The Self Service Book


Written by Carroll Hansen

Why Self Serve Should Be More Than Just Pumping Your Own Gas

Regular use of self serve without proper car maintenance may cost you more than save. This book shows you how to do maintenance checks, as well as how to fill your own tank.

Every year more and more drivers discover self serve as a convenient and economical way to buy gasoline. And every year, it seems more cars pull into my station-or get towed in-needing costly repairs that probably could have been avoided. Personally, I think most drivers using self serve simply aren't taking the time to properly maintain their cars. They think they're saving money. But, by neglecting maintenance, they really aren't.

Recently, I invited several students from high school driver's Education class to visit my station. First, I show them how to use the gas pumps. Next, I pointed out the items they need need to check periodically to help keep their cares in shape.

The those same items were checked on 100 self serve customers cars. The test results were distributing, but not unexpected since they showed a general neglect of maintenance. Of the 100 cars:

56 were at least a quart low on oil
34 were low on radiator coolant
27 batteries were low on water
29 needed power steering fluid
28 needed brake fluid
33 had at least one tire well below recommended pressure levels.

In writing this book, I've included the information I gave to the students. It helped them realize the responsibilities of using self serve. And I hope it will help you too.

Won't I need a bunch of tools to do maintenance checks ?

No. you only need a couple of thins: (1) a rag or paper towel to check your oil and other fluid levels, and (2) a good tire gauge  to check the air pressure in your tires.

How often should I check my motor oil ?
 

Every time you get as. Just pull the dipstick out (careful: it could be hot), wipe it clean, put it back in until it won't go any farther, and pull it out again. The oil on the end of the dipstick should be between the "ADD" and "Full " marks. if it's at or below the "ADD" marks, you're probably a quart or more low. Add a quart. Wait a minute or so, then check the dipstick again. It takes a little time for the oil to show up on the dipstick once you're added some. Don't overfill!

 Note: It's best to check your oil when the engine is cold or has had time to sit awhile. fill your gas tank first, then check out your oil. You'll get a more accurate reading. Remember, adding oil isn't enough, It should be changed periodically. Check your owner's manual to see how often.
 

Do I have to take the radiator cap off the check the coolant level ?
 

Not always. Many new cars have coolant overflow tanks, so you can visually check the level there. Check it about one a week. If you have no overflow tank, don't remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot ! The hot, pressurized coolant could spew out and scald you. (If the radiator is too hot to rest your hand on, it's too hot to open). The best to remove the radiator cap is when the engine is cold. Then, in most cars, the coolant level should be about an inch below the bottom of the filler neck.

Note: Today's cars run hot. They need the cooling and anti-corrosion properties of a coolant/antifreeze solution. Water alone simply isn't enough to do the job. Drain, flush, and refill your radiator every two years with a mixture of antifreeze and water, generally a 50-50 solution.

What about all those hoses ?

Visually check the top and bottom radiator, hoses for cracks, leaks and bulges. Especially around the hose clamps. do the same for heater hoses. Then squeeze the hoses when they're ool. They should be flexible, not stiff. It's good insurance to replace the hoses every two years.


How can I be sure my tires have the right amount of pressure ?
 

First, determine what the recommended pressure is. you'll find it printed on the sticker in your glove compartment, on your door jamb, or in your owner's manual. then, buy a good tire gauge and check the pressure in all your tires at least once a month.

Note: The recommended tire pressure is for cold tires, when your car hasn't been driven for a dew hours. That's why it's best to check the pressure before you start to drive more than a mile or so n the morning. (If you check your tires when they're hot, they'll be over the recommended pressure. Buy don't let any air out 1 the increase caused by heat is allowed for in the recommendations).

For long trips, ad two to four pounds over the recommended pressure. But never exceed the amount shown on the side
of the tires. When you check the tire pressure, check tread wear, too. Worn-out edges can signal under-inflation. This decreases gas mileage and increases wear and the risk co a blowout. A worn-out center generally means over-inflation. Visually check your tires every time you drive. Remember that a radial tire y will bulge more than a non-radial. Replace any missing value caps.

Which kind of gasoline should I pump into my car ?

Today, there are basically two types of gasoline: unleaded and leaded. To tell if your car needs unleaded, look on your instrument panel or by the gas cap. You'll find a sticker that specifies "unleaded fuel only". Leaded fuel could hurt your car, and it's illegal to use. In fact, the nozzle from a leaded gasoline pump won't even fit in your gas tank ! Here's another thing: both unleaded and leaded gasoline have different octane ratings. And different cars have different octane "appetites" . Some need less, some need more, If you care runs okay on a lower octane fuel, use it. It's usually cheaper. But if your engine knocks, pings, or runs on, try a higher octane gasoline. If that doesn't solve your problem, you may nned a tune-ip.

What am I looking for when I check my battery ?
 

Every battery should have clean, uncorroded battery connections. if your battery is not maintenance free, look for a proper fluid level inside. If it is a maintenance free, check your owners specifications for details.  Make sure that battery cables are on tight and the ends aren't frayed. Corrosion will appear as a light-colored powder on the terminals that should be cleaned off with a paste of water and baking soda. Pour it directly on the corroded areas, wait a few minutes, and hose it off.

Caution: This chemical mixture will discolor a concrete driveway. Put a layer a newspaper down first. To check the fluid level, take off the caps and look to see it the acid solution inside each cell comes up to the filler neck. When it's at the right level, the fluid touches the filler neck and "puckers" a little. If it's too low, add some water.
 

Warning: don't smoke during this check. Batteries can give off explosive hydrogen. Check the battery monthly in cold weather, weekly in hot weather, and daily on long trips.

How do I check my automatic transmission and power steering fluids ?

It's almost like checking your oil, because they all have dipsticks. I recommend you do the transmission check after you've driven about five miles. do it with en engine running, the car in "Park" and on a level grade. In most cars, the transmission dipstick is on the passenger side, just behind the engine.
 

Warning: Avoid checking transmission fluid when transmission is likely to be very hot, such as after a long, sustained drive. Since the power steering dipstick is so close to the fan an belts, check it the same way, but with the engine off. Your owner's manual will tell you how often to do these checks and the recommended fluids to use.
 

How can I tell if my brake fluid is low ?

If you have to push the brake pedal almost to the floor to stop, chances are you're low on brake fluid. Some foreign cars have a see-through reservoir, so its easy to check the level visually. On Americans cars, remove dirt from the lid and take it within a quarter-of-an-inch of the top of both chambers.
If you need fluid, it's a good idea to ask your service station and mechanic to add the approved type and check the system for possible leaks. something serious could be wrong.
 

What's the fan belt test ?

With the engine off, press your thumb down on the middle of each of the drive belts to check the tension. They shouldn't give more than about half an inch. Look fraying on belts, too. And don't forget to twist them around to check their undersides for deep cracking and chunking. Tighten or replace as necessary. Tighten or replace as necessary.

If I know how to use self serve, why should I ever go to a full service station ?

Because, one it you're like some people, you may want these maintenance checks done for you. Two, it's important to remember that there's more to keeping your car running its best than just performing these basic checks. Full service generally means a station with a bay and lift, and a mechanic that can do air conditioning, tune-up, front-end alignment, and brake work. And you may simply want the advice of reliable mechanic, who can help you determine when to have this work done. 


Courtesy Shell  Oil