By Ralph Lee

You may not know what end of a wrench to hold, but anybody can get a grip on these helpful car care tips.

Get the soap
Perhaps the simplest thing to do to take care of your car is to wash it on a regular basis. Washing your car once a week can help keep at bay the bugs, tar and other debris that can build up over time. Given a foothold, these things can become nearly impossible to clean off. If you can’t manage a once-a-week wash, try for once a month. If you can’t manage once a month and you have kids, hire ’em out.

Check the oil. Stat!
Your car’s oil is like its blood. It needs to be checked regularly. Check your owner’s manual for the type of oil your car uses and where the oil dipstick under the hood is located. At least once a month, check your oil level. Top it off if necessary. All you need is the oil, a funnel and some paper towels to clean up any mess.

And while you’re checking the oil…
Your car has other fluids that need to be checked every so often as well. These include automatic transmission fluid, coolant (anti-freeze), brake fluid, differential oil and power steering fluid. Consult your owner’s manual for the location of these fluid reservoirs. Check their levels periodically, top them off when necessary and have them changed when your manual indicates.

Hold the grease
You’re keeping the outside of your car looking sharp with regular washings, but how about under the hood? Head to your local auto parts store and check out the variety of degreasers available. Follow the directions and watch your engine sparkle. An added benefit to having a clean engine is it makes it easier to locate any trouble spots (e.g., leaks).

Windshield woes
Between washings your windshield may get dirty from rain or snowstorms or our fine-feathered friends. A clean windshield is crucial to safe driving. Virtually any kind of glass cleaner and lint-free towel will have your windshield sparkling in no time. Don’t forget the inside of the windshield as well. Also check and clean your windows as necessary.

Out, out, damned spot
It’s no fun noticing a spot or two on your windshield that you want to clean off and finding out you’re out of washer fluid or, worse yet, your wipers are worn out. Wiper blades should be changed about once a year. Check your washer fluid level when you check the oil.

Lots of lights
There’s nothing worse than looking in your rearview mirror and seeing the flashing lights of a police car behind you. Sometimes the reason for a traffic stop is as simple as a missing headlight or taillight. Avoid this problem by doing a periodic walkaround of your car to make sure all lighting systems are functioning. Don’t forget the light illuminating your license plate. Inside the vehicle, make sure all your interior lights are working properly.

Inflation situation
Under- or over-inflated tires can be a dangerous-and sometimes deadly-situation. Tires improperly inflated wear out faster and can rob you of the gas mileage you deserve. Check your owner’s manual for the proper amount of pressure your tires need. Get in the habit of checking each tire’s pressure at regular intervals. You could be saving your life and you will save money.