by Mary Snyder

Created on: November 06, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2008

No matter if you are looking for a used car or new car once you obtain it you need to know how to maintain it. If you get a used car, be sure to get a history on it. You can usually get one from the dealer, or you can get online and get one. These are very informative and may save you from ending up with a lemon. If you are buying a new car you can do research on safety features and compare them before your purchase.

Most of us just glance at the owners manual, but in reality we should really read the thing. It has all your information in it as to how much air for the tires, how much and what kind of fluids go where and much more. Where the child safety latches are located and how to use them.

We use our cars everyday and we assume that they are always road ready. Whether you are jaunting about town or going on a road trip there are things that you should check on a regular basis to keep your car maintenance up and keep you safe as well.

One thing comes to mind and I want to share this with you. Possibly the most overlooked item that most don't check for is the transmission fluid level. Your car will clunk and bang going into gear or some other small thing may bring it to your attention, but it is very easy to check and can save a lot of damage if checked regularly. To check this, you would look for a dip stick (usually painted red) It is just like an oil dip stick, so for those of you not certain of it, if you know where your oil stick is then it is the other one. Check your book for proper levels and be careful not to over fill it.

Before going any distance you should check your oil and windshield washer fluids. Check your belts and see if there are any fraying, cracked or dried out in appearance. Carry some extra oil and anti-freeze in your trunk, you never know when you may need it.

Brake lights, turn signals and of course your tires and brakes should be checked regularly as well. All of this takes little or no time to do and can save you lots of grief down the road, so to speak! Making sure your tires have the right amount of air in them not only helps with gas mileage, but performance on the road as well. Checking your tires for a broken belt can be done by running your hand around the inside or outside of the tire. If you have a broken belt in the tire it will feel like little tiny stubbles, or prickly. You can get a broken belt in your tire from hitting an unexpected pot hole for example.

Air bags are life savers in a literal term. For smaller people they

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