Vital fluids:
Check all of your vehicle's fluid levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Most new cars have transparent reservoir tanks and in many cases, you don't even have to get your hands dirty. Refer to the owners' manual for the proper procedures for checking and adding fluids to your vehicle. In particular, when checking the brake fluid level, also look at the fluid color. It should be clear or light amber. If it's dark and cloudy, the brake fluid is contaminated and should be replaced and the brake system flushed.

You can also do a quick "leak test" in your driveway. Let your engine run for about 15 minutes so it reaches full operating temperature. Then park it over a large piece of cardboard a while and see if any fluids have dripped from underneath it.

Very often you can tell what fluid it is by feel and color. A reddish liquid is either power steering fluid or transmission fluid. Engine oil is usually black or brown. Pink or yellow green liquid is anti-freeze. Clear liquids are either water, condensation from the air conditioner, which is no problem, or clutch or brake fluid. If you are in unfamiliar territory, don't wait until the fuel gauge reads empty or the low fuel light comes on. Start looking for a refill at half a tank. Better to make one too many pit stops then one too few.

Belts and Hoses:
Check all the drive belts and hoses for any signs of wear and deterioration. Belts that are frayed, glazed, cracked, cut or have chunks missing should be replaced immediately. With the engine off and cold, look at each hose and see if there are leaks, bulges, cracks, or swelling. If they look good, give them a squeeze test. Good hoses are firm but flexible. Any hoses that feel spongy, soft, or brittle should be replaced.

Battery:
One of the leading causes of roadside problems is the battery. Check that the battery electrolyte is up to the proper level by removing the battery caps and looking inside. The proper level is about =" to >" above the battery plates. The most common battery type today are maintenance free batteries. Maintenance free batteries have sealed caps and require no checking. But some batteries say maintenance free but do have removable caps. These should be checked in the usual manner. Finally, check the battery to see that there are no cracks or holes in the battery casing itself. If the battery is four or five years old, consider replacing it.

Also, make sure that the battery terminals and cables are clean and securely attached to the battery terminals. If the terminals and cables are covered with "snow", remove the cables from the battery and thoroughly clean the cables and terminals. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water, which will neutralize the battery acid. You can clean the cables and terminals with a battery cleaning brush or some medium emory cloth. Check the terminals and if they are eaten away, replace them. When they are nice and clean, reattach the cables and make sure they are tight. You can coat the terminals with white lithium grease or Vasoline® to protect them from corroding again.