1. Check Engine Oil

Critical to an automobile’s lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car’s moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.

To check engine oil, Turn off the car’s ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label “engine oil.”

Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the “Full” mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the “Full” mark.

Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you’d need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it’s OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.

To replace engine oil, choose the product that’s already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you’re done, replace the dipstick properly.

2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever’s position to Park of ‘P’ position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.

Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there’s still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color.

Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner’s manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.

3. Check Engine Coolant

This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.

Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between “LOW” and “FULL” markings, then it’s OK. If it’s below the “LOW” marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.

4. Check CV Joint Boots

A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint’s job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.

To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you’d need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it’s broken. If it dry then there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.

5. Check Tire Pressure

Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).

In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don’t postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.

About Author

I am a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional I’ve reported on myriad topics, my favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two of the platforms I’ve previously worked on are Themedica and Automotive-Online. I now blog at: Smiling Health and Automobile Hotspot as it offers me a platform to write about my interests.

You are able to lower your monthly outgoings substantially through refinancing the existing car loan. The new loan is made available at lower interest rate as compared to the higher rate on the current loan. The main reason for low rate is that your credit rating has substantially improved in past few months as you have paid back many installments of the loan in time. So, there is every possibility of getting the new loan at low rate.

Under Car Refinance, the lenders approve an amount that you are yet to repay towards the existing loan. For saving maximum on interest payments, the refinance option should be availed in early months of the car loan. The lender will approve the new loan against the same car.

The refinance also enables in getting out of the loan burden early, if your financial ability permits. You do not have to pay penalties as the new lender repays you balance towards your existing loan.

Comparing different lenders is crucial for availing car refinance at desired low rate of interest. First, apply for the rate quotes. You will get a list of suitable lenders, who are mainly online lenders. Make an extensive comparison of them. Online lenders charge less additional fees, which reduces the loan availing costs substantially.

Watch the video related to car refinance

Refinancing a car loan is a process done to lower the rate, lower the payment or pay it off more quickly. Make sure a credit score is at least 600 before considering to refinance a car loan. Shop around before refinancing a car loan withtips from a financial consultant in this free video on credit cards and personal finance. Expert: Carrie Kukuda Contact: www.wearehdtv.com Bio: Carrie Kukuda has a business administration degree, and was branch manager of a community bank. Filmmaker …

Help answer the question about car refinance

Can a person with great credit and joint has horrible credit get a good car refinance APR rate ?
Here’s the thing I have a GMC Envoy I’ve been paying 400 monthly and its not even worth 15000 anymore so I want to refinance ASAP to lower payments and get over with but I have horrible credit (600) and my mother has great (800) would I still get a good APR rate ?

About Author

Kevin Clark is a financial analyst at Easy Refinance Car Loans. In recent years he has taken up to provide independant financial advice through his informative articles. To find car refinance, refinance car loans, bad credit car refinance that best suits your need visit http://www.easyrefinancecarloan.com/