by Adrian Miller

Created on: August 13, 2008

For many people, their vehicle is an enigma of science, designed only to take them to work or shopping or to drop the kids off at school. For others, it's a powerful, confusing machine of gears, blades, chains, axles, and electrical currents, just waiting to cause severe bodily injury.

The truth is in the middle. Your vehicle is an internal combustion engine that uses small, controlled explosions for power. With proper safety precautions, most people can learn routine maintenance, which decreases fuel consumption and keeps your vehicle out of the shop for longer periods.

Be proactive. Compile a list of fluids and parts your vehicle requires to function properly. The types and brands of replenishment items you need will vary as dramatically as the makes and models of vehicles on the road.

If you cannot find this information in your owner's manual, consult an auto parts store, a dealership, or a repair shop. Ask for the correct types of oil, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze/coolant, filters, fuses, and battery that your car needs.

Store the list in your car and make a copy to keep at home, just in case you lose the first. Finally, make sure that all of the items on your list are in their prime condition and write down the date that you checked and replaced each item.

It is best practice to check your oil every three months or three thousand miles. Allowing more time or miles to elapse can spell disaster for your engine.

With a rag or paper towel in hand and the engine off and cool, find and draw out the oil dipstick, (sometimes color-coded yellow) and wipe it off. Re-insert the dipstick fully and then draw it out again to verify the oil level against the dipstick marking. If it is low, add a quart of oil, wait for half an hour or so, and check again. Add oil only until the dipstick indicates that the engine is full. Do not overfill.

If the oil is black, it should be changed early. If you notice that your oil level falls rapidly or puddles beneath your vehicle, seek a mechanic immediately. Whether or not you should change your own oil or leave that to a trained professional depends on whether you have the tools and expertise to do the job, as well as a vehicle with an accessible filter and drain plug.

Another fluid commonly replaced at home is the transmission fluid. Unlike the oil, however, the engine must be hot for the transmission dipstick (often color-coded red) to produce an accurate measurement.

As with the oil check, have a rag

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