For the fledgling grease monkey, simple maintenance is the best place to start your exposure — mainly because it's designed to be easy. With the advent of the "twenty point quick lube" industry, most drivers have forgotten how to add oil, refill radiators, and check their brake fluid. Since we never crack the hood, we miss gradual warning signs (oil leaks, worn belts) and only catch on when a part craters at 3:00 AM somewhere outside Elko, Nevada.

TIPS

Read manufacturer's instructions. Why not start with the dipstick? Everyone should know how to check their oil, so check your owner's manual for its location, then peruse the slim volume for info on other basic maintenance tasks. You probably won't get much info, but it'll at least point you in the right direction.

Don't wait for the movie. Start by reading the book — in this case, a detailed instruction book written specifically for your vehicle. Auto parts stores generally stock a huge rack of service manuals that describe every possible procedure in simple, step-by-step fashion (usually with accompanying photos). My personal favorite is the Hayne's series, but other home mechanics prefer the books by the Chilton folks. Crack it every time you open the hood, and don't be afraid to get it greasy.

"If we never crack the hood, we miss gradual warning signs (oil leaks, worn belts) and only catch on when a part craters at 3:00 AM somewhere outside Elko, Nevada."

Sure it may seem like overkill, but these books are more specific than your standard-issue glovebox brochure. While you may not swap out your clutch right off the bat, these books provide clear explanations on your different mechanical systems and contain numerous anatomy charts that give names to all the thingamawhozits and whatchamabobs you've seen under the hood.

Build a tool box. You'll be able to do most routine fluid checks without paraphernalia, but it wouldn't hurt to have a simple tool box for emergencies. Just about any department store will sell you a few screwdrivers (standard and Philips-head), a small set of box end wrenches, a socket set, and maybe a pair of pliers for about fifty bucks. Sear's Craftsman line is always a good bet for value and bulletproof lifetime warranty.

Look around for problems. As you nose around your engine, check for frayed belts, mystery leaks, or things that just don't look right. Oftentimes you'll catch a problem (like a dripping water pump) and get it fixed before it goes catastrophic. And if that happens, BOY will you feel cocky.

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