Belts are more complicated to replace so bring your car to a mechanic. If your guy can do the job then tell him you would like to help him. You will learn a lot more about your car if you participate in the repairs.

2. Fluids. Check your transmission fluid every month. Your transmission fluid should be checked while the engine is warmed up and running. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a paper towel or a rag until you see the lines on the dipstick indicating “full” or “add” marks. Fully immerse the dipstick into the fluid. Carefully pull it out again and you will be able to read how much fluid there is by the amount of fluid on the stick. Add more fluid as necessary.

Check your oil level following the same procedure as above, except the engine must be cold and the car must be parked on a level surface.

Don’t know what kind of fluid or oil you need? Sometimes it is labeled on the reservoir, or check your car owner’s manual. If you don‘t have a manual then bring your notebook to the store with you and look up what type you need. Ask for help if you are not sure you are buying the right product. When you find the right fluid, write it down in your notebook.

Check your windshield wash and anti-freeze levels and fill as necessary. These reservoirs are generally translucent and have easy to read markings on them indicating how much fluid they contain. Remember to ask the clerk if you are not sure what to buy.

3. Power Steering Fluid. If your car doesn't have a clear reservoir, you'll need to remove the cap to check the level. Before you open it, take a rag and clean the cap and the area around it. Dirt can really irritate the system. The cap will have a dipstick built into it. Wipe the stick off, screw the cap on, then remove it again and check the level.

With the cap off, slowly begin to fill the reservoir. It will rise quickly since the system holds very little fluid. Fill it to the MAX or FULL mark that corresponds to the engine temp (hot or cold). Be sure to replace the cap and tighten it up before you hit the road. Well done!

4. Leaks. Check under your car for any drips or spills indicating you could have a leak. Finding a leak in it’s early stage could save you a lot of $$$ down the road!

5. Tires. Learn how to use a tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressure every couple of months. Proper inflation improves fuel efficiency. Inspect your tires for bald spots and normal wear and tear. Get a front end alignment if you feel the steering wheel pulling too much to the left or right when driving in a straight line. Your tires will last much longer when your tires are aligned.

Rotate your tires. The purpose of regularly rotating tires is to achieve more uniform wear for all tires on a vehicle. Before rotating your tires, always refer to your individual owner's manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000-8,000 miles, or sooner if signs of irregular or uneven tire wear appear.

6. Let there be lights! Test your headlights, high beams, fog lights (if your care has them), brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Check to make sure your interior lights are working. Replace bulbs and fuses as necessary. Whenever possible ask someone to show you how to do this. Most mechanics don’t mind showing you how to do simple repairs such as replacing a fuse or a bulb. Headlights get a little more complicated. Unless you are feeling very confident, have someone replace them for you. Keep a flashlight with batteries in your car in case you break down in the dark.

7. Clean your windows. There is nothing worse than driving a car, at night, in the fog or rain, white knuckled, peering through a dirty, smeared windshield.

8. Change the oil. Yes, your dealer will tell you to change it every 3,000 miles. But, under normal driving conditions, it isn’t necessary to change it until the light comes on indicating the oil needs changing…or every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. Most car maintenance manuals have updated this information and no longer require the oil to be changed every 3,000 miles.

9. Is your car making strange noises you don’t recognize…have it checked! Remember, you are taking responsibility for your own car. Don’t let a strange noise turn into a $3,000.00 repair bill by ignoring it for 6 months!

Below is a link to a great website for you to peruse full of lots of great car care tips. Take your time reading through the different categories. I love the suggestion about asking your favorite mechanic to offer General Car Care Maintenance classes for women. Is this something you could start in your town? I think a $40.00 - $50.00 class would go a long way in teaching us responsible car care maintenance. What a great gift this could be for our daughters who are learning how to drive!