Oil and fluids

Common sources of oil leaks are at the oil pan or oil filter, valve covers, timing cover or the crankshaft main seals.

For some vehicles, you're advised to change the coolant every 30,000 miles. For others, changing the coolant isn't even on the maintenance schedule.

If you live in a place where the temperature never gets down to freezing, you might be able to get by with plain water in place of windshield wiper fluid.

While there are several fluids in modern gas-powered cars (and some in electric vehicles) that can be checked and topped off, many would only be low if there’s a leak in that system.

GM claims that Dexos oil keeps engines cleaner, reduces sludge, improves fuel economy and can help emissions components last longer.

The number of miles on the odometer goes a long way to determining the value and desirability of a used vehicle.

Mazda is implementing a national program called the Essential Car Care Initiative to offer free one-time car cleanings and oil changes to health-care workers.

Approximately 9,800 model-year 2018-19 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Maybach S560 sedans are being recalled for engine oil plugs.

We reached out to automotive service experts to understand the biggest potential problems with unused cars and what steps you can take to prevent them.