A Girl's Guide to Car Maintenance

Ok, not every girl should know how to tune up her car's engine. Heck, some girls don't even know that you need to tune a car's engine. Nonetheless, there are three basic components of car maintenance that every girl should know about her car before she takes off driving around town. This guide will help you know what things to keep an eye on. You won't be able to fix everything that can go wrong, but at least you'll know that something is wrong and will know when you need to seek help.

First, a girl should know how to check her tire pressure. It's one of the easiest parts of car maintenance but can make a huge difference in how your car performs. Your car will drive straighter and smoother, and the tires will last longer if your tires are aired up correctly. Believe me; no girl wants to experience a tire blow out on a major interstate just because she drove while her tire pressure was very low.

For a few dollars at Wal-mart you can buy a basic tire pressure gauge. Then unscrew the valve stem cap on your tire (it's the little short thing that sticks out by the wheel). Now press the end of the gauge over the end of your valve stem. As you do, you'll hear a little air escaping the tire. It's ok as long as you move quickly. When you have the gauge positioned right, the stick inside it will pop out indicating your tire pressure. The last number visible (the one closest to being hidden) is your pressure. Most car manufacturers suggest that tire pressure should be between 30 and 32 psi. If yours isn't within that range, stop at your local service station. Odds are they'll be happy to help you adjust it.

Another important part of car maintenance every girl should know about is engine temperature. Some cars have a gauge in the dashboard. If your car does, look at it occasionally while you're driving around. Now you'll have an idea what the gauge normally shows. If it goes a lot closer to the hot side than normal, go back to your local service station and ask them for help.