Car Preparedness

[AZ Prepper]

Car Preparedness - Part 1
http://www.arizonapreppersnetwork.co...ss-part-1.html

No one likes to be stuck on the side of the road in the best of times, but in an Arizona summer, having a breakdown can be deadly. The good news is that you can minimize that chance of a breakdown, and the consequences if it happens by being prepared.

The first part of that isn't a car emergency bag, as important as that is. The first part is to regularly check your vehicle.

Automobiles have become much more complex, and many repairs cannot be done by the average 'shade-tree mechanic'. However, there are many checks that everyone can manage, and should do on a regular basis.

1. Fluids check. Radiator, oil, transmission, brake, power steering, battery. Top off these with the proper replacement liquids. Is the color off compared to what you're putting in? Milky oil is a sign of mixing oil and water, black transmission fluid shows that the transmission is failing. Do this check at least every month.

2. Hoses and belts - are they cracking? Are they pliable? If they show cracks or have hardened, it's time to get them replaced. Check these every month as well.

3. Tires. Have an air pressure gauge in your glovebox, and check the air pressure every two weeks (monthly if you got them filled with nitrogen). Don't trust the tire gauges at the gas stations, have your own. Check the spare tire pressure every so often as well (and remember that limited-service spare tires have a much higher pressure). Your tires have their recommended air pressure stamped on them, keep it there and your tires will last longer. How is the tread on them, and are they cracked by the sun? Here in Arizona I have had to replace tires that had plenty of tread left due to the rubber drying out and cracking.

4. Lights. While you are doing that monthly engine check, why not ensure your lights work? Headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazard blinkers.

5. Oil and filters. This is a 5000 mile or six month cycle.

6. Spark plugs. I replace these yearly. Spark plugs can go a lot longer, but this way I know they're good.

Optional record keeping - mileage and gas added each fillup. This will tell you actual miles per gallon, and if that changes drastically with no reason, that's an alarm. This has saved me twice. Once there was a leak in the gas line, and the other time a locking gas cap fixed the 'problem'.

Next, the Vehicle emergency stash.