1. yes, that gives the best reading
   no, you'll burn your hand
2. no, wait 5-10 minutes afterward or check it cold
   it doesn't matter

The reason you don't check the oil level right after you shut off the engine is that plenty of the oil won't be in the pan, so you'll get an inaccurate reading. Either check it cold or wait several minutes after shutting off the engine.

1. you'll clean out the injectors
   carbon deposits in the cylinders will be washed away
2. the catalytic converter will last longer
   nothing

Some people think putting premium in their car that only needs regular gas will help with performance in some magical way. The fact is, it won't do anything for your car, so you're just wasting money.

1. squeeze hot cooling system hoses
   inspect the fittings to see if they're loose
2. look for signs of cracking
   note any fluid residue on the hoses

If you're concerned about cooling system hoses, or those that feed the radiator and transport coolant to the engine, etc., allow the car to cool down before you squeeze them to see if the hoses have become brittle or are splitting.

1. wax buildup from many washes
   condensation in the headlights
2. the plastic oxidizes
   it's a mystery

Thanks to UV rays from the sun, the plastic headlight lenses will oxidize over time. If you polish the lenses and remove the layer of plastic that oxidized, the result will be clear lenses once more.

1. keep driving like nothing's happening
   turn off the engine
2. crank the heater
   pop the hood

When your engine overheats, you need to stop driving and do anything you can to eliminate the heat as quickly as possible, like popping the hood, cranking the heater, and shutting down the engine. If you don't, you might be facing some big repairs.

1. the driveshaft won't break
   the suspension components will last longer
2. the tires will last twice as long
   the fuel filter will double in life

You should go through your car and take out anything you don't need in it, because that extra weight hurts fuel efficiency, lengthens the stopping distance, and even negatively impacts handling.

1. pink
   red
2. green
   yellow

Transmission fluid is dyed red so you can easily identify a leak, instead of mistaking it for oil, power steering fluid, coolant, or just water. As the transmission fluid ages, it becomes a darker red.

1. the blades are dirty
   they're defective
2. they've worn out
   you bought the wrong brand

Just because wiper blades are leaving streaks doesn't mean they need to be swapped for new ones. Use a soft cloth to clean the edge of the blades, which sit on the glass, removing dirt and other debris that build up over time.

1. fuel economy
   braking
2. power
   startup

While a dirty air filter might have a slight impact on fuel efficiency, it will most definitely hurt horsepower and torque output. If you care how well your car accelerates, passes other cars on the highway, etc. you should check the air filter routinely.

1. it removes rust buildup
   it pulls out dents
2. nothing will hurt the paint for a month
   surface scratches are eliminated

Too many people think waxing and polishing a car are the same thing, failing to realizing that polishing will really bring out the shine from the paint, while getting rid of some scratches and swirls, as well as removing dirt that otherwise won't budge.

1. the car blows up
   the check engine light turns on
2. the gas tank rusts out
   the fuel lines burst

This is probably the best case scenario for a check engine light, because either you didn't tighten the cap all the way, you threaded it incorrectly, or the gas cap is worn out and you need to buy a new one. Most other check engine light issues are more extensive.

1. the wear bars are exposed
   you can see Lincoln's nose when inserting a dollar in the tread
2. the tip of a pencil won't disappear in the tread any more
   you can't do burnouts any more

Tire manufacturers design the wear bars to run the opposite way as the tread, so you can see them easily once they're exposed. With the wear bars visible, you know for sure it's time to get new tires on your car.

1. WD-40
   butter
2. water
   white lithium grease

White lithium grease does a better job than most other commercial lubricants most people can easily get their hands on, because it works in a wider range of temperatures, and so provides the best protection all year.

1. WD-40
   white lithium grease
2. engine oil
   graphite lubricant

While wet lubricants like WD-40 will make your lock work well enough, they're only temporary fixes since the lubricant will flow out of the lock again. Graphite, on the other hand, is dry and will stick around, making for a better long-term solution to the problem.

1. compressed air
   a needle
2. a scrub brush
   a screwdriver

The washer jets for your windshield have an extremely small opening, but they can become clogged by road salt, dirt, or other tiny particles. A needle will clear whatever is in there out, so the jet starts flowing normally again.

1. it removes deposits
   it soaks up some heat
2. it ensures optimal timing
   it lubricates the various parts

Most people know that engine oil will protect against parts rubbing against each other, but they aren't aware of the other benefits provided by clean oil, which is why doing regular oil changes is so important.

1. with a soft cloth
   special terminal cleaning spray
2. with a wire brush
   you don't clean them

Keeping the battery terminals free of corrosion and anything else that might get on them is crucial, otherwise you might find you car won't start, because the buildup will block the flow of electricity to an extent.

1. never
   after each oil change
2. when you install new spark plugs
   once a year

While it's true that spark plugs already come gapped, they likely aren't gapped for your engine. Always double-check the gap before installing plugs, otherwise you risk performance issues.

1. fraying at the edges
   the writing isn't pristine
2. visible cracks
   one side is worn more than another

If your engine has an interference design, checking the timing belt on a regular basis will help you avoid a disastrous situation and an engine rebuild.

1. the amount printed on the tire sidewall
   when in doubt, go to 35 psi
2. whatever looks good
   whatever the sticker on the driver's door jamb says

Automakers know exactly how much air pressure should be in the tires for each vehicle. Information on the tire sidewall is the tire's threshold, not accounting for pressure exerted by the weight of the vehicle.

1. it doesn't matter when
   once the engine is cold
2. once the engine is to operating temperature
   when the outdoor temperature is below 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Non-pressurized coolant systems allow you to open the overflow reservoir at any time, even if the engine is at operating temperature. In pressurized systems, opening the overflow reservoir when everything is hot can likely end in you being sprayed by scalding-hot coolant.

1. it makes denting the car almost impossible
   it guards against scratches
2. it protects against the paint discoloring
   it helps your car maintain a clean look longer

Waxing your car might be a little time consuming and require some effort, but the long-term benefits pay off big time.

1. next to the engine
   by the battery
2. behind the glove box
   in the trunk

More modern cars have a cabin air filter, which you should switch out periodically, since it can help your interior smell better and reduce dust, pollen, etc. in the air.

1. once a year
   six months or 6,000-8,000 miles
2. 18 months or 12,000-14,000 miles
   two months or 2,000 miles

Rotating and balancing tires will help ensure they wear more evenly, extending their life so you don't have to buy new tires as often, saving money as a result.

1. once a month
   every 60,000 miles
2. every 30,000 miles
   once a year

Damage to the CV boot can allow grease to leak out, as well as let dirt and moisture in, which can ruin the CV joint, meaning you must install a new one.

1. it will blow up
   the gaskets will start leaking
2. absolutely nothing
   it's not very certain

Engine oil is actually formulated quite carefully by highly skilled and trained teams of chemists, who know how the different formulas will fare in a range of conditions. Mixing those formulas together could have all kinds of consequences nobody can predict.

1. OBD2 reader
   electrical diagnostic tool
2. ECU mapper
   CAT scanner

The OBD2 port in newer cars is often located in the dash on the driver's side, but sometimes is in the center console or another easy-to-reach place. This reader will help you diagnose at least some problems with your car.

1. break the spokes
   leave pits in the wheel surface
2. peel off any stickers
   stain the metal

Brake dust is difficult to remove if you just try to scrub it off while washing your car. You need a brake dust cleaner to break up the stuff, or you'll be scrubbing for hours.

1. drive on the freeway daily
   keep it parked in a garage
2. drive in the city mostly
   drive on dirt roads frequently

The filter in your car's air intake is designed to remove even small particles of dust and pollutants, otherwise they'll enter the engine and create carbon deposits that can be harmful.

1. once a month
   at least as often as the owner's manual recommends
2. every year
   every 90,000 miles

If you have a rear-, all-, or four-wheel-drive vehicle, staying on top of the differential fluid is essential. This is especially important if you venture into rugged territory regularly, putting extra strain on the differential.

1. they make any noise
   the brakes squeal when actuated
2. you've had them for two years
   they measure too thin

Brakes sometimes will squeal for reasons other than the warning strip in the pads being exposed, so that's not always a clear indication. A brake thickness gauge is the only accurate way to see when the pads need to be swapped out.

1. the engine stumbles at freeway speeds
   smell of gas in the cabin
2. gas on the pavement where the car was parked
   cracks on the lines' surface

Problems with fuel lines should always be treated with urgency, because they can result in a car fire, so don't delay fixing them.

1. recharge the shocks
   spray WD-40 on the exposed portion of the pistons
2. unbolt the old shocks and bolt on new ones
   leave the hood or trunk open for 24 hours straight

The shocks on your trunk, hood, or chassis just don't last forever. Once they've started failing, the only solution is to swap them out for new ones, and you'll enjoy perfect performance again.

1. boil it on the stove
   bleed the system
2. ensure you have only freeze-resistant fluid in the reservoir
   pour some antifreeze into the reservoir

Washer fluid that's designed for the cold of winter has alcohol mixed in, dropping the freezing point to well below zero, which is essential if you don't want to run into problems.

1. the wire inside is broken
   it looks blackened
2. there's corrosion on the outside
   you can't

Seeing the broken wire is a sure sign. Or you can invest in a fuse tester, which is a simple device that will confirm if a fuse is blown or not.