Owning a vehicle for transportation is a very expensive situation these days but most of us have to own at least on vehicle.

This report will give you the information you need to spend about 15 minutes a week checking your vehicle and saving you money and frustration.

You need first to read and understand your owners' manual for each vehicle that you own. Remember that these manuals are written in generic terms and are not specific to different climate regions.

15 Minutes a week:

First look at your tires and make sure that they look good without cracks or cuts. You need also to check the air pressure in each tire with a gauge. The tire will have a psi pressure on it and it will also be printed in your manual. Tire pressure is very important to the control of the vehicle.

Look under your car and look for any fluid leaks. Fluid leaks are the most common failure of vehicles. The vehicle needs all of its fluids and when it leaks the leaking part can fail at great expense.

If you can get someone to help you just for minute or two then get them to watch your lights and turn signals to make sure they are all working properly.

Under the hood engine "not running":

Belts and hoses: Look at your belts and hoses for cracks and tears and replace as needed. Also check your hoses for any leaks.

Oil: Check the oil in your engine with the vehicle "not running". Pull out the stick and wipe it off then replace the stick in the engine and then pull it out again and check the level. Add proper oil if needed and be sure to change your oil and filter every 3000 miles.

Battery: Your battery will have two flat covers on the top. Pull each cover off and check to make sure there is enough water in each cell. Put distilled water in batteries. Also check the connections and if they are corroded you will need to take them off and clean them with a wire brush.

Brakes: The brake master cylinder is normally mounted on the fire wall just on front of the driver. It has a flat cap on it and it just pops off. Make sure that your brake fluid is kept full and if you keep having to add fluid you need to check for a leak in the brake system. This is very important as a brake failure can get you killed.

Power Steering: The power steering unit will be located on the front of the engine and it normally has a screw on cap that has a short stick gauge attached to it. The power steering unit is a closed system and you want to be very careful not to over fill the unit. If you have a power steering failure the vehicle will be hard to steer and control.

Under the hood vehicle running:

Be careful to keep your hands and any foreign objects away from the fan and the belts while the engine is running: Standard shift transmissions and some newer automatic transmissions have to be checked by a pro. If you vehicle has a transmission stick pull it out and wipe it off. Replace it in the transmission and then pull it out and check the level and condition. The fluid should be red in color and full on the stick. You should have your transmission filter and fluid changed about every 30,000 miles unless you live in a very hot or very cold climate. If you live in a harsh climate you need to change your fluid and filter at least once a year.

Following these tips and spending 15 minutes on your vehicle can save you lost time, frustration and lots of money.