#BasicCarMaintenance

Gas and diesel engines still power most vehicles and look poised to be with us for some time to come, even if their dominance is waning. Any engine that develops its power from burning fuel depends on vast amounts of air for the combustion process and efficient operation.

Over time and miles, your car might start to slow down. It might not accelerate as quickly as it once did; the engine may not run as smoothly as you remember, or the fuel economy may dip—but everything else may work fine. If that happens, it might be time to treat your engine’s fuel system to a cleaning with the best fuel injector cleaner you can use. Fuel injection systems are high-precision electro-mechanical systems with tight tolerances that operate under very high pressures. All the fuel has to squeeze out of injectors with tiny outlets in ultra-precise amounts. Or performance suffers.

From changing your spark plugs to keeping your tires properly inflated, we are giving you 10 tips to keep any car, truck, or SUV running problem free for years. And we’ll be sure to include plenty of advice on tools to help you achieve that goal—from impressive-yet-affordable digital tire pressure monitors, to custom tools that’ll make changing spark plugs a cinch.

As with the other fluids in your car, engine coolant plays a big role in how your car is running and should be monitored consistently. The frequency of checks will depend on the type of vehicle as well as its overall mechanical condition and driving history.

If you’re planning a vacation or looking to get away and perhaps escape a frigid winter, there’s one thing you should never forget to do to your car before you leave. If you do happen to forget, it could result in a costly repair.

If you see different colored exhaust fumes it’s time to pay attention to your car. Even if your vehicle isn’t flashing any warning lights, the smoke coming from your exhaust is a signal that something might not be working properly.

This probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone: Women are less inclined than men to get hands on when it comes to basic car maintenance. And now, there are stats that back up this statement, thanks to a recent poll conducted by UK used car website Autoquake.com.