Your Air Filter should be checked every three months. Most car models call for an annual replacement as part of a regular tune-up. When checking, knock it gently against the heel of your hand. This will remove the majority of dirt and debris (Yes, even dead bugs too) that my be trapped and affixed to the filter fibers. Whether the filter is reusable or needs to be replaced, make sure you wipe out the air cleaner housing with a clean cloth before replacing the filter so that residual debris isn\'t immediately sucked back into the filter.
" carcaretip[2] = "A by-product of your car\'s lead acid battery is hydrogen. Although the amounts are minimal, hydrogen gas is highly combustible, so extreme caution is in order. Beyond the obvious dangers of smoking or lighting a match near your battery, refrain from introducing any object in the battery\'s perimeter that may produce a spark or promote static electricity. (Yes, Turn Off Those Cell Phones Too!) When boosting a dead battery, follow the specific instructions as listed in your car\'s instruction manual ... And protective eye gear is a must!
" carcaretip[3] = "Inspecting your belts and hoses every three months can save you a lot of hassle. Bad belts and hoses are the number one cause of failure in cars between 5 and 8 years old. If your car is not equipped with automatic tensioners, use can make a fairly accurate judgment by hand. Place your thumb on the belt about half way between the pulleys. If the belt can be depressed a half an inch or more, it\'s time for an adjustment. If a belt shows signs of ware, such as fraying or glazing, it\'s time for a replacement. Check your hoses for bulges, rot, and breaks ... and give \'em a squeeze! If a hose feels very mushy, or if it\'s too stiff to squeeze with minimal effort, it\'s time to replace it too.
" carcaretip[4] = "Your car\'s hydraulic brake system relies on brake fluid, and your brake fluid level is the prime indicator of the integrity of the hydraulic braking system. Check your car\'s brake fluid every month. When checking, keep dirt and contaminants from falling into the reservoir by using a clean cloth to remove dirt and grime from the brake fluid reservoir lid. If the fluid is low, add the appropriate type of brake fluid as described in the owner\'s manual of your vehicle. Fill the reservoir only to the fill line, DO NOT OVERFILL your reservoir. If your reservoir is low, you should have your brake system checked for leaks. While it may be as simple as a faulty bleed screw, it may also indicate the immanent failure of the master cylinder.
" carcaretip[5] = "Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot, or you\'re bound to get burned. The coolant in your radiator is pressurized. Check your coolant level weekly, or with every other visit to the gas pump. For proper checking and filling methods of coolant, you\'ll need to refer to the owner\'s manual of your vehicle for proper procedure. Fill to level marking with manufacturer recommended coolant and recommended coolant to water ratio.
" carcaretip[6] = "Twice a year, you should take the time to stick your head under you vehicle for a simple visual inspection of your car\'s exhaust system. (Yes, make sure the car is off, and the wheels are chocked.) You should keep an eye out for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Also check for holes in your muffler or exhaust pipes. While piercing and damage from road debris can cause immediate problems, rot and rust will also promote a rapid decline in the integrity of you exhaust system. Replace damaged or worn components as quickly as possible.
" carcaretip[7] = "Check your headlights, turn signals, parking, and brake lights every time you wash your car. Your lights keep other drivers aware of your presence on the road, and also keep them aware of your intentions. Plan ahead by keeping spare brake light bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and fuses in your car. When handling light bulbs, try not to allow the glass to come in contact with your hands. Use a clean cloth, napkin, or tissue in lieu of direct contact. Even clean hands will transfer skin oils to the glass, and allow for the surface temperature of the bulb to run hotter than it needs to be, which may shorten the life of the bulb.
" carcaretip[8] = "Take the time to check the condition of your Shock Absorbers or Struts every time you wash your car. Inspect for signs of oil seepage. You can test the action of your shock absorber action by bouncing each corner of your vehicle with the weight of your body. The car should stop moving by the second or third bounce. Worn and damaged Shock Absorbers will lower the responsiveness of your vehicle\'s handling. If your Shocks or Struts are worn or leaking, they should be replaced immediately. Remember to replace you Shocks or Struts in pairs, by front or by rear.
" carcaretip[9] = "Check your tire pressure for it\'s recommended PSI at least once a month. A tire pressure gauge is an inexpensive and must-have tool for your glove box, and is often more accurate and less weathered than the gauges that are affixed to outdoor air pumps. Side wall cuts, bulges, and excessive tread wear will all contribute to a blow out, even when the affected area is small and isolated. If you find uneven tire wear, you can be sure that there is a problem with your vehicle\'s wheel alignment or balance. In general, a passenger car should have it\'s tires rotated after the first 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.
" carcaretip[10] = "There\'s nothing quite as nerve racking as not being able to see where your going, especially when the sunlight shines at just the right angle on your windshield. To eliminate glare, give the interior side of your windshield a proper cleaning once a month, to remove the residue of road dust, exhaust, pollen, and yes, cigarette smoke. On the outside, check your wipers and your windshield washer fluid reservoir every time you check your oil and coolant. Keep the washer fluid reservoir full, and make sure you use antifreeze washer fluid in the winter months. As a rule, change your wiper blades once a year before each winter season.
" carcaretip[11] = "Your Air Filter should be checked every three months. Most car models call for an annual replacement as part of a regular tune-up. When checking, knock it gently against the heel of your hand. This will remove the majority of dirt and debris (Yes, even dead bugs too) that my be trapped and affixed to the filter fibers. Whether the filter is reusable or needs to be replaced, make sure you wipe out the air cleaner housing with a clean cloth before replacing the filter so that residual debris isn\'t immediately sucked back into the filter.
" carcaretip[12] = "A by-product of your car\'s lead acid battery is hydrogen. Although the amounts are minimal, hydrogen gas is highly combustible, so extreme caution is in order. Beyond the obvious dangers of smoking or lighting a match near your battery, refrain from introducing any object in the battery\'s perimeter that may produce a spark or promote static electricity. (Yes, Turn Off Those Cell Phones Too!) When boosting a dead battery, follow the specific instructions as listed in your car\'s instruction manual ... And protective eye gear is a must!
" carcaretip[13] = "Inspecting your belts and hoses every three months can save you a lot of hassle. Bad belts and hoses are the number one cause of failure in cars between 5 and 8 years old. If your car is not equipped with automatic tensioners, use can make a fairly accurate judgment by hand. Place your thumb on the belt about half way between the pulleys. If the belt can be depressed a half an inch or more, it\'s time for an adjustment. If a belt shows signs of ware, such as fraying or glazing, it\'s time for a replacement. Check your hoses for bulges, rot, and breaks ... and give \'em a squeeze! If a hose feels very mushy, or if it\'s too stiff to squeeze with minimal effort, it\'s time to replace it too.
" carcaretip[14] = "Your car\'s hydraulic brake system relies on brake fluid, and your brake fluid level is the prime indicator of the integrity of the hydraulic braking system. Check your car\'s brake fluid every month. When checking, keep dirt and contaminants from falling into the reservoir by using a clean cloth to remove dirt and grime from the brake fluid reservoir lid. If the fluid is low, add the appropriate type of brake fluid as described in the owner\'s manual of your vehicle. Fill the reservoir only to the fill line, DO NOT OVERFILL your reservoir. If your reservoir is low, you should have your brake system checked for leaks. While it may be as simple as a faulty bleed screw, it may also indicate the immanent failure of the master cylinder.
" carcaretip[15] = "Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot, or you\'re bound to get burned. The coolant in your radiator is pressurized. Check your coolant level weekly, or with every other visit to the gas pump. For proper checking and filling methods of coolant, you\'ll need to refer to the owner\'s manual of your vehicle for proper procedure. Fill to level marking with manufacturer recommended coolant and recommended coolant to water ratio.
" carcaretip[16] = "Twice a year, you should take the time to stick your head under you vehicle for a simple visual inspection of your car\'s exhaust system. (Yes, make sure the car is off, and the wheels are chocked.) You should keep an eye out for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Also check for holes in your muffler or exhaust pipes. While piercing and damage from road debris can cause immediate problems, rot and rust will also promote a rapid decline in the integrity of you exhaust system. Replace damaged or worn components as quickly as possible.
" carcaretip[17] = "Check your headlights, turn signals, parking, and brake lights every time you wash your car. Your lights keep other drivers aware of your presence on the road, and also keep them aware of your intentions. Plan ahead by keeping spare brake light bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and fuses in your car. When handling light bulbs, try not to allow the glass to come in contact with your hands. Use a clean cloth, napkin, or tissue in lieu of direct contact. Even clean hands will transfer skin oils to the glass, and allow for the surface temperature of the bulb to run hotter than it needs to be, which may shorten the life of the bulb.
" carcaretip[18] = "Take the time to check the condition of your Shock Absorbers or Struts every time you wash your car. Inspect for signs of oil seepage. You can test the action of your shock absorber action by bouncing each corner of your vehicle with the weight of your body. The car should stop moving by the second or third bounce. Worn and damaged Shock Absorbers will lower the responsiveness of your vehicle\'s handling. If your Shocks or Struts are worn or leaking, they should be replaced immediately. Remember to replace you Shocks or Struts in pairs, by front or by rear.
" carcaretip[19] = "Check your tire pressure for it\'s recommended PSI at least once a month. A tire pressure gauge is an inexpensive and must-have tool for your glove box, and is often more accurate and less weathered than the gauges that are affixed to outdoor air pumps. Side wall cuts, bulges, and excessive tread wear will all contribute to a blow out, even when the affected area is small and isolated. If you find uneven tire wear, you can be sure that there is a problem with your vehicle\'s wheel alignment or balance. In general, a passenger car should have it\'s tires rotated after the first 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.
" carcaretip[20] = "There\'s nothing quite as nerve racking as not being able to see where your going, especially when the sunlight shines at just the right angle on your windshield. To eliminate glare, give the interior side of your windshield a proper cleaning once a month, to remove the residue of road dust, exhaust, pollen, and yes, cigarette smoke. On the outside, check your wipers and your windshield washer fluid reservoir every time you check your oil and coolant. Keep the washer fluid reservoir full, and make sure you use antifreeze washer fluid in the winter months. As a rule, change your wiper blades once a year before each winter season.
" carcaretip[21] = "Your Air Filter should be checked every three months. Most car models call for an annual replacement as part of a regular tune-up. When checking, knock it gently against the heel of your hand. This will remove the majority of dirt and debris (Yes, even dead bugs too) that my be trapped and affixed to the filter fibers. Whether the filter is reusable or needs to be replaced, make sure you wipe out the air cleaner housing with a clean cloth before replacing the filter so that residual debris isn\'t immediately sucked back into the filter.
" carcaretip[22] = "A by-product of your car\'s lead acid battery is hydrogen. Although the amounts are minimal, hydrogen gas is highly combustible, so extreme caution is in order. Beyond the obvious dangers of smoking or lighting a match near your battery, refrain from introducing any object in the battery\'s perimeter that may produce a spark or promote static electricity. (Yes, Turn Off Those Cell Phones Too!) When boosting a dead battery, follow the specific instructions as listed in your car\'s instruction manual ... And protective eye gear is a must!
" carcaretip[23] = "Inspecting your belts and hoses every three months can save you a lot of hassle. Bad belts and hoses are the number one cause of failure in cars between 5 and 8 years old. If your car is not equipped with automatic tensioners, use can make a fairly accurate judgment by hand. Place your thumb on the belt about half way between the pulleys. If the belt can be depressed a half an inch or more, it\'s time for an adjustment. If a belt shows signs of ware, such as fraying or glazing, it\'s time for a replacement. Check your hoses for bulges, rot, and breaks ... and give \'em a squeeze! If a hose feels very mushy, or if it\'s too stiff to squeeze with minimal effort, it\'s time to replace it too.
" carcaretip[24] = "Your car\'s hydraulic brake system relies on brake fluid, and your brake fluid level is the prime indicator of the integrity of the hydraulic braking system. Check your car\'s brake fluid every month. When checking, keep dirt and contaminants from falling into the reservoir by using a clean cloth to remove dirt and grime from the brake fluid reservoir lid. If the fluid is low, add the appropriate type of brake fluid as described in the owner\'s manual of your vehicle. Fill the reservoir only to the fill line, DO NOT OVERFILL your reservoir. If your reservoir is low, you should have your brake system checked for leaks. While it may be as simple as a faulty bleed screw, it may also indicate the immanent failure of the master cylinder.
" carcaretip[25] = "Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot, or you\'re bound to get burned. The coolant in your radiator is pressurized. Check your coolant level weekly, or with every other visit to the gas pump. For proper checking and filling methods of coolant, you\'ll need to refer to the owner\'s manual of your vehicle for proper procedure. Fill to level marking with manufacturer recommended coolant and recommended coolant to water ratio.
" carcaretip[26] = "Twice a year, you should take the time to stick your head under you vehicle for a simple visual inspection of your car\'s exhaust system. (Yes, make sure the car is off, and the wheels are chocked.) You should keep an eye out for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Also check for holes in your muffler or exhaust pipes. While piercing and damage from road debris can cause immediate problems, rot and rust will also promote a rapid decline in the integrity of you exhaust system. Replace damaged or worn components as quickly as possible.
" carcaretip[27] = "Check your headlights, turn signals, parking, and brake lights every time you wash your car. Your lights keep other drivers aware of your presence on the road, and also keep them aware of your intentions. Plan ahead by keeping spare brake light bulbs, turn signal bulbs, and fuses in your car. When handling light bulbs, try not to allow the glass to come in contact with your hands. Use a clean cloth, napkin, or tissue in lieu of direct contact. Even clean hands will transfer skin oils to the glass, and allow for the surface temperature of the bulb to run hotter than it needs to be, which may shorten the life of the bulb.
" carcaretip[28] = "Take the time to check the condition of your Shock Absorbers or Struts every time you wash your car. Inspect for signs of oil seepage. You can test the action of your shock absorber action by bouncing each corner of your vehicle with the weight of your body. The car should stop moving by the second or third bounce. Worn and damaged Shock Absorbers will lower the responsiveness of your vehicle\'s handling. If your Shocks or Struts are worn or leaking, they should be replaced immediately. Remember to replace you Shocks or Struts in pairs, by front or by rear.
" carcaretip[29] = "Check your tire pressure for it\'s recommended PSI at least once a month. A tire pressure gauge is an inexpensive and must-have tool for your glove box, and is often more accurate and less weathered than the gauges that are affixed to outdoor air pumps. Side wall cuts, bulges, and excessive tread wear will all contribute to a blow out, even when the affected area is small and isolated. If you find uneven tire wear, you can be sure that there is a problem with your vehicle\'s wheel alignment or balance. In general, a passenger car should have it\'s tires rotated after the first 5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles thereafter.
" carcaretip[30] = "There\'s nothing quite as nerve racking as not being able to see where your going, especially when the sunlight shines at just the right angle on your windshield. To eliminate glare, give the interior side of your windshield a proper cleaning once a month, to remove the residue of road dust, exhaust, pollen, and yes, cigarette smoke. On the outside, check your wipers and your windshield washer fluid reservoir every time you check your oil and coolant. Keep the washer fluid reservoir full, and make sure you use antifreeze washer fluid in the winter months. As a rule, change your wiper blades once a year before each winter season.
" carcaretip[31] = "Your Air Filter should be checked every three months. Most car models call for an annual replacement as part of a regular tune-up. When checking, knock it gently against the heel of your hand. This will remove the majority of dirt and debris (Yes, even dead bugs too) that my be trapped and affixed to the filter fibers. Whether the filter is reusable or needs to be replaced, make sure you wipe out the air cleaner housing with a clean cloth before replacing the filter so that residual debris isn\'t immediately sucked back into the filter.
" document.write(carcaretip[todaysTip]);