The Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), an organization dedicated to improving communication between the motorist and the automotive repair shop, believes regular maintenance checks can greatly improve safety and reduce the cost of car ownership. Most of the checks and services described below can be done at little or no cost. Best of all they are often quick and easy to do. They can save you time and money now and inconvenience later.

Check weekly:

1) Antifreeze (add a 50/50 solution of water and antifreeze when needed);

2) Engine oil (check at least every other fuel fill up and change regularly as recommended by your owner’s manual);

3) Washer fluid.

These items should be checked monthly:

1) Engine and drive belts (inspect for condition and slack between pulleys);

2) Brake fluid (add approved type from a sealed container, if needed. Note: If you find the fluid level decreasing have the car checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible);

3) Hoses (inspect for softness or bulges; if any, have them checked);

4) Power steering fluid (add approved type when needed – note, if you find the fluid level decreasing have the car checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible);

5) Tires (maintain inflation to recommended pressure level);

6) Transmission fluid (check with engine running, add only approved type when needed, CAUTION: do not overfill. If you find the fluid level decreasing, have the car checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible).

Check every two to three months:

1) Air filter (replace when dirty);

2) Battery;

3) Exhaust system;

4) Lights (a weekly evening walk around your car is a good idea);

5) Shock absorbers;

6) Wiper blades.

Following is some additional detail to help with your maintenance checks.

3 Antifreeze – check the antifreeze coolant level weekly. Fill to the level indicated with a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water. CAUTION – do not remove the radiator pressure cap when the engine is hotand always fill via the reservoir.

3 Washer fluid – check level regularly. Add a 50/50 solution of windshield washer antifreeze/cleaner and water. When temperatures are consistently below 32F, use a 100 solution. Remember not to use coolant antifreeze.

3 Engine oil – check the oil every two weeks or every other fill up which ever is more frequent. Remove the dip stick, wipe it clean, insert it fully until sealed and remove it again. If the level is low, add oil in accordance with the type recommended in your owner’s service manual and especially when the oil becomes dirty or gritty. Remember to replace the oil filter with every oil change.

3 Belts and Hoses – inspect belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn or frayed belts, tighten them when more than 1/2 inch of slack can be depressed between the pulleys. Vehicles with spring loaded belt tensioners require no adjustment. Replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and tighten clamps. If a hose looks bad or feels too soft or too hard, replacement may be suggested.

3 Brake Fluid – check fluid monthly. First, wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retaining clip and remove the lid, unscrew the plastic lid or the bolt holding the cover. If the fluid is low, check for possible leaks throughout the system. Caution! Do not overfill.

3 Power Steering Fluid – check power steering fluid once a month. Simply remove the reservoir dip stick. If the level is down inspect the pump, hoses and system for leaks, adding recommended type fluid when necessary.

3 Tires – keep tires inflated to recommended pressure (it helps to own your own gauge). Check for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicates wheels may be misaligned or out of balance. Keep a record of tire rotation and rotate in accordance with the owners manual.

3 Transmission Fluid – check transmission fluid monthly with engine warm and running and after having been driven. Make sure parking brake is engaged, shift to drive with your foot on the brake, then reverse them to park. Leave the lever in park with the engine running. Remove the dip stick, wipe dry, insert it and remove it again. Add the owner’s manual approved type fluid if needed. Caution! Do not overfill.

3 Air Filter – check air filter every other month and replace when it is dirty or part of an engine maintenance (formerly ‘tune-up’). It is easy to reach, right under the big metal lid in the carbureted engine or a rectangle box at the far end of the air duct hose assembly in a fuel injected one.

3 Battery – CAUTION! Use extreme caution when handling a battery since it produces explosive gases. Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery and always wear protective glasses and gloves. Check it monthly (or have it checked). Cables and cable connection should be attached securely and be free of corrosion. If battery has filler holes add distilled or clear, colorless, odorless drinking water to level specified.

3 Exhaust – look underneath your car for broken or loose exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes in muffler or pipes. Replacement of rusted or damaged parts is suggested. Have the emission system checked in compliance with the local state laws.

3 Lights – be sure all your lights are clean and working including head and brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle, just in case.

3 Shock Absorbers – look for signs of seepage on or around shock absorbers. Look for bent, broken or damaged parts. If any of these are present, have the system checked by a qualified technician.

3 Wiper Blades – inspect windshield wiper blades whenever you clean your windshield, do not wait until the rubber is worn or brittle or broken to replace them. Blade manufacturers suggest that they be replaced at least once a year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first and when smearing occurs.

For more tips on vehicle maintenance send a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Car Care Council, Department UH, One Grande Lake Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452.

When your vehicle needs repair take it to a facility that uses the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) Uniform Inspection Guidelines. These service shops will perform an inspection of the appropriate system before any service is performed on your vehicle. They’ll explain the results of the inspection to you, and document it on an inspection form.

The condition of the vehicle and its components will indicate what services, parts or replacements may be required or suggested; in accordance with industry adopted Uniform Inspection Guidelines.

Technicians will make recommendations based on these guidelines and on substantial and informed experience for the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service interval.

You, as the customer of course, have the choice of whether or not to have your vehicle serviced at any shop. For more information contact the Motorist Assurance Program at 808 17th Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006.