the road immediately and turn the engine off.

WARNING: Don't turn the engine off until you are safely over to the shoulder! Cars equipped with power steering and power brakes may be difficult to control once the engine has been shut down.


EACH TIME YOU GAS UP
Each time you pull into a service station, see that the important fluid levels on your car are checked. This includes the engine oil level and the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir. If the cooling system on your car has an external coolant recovery tank, check that, too. Never remove the radiator cap when your car's engine is hot, however. Replace fluids as indicated. Fluids to be checked include the following:

• Engine oil
• Windshield washer fluid
• Coolant level
  

EVERY MONTH
At least once a month check all tires (don't forget the spare!) for air pressure as well as for cuts, bulges and abnormal wear. Have the tires repaired or replaced as necessary. While you are at it, check all lights--including the brake lights (you might have to get someone to help you there)--to make sure they are functioning properly. Replace as indicated. It is not only unsafe to drive with bad tires or non-functioning lights, it is illegal in most jurisdictions, as well. Every month check:

• Tires
• Lights
  

EVERY SIX MONTHS
Check all those fluid levels you don't regularly check when you fill-up. This list includes: power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, clutch fluid (if you have a hydraulically-operated clutch) and rear axle fluid. Check all the rubber belts and hoses at this time, too. Rubber wears out, and hoses and belts are among the most frequently ignored maintenance items. A broken fan belt can strand you without warning at the most inconvenient times and places. If a high pressure hose bursts while you are driving, it can do extensive damage to your engine's components. Inspect the exhaust system for rust, holes or loose clamps. Check the electrical cables and terminals on the battery and starter motor for corrosion. Finally, rotate the tires if necessary. Many tire manufacturers recommend rotation at 7,500 mile intervals, but follow the specific recommendations for your brand and type of tire. Every six months check:

• Power steering fluid
• Transmission and clutch fluids
• Brake fluid
• Rear axle fluid
• Belts and hoses
• Exhaust system
• Electrical cables and terminals
• Tires
  

ONCE A YEAR
Thoroughly check all brakes, including the parking brake, for wear. Replace as necessary all brake lines as well as all pads and linings. This is the time to see that your car gets a good lube job and don't over-look such things as lock cylinders, hinges and weatherstripping. Finally, flush the underside of your car with high pressure water to dislodge mud and salt build-up. Once a year check:

• Brakes
• Lubrication
• Underbody
  

Summary.
Pay attention to your car. Catching problems early is safer and will nearly always result in less aggravation and expense than waiting for them to get worse.