How Can I Check Over My Automobile

It really is that time of the year, spring will probably be here soon, following that, hot summer days (I hope)

Anyway it'll be time to get our cars and trucks ready for spring and summer:

Under the hood

Engine oil, I advised that you change both the oil and filter,
Coolant (level, colour and strength) Don't run with only water, and keep the antifreeze at -45 C or -50 F
Air condition, test it out now, do not wait until summer when it's hot out, (your wife and children will not be very happy if it does not work)
Transmission, Is it due for a Transmission service? How does the oil smell? Is the colour nice and red? How does it perform? (slippage, hesitation, bump, slow engaging) Is the level within limits? Do you see any leakages?
Power steering, once more check the level, smell and leaks.
Belts and hoses, check for fractures and/or frayed hoses, check hoseclamps and if you'll find spring kind clamps, give them a close look (I have seen them break in half, in addition to the radhose came off) It is workable to guess what was next!
Battery and Cables, maintain the clamps clean and tight, check the battery charge, charging system.
Sparkplugs, when was the last tune-up? Some engines have long life plugs in them, but if you have 60,000 km or miles on your motor vehicle, pull one or two plugs to look at what they look like. Check the plugwires (Corroded, Oil soaked, cracked) replace them, it could be that you go up a lengthy hill, you come across that the engine is bucking ( maybe just 1 or two wires)
Airfilter, I think that the filter is probably the most forgotten item under the hood. Can you see light using it when you hold it up to a lamp (lamp on, as expected, LOL) I have seen some fairly dirty 1 where no air can pass via, if the engine does not get enough air, it just works harder to get air and uses more fuel, at today's price of fuel......well, you fill in the blank. You are able to clean the filter by tapping it against a wall, check it once again, replace if needed.
Windshield washer fluids, what I do is any further I start adding the summertime washer fluid, you are aware of the pink stuff (the bug remover fluid). If the container is clean just add to it, that way you will have some antifreeze washer fluid ( in case it still get cold).

Under the vehicle

Exhaust system, check for leaks, damage, rusting muffler, etc.(keep in mind exhaust fumes can kill)
Steering, check all steering parts for looseness, (remember that pothole you hit?)
Suspension, check ball joints, struts, springs, shocks. (all these parts can make your vehicle act like a donkey on a narrow path) (can you picture this?) All kidding aside, failure in some of these parts can make you loose control over your vehicle!
Ride height, look for low hanging parts, i.e.. low exhaust system, brake/fuel lines, wire harness, etc.
Engine/transmission mounts, Swaybar, check all bushings for cracks or wear.

Outside vehicle,

Wipers, replace those winter wiperblades, if last years blades are still excellent, use them. (identical with the winter blades, if still good, keep them until next fall)
All lights, check all bulbs, replace those that are out. (possibly the most forgotten light is the centre brakelight and licenseplate bulbs) Check also for headlight beam height, fog and driving light included. ( we have all had a motor vehicle coming towards us with high adjusted lights)
Tires, Off with those studded tires, (most states or provinces have a law against studded tires at a certain date) Bear in mind AWD's and 4WD......Same size tires all around (I suggest: identical size, same brand!)
Tire pressures, as shown on the drivers door or inside your owners handbook.

Inside the vehicle.

Brakes, how does the brake pedal really feel? If the pedal is spongy or the brakes do not work as great as they should, you may have air within the system and/or the brake rotors/drums, pads/shoes are worn. (take into account, poor brakes makes for a slow stopping vehicle.........whoooo there Nellie)
Brake and warning lights, (bulb monitor the dashboard) these need to come along for a couple of seconds when you 1st start the engine, if all OK blast off and stay off.

General, I believe we all recognize that a clean vehicle runs and rides much better, so give baby a nice warm bath and slap a great coat of carpolish on her and she'll hum like a happy bee.

Happy and secure Motoring.