1. Dangerous, since the oil will spew out everywhere.
   A good idea to ensure the oil flows freely.
2. Unnecessary , because oil flows the same hot or cold.
   A surefire way to damage the engine.

When oil is cold, it doesn't flow freely. Since the oil in your engine can contain all kinds of contaminants, plus has lost viscosity, you want to heat up the engine for only a couple of minutes before starting , ensuring it will flow out freely. You don't need to run the car for a long time, since heating everything up to normal operating temperature isn't necessary.

1. No, many aftermarket parts work just as well.
   Yes, since only OEM components are designed to not damage your car.
2. No, you can make any part fit on your car if you know what you're doing.
   Yes, aftermarket parts are always of inferior quality.

You do need to be careful which aftermarket parts you use, since not all are made equal. Some aftermarket parts are designed and manufactured to work just as well, and sometimes even better than OEM components, meaning they're more than suitable for a repair.

1. The jack
   A spare tire
2. Jack stands
   A Hi-Lift Jack

Jacks, no matter the type, aren't designed to keep your car stable, which is why you should use jack stands since they're made to prevent accidents. If you have vehicle ramps, those work as well. Of course, a lift is ideal, but most people don't have access to one.

1. The plastic oxidizes.
   Tiny cracks form in the lenses.
2. It's a gimmick to make you buy new headlights.
   The plastic pits from rocks hitting it.

The plastic headlight lenses oxidize just like all other plastics, from exposure to the sun's rays. You can buy a kit at the store to remove the oxidization and restore the look of your headlights, which improves forward visibility. Some people swear by using toothpaste or other common materials to remove the oxidization.

1. No, it's a scam used by repair shops.
   Yes, you should flush it each time you change the oil.
2. Yes, but how often you do it depends on the vehicle and coolant type.
   No, today's cars are so reliable they don't need new coolant ever.

Even though modern cars don't overheat as often, flushing the coolant is still necessary. If fact, all the aluminum components in modern vehicles need better corrosion resistance, which fresh coolant provides. Check in the owner's manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends doing flushes, and follow that schedule.

1. Never. They last the life of the car.
   Every six months.
2. About every 30,000 miles.
   Once a year.

It might seem like a small thing, but a clogged cabin air filter can put serious strain on the air conditioning system. Clogged filters also cut down on the flow of hot air entering the interior in the winter. Staying on top of this simple maintenance item makes a huge impact.

1. Use a repair kit, which are sold in auto parts stores and online.
   You must go to a glass shop to have that done.
2. Glue some extra wire to the broken section, bridging the gap.
   Solder new film into the broken area.

The defroster grid on your back window can be easily damaged, which leads to frost, fog, etc. accumulating on the glass. Repair kits cost little, and are simple enough to use that anyone can successfully take on this DIY job.

1. It ensures each lug nut is torqued to spec.
   It keeps dirt from entering the threads.
2. It helps you remember how to take them off later.
   It looks better that way.

You should use an accurate torque wrench to torque each lug nut. Always torque the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern, after you've tightened them by hand. Not tightening them properly can make your wheel come loose, while over tightening might damage the lugs, bolts, brakes, etc.

1. A smoother ride quality.
   Improved tire life.
2. More damage from friction.
   Quicker tread wear in the middle.

Over-inflating your tires not only makes them wear faster, it also increases the harshness of the ride quality. If you roll over debris or a pothole, an over-inflated tire is more likely to sustain damage. One advantage of over-inflating your tires is improved steering response and handling, which is why it's a popular tactic in motorsports.

1. It protects the finish and paint.
   It makes your car faster.
2. Clean wheels perform better in emergency stops.
   It guards against cracking.

Just like the body of your car, most modern wheels have a finish, plus most are painted. If you neglect the wheels by not washing them regularly, the finish and paint will wear off. You can add more protection by periodically waxing your wheels, plus using a tar and bug remover as needed.

1. Tap on it with a hammer.
   Tighten it slightly.
2. Spray it with a penetrating lubricant.
   Melt it with a torch.

A stuck bolt or screw can be maddening to deal with. Instead of giving up, tightening it slightly or tapping on it with a hammer can break loose any corrosion on the threads, so it will start moving again. Letting a penetrating lubricant sit and work its way around the threads will also make the job that much easier.

1. Kicking the panel.
   Pulling on it with a plunger or suction cup.
2. Rubbing dry ice around the dent.
   Heat the dent with a hair dryer.

Dents look horrible, but you can repair them pretty easily with the proper methods. Just remember, if you use dry ice, wear protective gloves and goggles, because the stuff is extremely cold. When heating up the dented panel, pay close attention to the paint, or you could cause serious damage.

1. Jack the car up and put it securely on jack stands.
   Loosen the lug nuts.
2. Depress the caliper with a C clamp.
   Pump the brakes rapidly.

You can't effectively remove the wheels with the lug nuts tightened, and you can't loosen those once the car is up in the air, unless you have air tools. All you need to do is loosen the lug nuts before you jack the car up and put it on stands, then remove the wheel and start working on the brakes.

1. Gas, electricity, and tires.
   Compression, nitrogen, and oxygen.
2. Spark, fuel, and air.
   A computer, steering wheel, and an exhaust.

Your engine works through the basic principles of combustion. That means it needs fuel, or there's nothing to burn and the engine won't run. A spark catches the fuel on fire, and the air feeds oxygen to keep that fire going.

1. Combustion firing order
   Suspension lift
2. Engine performance under load
   Wheel alignment

Wheel alignment is actually a combination of factors involving numerous angles associated with your car's suspension. You might notice some symptoms of a poor alignment, like uneven tire wear or the steering pulling to one side.

1. On the driver's side door jamb
   By the VIN number visible through the windshield
2. At the dealership, by supplying your VIN
   All of the above

Most modern cars have the paint code listed on the sticker in the driver's door jamb, while some list it next to the VIN number you can see at the bottom corner of the windshield. Depending on your vehicle, it might also be listed on the inside of the glove box, on the passenger side sun visor, or in the spare tire area.

1. Every 3,000 miles
   Every 5,000 miles
2. Every 6 months
   When the manufacturer recommends it

It used to be the rule that cars needed oil changes every 3,000 miles. Thanks to modern innovations, that's no longer the case. Some can go well over 10,000 miles between oil changes. The manufacturer will list in the owner's manual how often you should be changing the oil, which is the recommendation you should follow.

1. No, they already have the proper gap
   Maybe, since it might not match the manufacturer specs
2. Yes, because all spark plugs have smaller gaps than needed for any engine
   No, modern spark plugs are self-adjusting

Spark plug manufacturers might make the same plug to fit in dozens or even hundreds of engines. That means the spark plugs might already be gapped to the manufacturer's recommendations, or they might not. The only way to check that is with a gap tool, which helps you gently make adjustments, if necessary.

1. Smoother idle
   More horsepower
2. Smoother launches
   Lack of stalling

Over time, dirt, varnish, and other debris can collect on a throttle body, making your engine run rougher than it should. You can clean it with a special spray, but it's something you need to use outside since the chemicals are pretty harsh.

1. Dish soap
   Liquid laundry detergent
2. Hand soap
   Car soap

While other soaps might be strong enough to remove grime and old wax buildup, they can also harm your car's paint and finish. Instead of taking that risk, use soap made specifically for cars. You can get a big bottle at the auto parts store, and it's cheap.

1. Oxidization on the glass
   Harmful sun rays
2. Grime on the wiper blades
   Rubber conditioner from the factory

Sometimes people replace the wiper blades, when all they need is a good cleaning. Lift up each wiper and run a microfiber cloth along the blade's edge to remove whatever dirt and grime has built up over time. Many times that will fix the streaking problem.

1. Once a month or more
   Once a year
2. Twice a year
   Every other month

Thanks to air seepage and changes in ambient temperature, you should be checking your tire pressure often. This will ensure you catch pressure fluctuations before they cause problems. Your tires will last longer, and you'll get better fuel economy, too.

1. At least two to three months
   Once a year
2. Every six months
   Every other year

Heat, rain, pollutants, etc. take a toll on wax, which actually shields your paint from all that damage. You don't have to use a paste wax each time, because plenty of the liquid waxes work just as well, and they're easier to deal with.

1. Rubbing vigorously with a cleaner
   Applying cold water
2. Blotting with a towel
   Treating the area immediately

When you rub a stain, it can set in the upholstery, so it may never come out. Heat will do the same thing. It's a good idea to apply Scotch Guard or something similar to your seats, carpeting, etc. before you spill something that could stain them, making your cleanup efforts more likely to succeed.

1. Touching the glass with your bare skin
   Squeezing the connectors
2. Twisting too quickly
   Discharging static electricity into the bulb

The oils on your skin contacting the quartz glass can cause hot spots, even if your hands are clean. The result is the glass will crack or bubble, and some of the halogen gas leaks out. You'll notice the bulb doesn't last as long, which costs you more money.

1. Vents stuck in the cold position
   Leaking turn signal modulator
2. Low coolant level
   Blown fuse

Because your heater literally is powered by the coolant, low levels can mean you get cold air instead of hot. Check the overflow reservoir for the coolant system. If it's low, carefully open it up and add a mixture of water and coolant to the marked level on the reservoir.

1. Spray glass cleaner on them
   Blow compressed over the nozzles
2. Apply some WD40
   Insert a pin or needle into the nozzles

Dirt, road salt and other debris can get inside the nozzles, but periodic cleanings will remove the blockages. While you're at it, point the nozzles so they spray the windshield, instead of overshooting and giving the car behind you an unwanted shower.

1. Black
   Green
2. Brown
   Red

If you're not sure about the condition of your transmission fluid, check the color on the dipstick. Anything but red means it's becoming contaminated and likely should be changed out. Let some of the fluid drip onto a white paper towel, if you're having trouble distinguishing the color.

1. Pour hot water over the locks
   Spray WD40 into them
2. Use them every day
   Breathe on your key before inserting it into the lock

The little red tube that comes with WD40 bottles is perfect for squirting the lubricant into lock cylinders. Just remember to move the dust shield aside first, giving the tube free access.

1. Apply silicone spray to the weatherstripping
   Keep a hairdryer on you
2. Pour hot water over the car
   Breathe heavily on the doors

You should apply the silicone before you experience problems, If you wait until a door or window won't budge, you'll need to find a way to thaw out the weatherstripping before you can use this trick.

1. They're depressed
   The bolts stretch out
2. Cold weather expands them
   Broken hangers

The rubber hangers for your exhaust system can crack and break over time. Replacing them is a cheap and easy project anyone who isn't afraid to get under the car can do, and your exhaust will stop flopping all over the place.

1. FDA
   FCC
2. NHTSA
   None of these

No matter how old or new your car is, going to www.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues will provide all the recall information you need. Having the VIN handy makes the process easier, although you can still look everything up by make and model.

1. Whip out your toothbrush.
   Spray water on them.
2. Windex
   Use a battery terminal cleaning tool.

If you haven't picked up a battery terminal cleaning tool, they're affordable and super effective. Corrosion on battery terminals can cause all kinds of electrical problems with your car, including it not starting. It really pays to keep the battery terminals clean.

1. Some chapstick
   A thin layer of oil
2. A little dab of water
   Lithium grease

Every time you put a new oil filter on your car, remember this step. Forgetting to put oil on the seal could lead to the filter fusing to the car. After paying to have that mistake fixed, you probably won't forget again.

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal
   Rub your feet on the ground
2. Take a shower
   Rub your hands together

The single biggest risk to working on the electrical system for your car is electrical shock. When you disconnect the negative battery terminal, most of the electricity in the system stops flowing through. The negative terminal is labeled with the color black and a minus sign.