Car Care Tools and Checklists

A five minute walk-around covering fluids, tires, lights and driver-seat warning signs so small problems never become big ones.

A printable service record for the glove box. Track every oil change, rotation and repair, then hand it to the next owner.

What to check every spring, summer, fall and winter in the salt air and humidity of the Hampton Roads coast.

Verify the air conditioning, cooling system and heat-stressed components before the first ninety degree afternoon.

Battery, traction, visibility and heat checks plus a trunk kit list for cold snaps and coastal storms.

A one week out, day before and on the road plan so a long drive never turns into a roadside wait.

Paperwork, exterior, interior and test drive checks to run before you hand money to any private seller or dealer.

The items that most often fail the Virginia safety inspection, so you can fix them before you pay for a re-test.

Exactly what to do when a vehicle quits in traffic, plus the kit that should already be in your trunk.

Do not start the engine. Follow these steps to document, tow and inspect a vehicle that has taken on water.