With these articles, we try to share a little useful information for people who rely on automotive transportation. That, of course, refers to the vast majority of us. We also, occasionally, share high performance automotive tips, from time to time. Our goal is that these articles are of value to as many drivers as possible.

The other day, we discovered that we may not speak to as many drivers as we had thought. We heard a story about a widow whose husband had always taken care of the care. When he passed, that responsibility fell to her. To say the least, she was somewhat overwhelmed.

Thankfully, she found a qualified and trust-worthy auto repair shop that could help to keep her on the road while ensuring that a less scrupulous sort didn’t take advantage of her. Still, her story has pointed out that, with some people, we might as well write our tips in Greek, assuming the reader doesn’t read Greek.

Some drivers wouldn’t know how to open the hood, no less to check the oil. So, today, we’re going to share a few maintenance tips in a manner that will, hopefully, help those less familiar with things mechanical.

“The first thing to think about is fluids,” said Denny Norton, the owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited. “If a car doesn’t have fuel, it won’t run. If it doesn’t have oil and coolant, it will overheat and you’ll ruin the engine.”

He went on to discuss the importance of transmission fluid and steering fluid, as well as water in the battery. The transmission needs fluid so the gears will slip into place when required. The power steering needs fluid to operate or you’ll need big muscles to turn the car. The battery needs water or, when dry, the battery won’t start the car. And, of course, the tires need air.

The first tool you’ll need to maintain your car is the owner’s manual. Think of it as the cookbook for making a car keep running. Most have diagrams to help you find your way around the car. For instance, it will show you where the dipstick is to check the oil. And it will show you where the hood release is to pop the hood so you can check the oil.

The transmission fluid is generally checked the same way as the oil, with a dipstick – unless you have a standard transmission. The power steering pump, also found with the help of your owner’s manual, has a cap with a short-round-plastic dipstick.

In each case, you’ll find marks on the dipstick, whether checking your oil, transmission fluid or power steering fluid. The mark furthest from the end of the dipstick represents how high the oil of fluid should be when completely full. Below that (closer to the end of the stick), you’ll find a mark representing the point where you should add more oil or fluid.

The only tool you should need to check these fluids is a rag. After you’ve opened the hood (read the owner’s manual carefully for this step as many cars have a release inside the car cabin and another release under the hood), pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Now, push it back all the way in and pull it back out. This will show you the actual fluid level (make sure your vehicle is on a level surface when you check this).

If you do need oil or fluid, be careful – oils and fluids are not all the same. Check your owner’s manual to see what is recommended. However, also check with the auto repair shop that performed your last oil change to make sure you add the same kind of oil of fluid.

Some fluids are made for GM models and others for Dodge, Ford and other makes of vehicle. Make sure you use the right kind. Make sure you’re adding the oil or fluid through the correct filler opening, too. You don’t want to pour engine oil into the transmission and vice-versa.

If you check the antifreeze/coolant, be sure not to open the radiator or reservoir tank (also found with the owner’s manual) when the car is hot. Under pressure, the fluid can burst out and cause serious burns.

Many batteries today are low maintenance or no maintenance. Otherwise, you’ll find caps on top of the battery that you can remove to check the water level. Inside each hole in the battery, there is a plastic tube the size of the hole extending down about an inch. Fill the water to the bottom of each tube. Then, carefully replace the caps.

You’ll also want to check your windshield washer solvent reservoir to make sure you have enough (that’s right, check the owner’s manual). The level of this is less important unless you run out on a winter day when salt and snow are coating your windshield as you drive.

To check the air pressure in your tires, you’ll need a tire gauge and, that’s right, the owner’s manual. Unscrew the caps from the valves on each tire and hold the part of the gauge that is about the size of the end of the valve stem to the valve stem. Press and hold it tight so you don’t feel or hear air escaping around it.

This is where you’ll need the owner’s manual. Front tires and rear tires generally require different levels of air pressure. The owner’s manual will tell you what your car requires.

Finally, if you find that you’re adding any of these fluids with regularity, other than the windshield washer solvent, if you’re using a lot of solvent to keep your windows clean, tell your auto repair technician. You can also keep an eye out for puddles under the car. Blackish-brown puddles are usually oil and indicate an oil leak. Reddish puddles are generally transmission fluid.

If you have any questions, a trusted auto repair shop will be glad to help. At Performance Unlimited, we’re glad to give you a short demonstration on checking your fluids … and your air.

For more information about Performance Unlimited, call 815-728-0343 or visit www.4performanceunlimited.com.