4. If your engine has overheated, the transmission has likely overheated too. Make sure to change the transmission fluid promptly. It is important to your transmission’s longevity. Once the transmission fluid overheats, it loses much of its protective properties.

5. Tires do not need to be rotated unless they are wearing unevenly. Unnecessary tire rotation is common waste of money.

6. If you feel a pulsation or vibration during braking, many mechanics will automatically machine you front brake discs. Sometimes this vibration can be a rear drum. To tell the difference, try to notice if the vibration is coming through the steering wheel or through your seat. The steering wheel indicates front brakes, your seat indicates rear drums. You can use this method to also determine the front or rear location of other general vibrations.

7. Keep in mind the oil pressure light on the dashboard is not a foolproof system. If the light does come on, the engine has been without oil long enough to do severe damage.

8. If the water does not bead up on the car’s exterior after it has rained, it is time for a wax job. Your car should be waxed twice a year; more if you drive near salt water or park your car outside.

10. If white smoke flows from your exhaust after the engine warms up, it could indicate a leaky head gasket (this is commonly referred to as a blown head gasket). The coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and burns to make white smoke. Other symptoms to look for are oil in the radiator fluid or water in the engine oil. Also be aware that white smoke can also just mean that the car is running rich. However, a rich running engine will usually emit white smoke immediately after start-up and continue thereafter.

11. When adding oil to the engine, make sure to wipe away any oil that spills on the ignition wires. Oil destroys the insulation on the wires, making them weak.

12. Symptoms of pistons ring wear are: hard starting in the cold weather, blue smoke from the exhaust, and power going up inclines or when accelerating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, be prepared for a "ring job" (expensive). However, worn valve stem seals could also show the same symptoms. If there is constant blue smoke it is probably the rings. If the blue smoke is only during deceleration, it is most likely a seal. This is a common rip off. They will charge you for an expensive ring job when you only needed a valve stem seal replaced.

13. If you are trying to locate old service or owners manuals, contact AMBIBLICAL Auto Literature 1-800-238-8484 or (612) 786-3925. Also pick a copy of the Hemming Motor News. This is considered the " bible" for any classic car enthusiast. If you’re are having a problem finding rare parts, this is the book to find them in, it has everything. Each issue is usually over 800 pages.

14. Will platinum spark plugs give you more power? Absolutely not! The only thing you get from platinum tipped plugs is longer plug life. That’s it! So don’t believe the rumors.

15. Some mechanics will recommend SAE 10w40 for your car when the owner’s manual calls for viscosity of SAE 5W30. In the 1980's SAE 10W30 was the most popular oil. Nowadays, engines have been designed for SAE 5W30 or 10W40. If the temperature is going to run above 90 degree Fahrenheit for several days or longer this would become the oil of choice.

16. Just because the battery says "maintenance free" doesn’t mean you cannot add water to the battery like the old days; most of the time you still can! They usually have a hidden filler neck to add water. Many times consumers are talked into purchasing a new battery when filling up the old "maintenance free" battery would of done fine (and saved you $75-$100). However, there are a few battery makes (mostly American made) that are permanently sealed. One of those is Delco Freedom Battery. It cannot be refilled— once it is depleted, it's time to replace it. Note: never try to test or try to charge a Delco Freedom Battery that has a clear pale indicator. This can cause it to explode and probably seriously injure you.

17. Most people ruin their door locks without knowing. Never use lock de-icier without lubricating the lock. De-icier contains alcohol that melts the ice but also dilutes the lubricant in the lock; therefore causing the locks to stick and finally fail. Do not use regular penetrating oil, it washes out the lubricant in the lock. This can cause it too stick. Use graphite like Lock-Ease or sewing machine oil.

18. How do I get the odor out of my car? A deodorizer will mask the problem temporarily and steam cleaning will get rid of it for a while, but it will come back. The trick to get the carpets and under padding to upholstery steamed cleaned and then remove the carpets and under padding to wash the floor pan (the musty smell usually comes from moisture between the floor pan and the carpet. Don’t forget to wash the floor, seats, carpet, headliner and all upholstery with disinfectant.

19. Never rest your hand on the gearshift knob, it causes increased wear and premature failure to the synchronizer. The synchronizers are what stop the gears from grinding every time you shift.

20. A little safety tip: make sure you clean off your headlights. The road salts and grim in the winter tend to coat the lights when following other cars and reduce visibility. This may sound unnecessary but try it; it makes a big difference. This is also common in the spring and fall months with wet dirt roads.

21. Many rear brake repairs could easily be avoided. A major reason rear brakes wear pre-maturely is because they weren’t adjusted regularly. The great part, which most people don’t know, is that by engaging your emergency brake, you move the self-adjusting mechanism in the rear brakes. In other words, periodically using your emergency brake, you keep your rear brakes adjusted and money in your pocket.

22. The dealership best handles Very difficult wiring shorts. Most regular repair shops are not properly equipped for this type of work.

23. To get the haze off your windshield that your wipers or washer fluid won’t remove, wash the windshield with vinegar, rinse with water vinegar, rinse with water, and dry.

24. If you get stuck in mud or snow, the best way to get out get out is to gentle accelerate back and forth to produce a rocking motion. Note that 15% tire wear spin gives you maximum traction, so do not "gun it". Also, do not rock more than a few times as you take a chance of damaging your automatic transmission.

25. There are automotive magazines and trade publications that are absolutely free to the interested individuals. All you have to do is ask for them. To locate these, simply go to the library and retrieve a copy of the Standard Rate and Data. This publication will list all magazines in circulation. If there is notation beside that magazine’s name that states "Controlled Circulation," it usually means that magazine is free. Just write or call them and ask to be added to their mailing list. Indicate some interest with the magazine subject matter. Keep in mind these are not magazines found on the news-stand, but more "insiders" magazines for manufacturer’s suppliers, store owners, dealerships, repair centers, etc. They offer extremely valuable information.

26. Almost always use rebuilt parts rather than buying brand new ones. It is much cheaper and you are getting parts that are, in most cases, just as reliable as new ones. Try to stay with a major brand name as there are few companies producing inferior rebuilt parts.

27. Compare prices of replacement parts between the factory dealership (e.g. GM, Ford, etc.) and your local auto-parts store. They can very drastically in either one’s favor.

28. One of the simplest and least expensive horsepower gains come from a tuned free-flowing exhaust. A set of exhaust headers with a low backpressure muffler will normally increase horsepower by as much as 20% for just over $200.

29. If you are buying an older car with an automatic transmission, be careful which one you choose. The horsepower lost between different transmissions varies dramatically. The local transmission shop will be able to quote you exact figures on different transmissions and their horsepower "robbing" capabilities. The percentage can range from 10% loss of power all the way up to 35%, although the latter is very rare. Most new cars are only 4-8%, but watch out for some of the older years.

30. The gear ratio can be changed in direct proportion with the change in the tire diameter. If you go up to 20% in the tire size and want to keep the same shifting points, you will have to go down 20% (actually a 20% increase in numerical numbers) in your gearing. If you choose to change the gear ratio for better fuel economy, its much cheaper to purchase used gears from an auto wrecker because new ring and pinion gears cost a fortune. I strongly recommend you have the gears installed by a gear specialist or speed shop. If you shim the pinion or ring gear improperly or incorrectly set the backlash, you can seize your differential within a few miles of driving.

31. Tucking a fabric softener dryer sheet (like "Bounce") under the front seat of your car will help to absorb moisture out of the air, and will act as a subtle air freshener.

32. NEVER use methyl hydrate in your gas tank! This will disolve your plastic fuel lines, and can potentially result in leaks. Use only quality, manufacturer approved products such as Lubro Moly's "Jectron" Injector cleaner and "Ventil Sauber" valve cleaner. These products are very effective in combatting rust in the gas tank, as they wrap themselves around any moisture molecules that are present, and carry them through the system.