Many people don't know how to select motor oil that will help them get optimum performance out of their car. People often just select the oil their father used, or they may take the suggestion of a counter person at an auto parts store who may not know any more about cars than they do. There are meaningful differences in motor oils and choosing the right one can have a major impact on how well your car runs.

Some people take advice about motor oil from those who may not know any more about lubricants than they do. There are meaningful differences in motor oil, however, so selecting the right one can make a difference in the performance and reliability of your car. There is no easy way to determine lubricant quality, but price is often an indicator since the more advanced lubricant technologies cost more to produce.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is important to your vehicle's safety, particularly when cold temperatures can decrease air pressure in tires, leading to inefficient and unsafe vehicle operation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 660 people die and another 33,000 are injured annually in crashes related to tire problems. Yet a recent tire industry survey found that 85 percent of drivers fail to properly check tire pressure. In addition to improper inflation, poorly maintained and improperly used tires can be dangerous. ACDelco, a global leader in automotive replacement parts and related services, recommends that drivers keep these tire safety tips.

For do-it-yourselfers, the Internet provides a variety of valuable and readily available information. Web sites such as WebMD, Travelocity, Kelley Blue Book, Wikipedia and Goodwrench.com receive millions of hits a month as consumers seek to discover answers on their own. This trend is particularly prevalent among automotive consumers who are completing research online for both auto sales and service. A recent study by Compete Inc., commissioned by Google Inc., revealed that 75 percent of those who research parts and services indicate they are using the Web more today to research compared to two years ago. Additionally, 92 percent of consumers researching automotive service information online indicate the Internet influenced their purchase decision. The challenge for consumers is ensuring that the information they find on the Web is accurate before attempting to solve an issue by themselves.

Mechanics go through at least four years of prescribed training, mostly apprenticeship training to become licensed, this is general training covering all aspects of automotive repair. It is after this training that some mechanics decide to specialize in certain areas, for instance transmission specialists require more additional training than someone who specializes in alignments and front end work. Engine repair is one of the largest parts covered in the "school" end of training, but further skills are required (whether through traditional schooling or hands on experience as an apprentice)in order to be an engine specialist

For those of us who live in seasonal climates, it's time once again to get our vehicles ready for winter driving conditions. Whether the setting doles out heavy rain or white-out blizzards, preparing the car for changes in temperatures can help avoid possibly life-threatening situations. "Having all points checked by your mechanic is a good habit to get into each fall season," says Peter May of Lund International. "Basic car maintenance that vehicle owners can do themselves is also important for safety on the roads." Have your mechanic tackle these winter preparation tasks.

Service intervals are required maintenance schedules, which are required by the manufacturers of cars and trucks to keep the oils and fluids in good shape and prolong the life of the automobile. The most common and most critical fluid to keep in good shape is the engine oil. Engines are very expensive to overhaul, if any one single component of an engine should fail, the costs can be in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

With the winter season upon us, it is important to take the time to ensure that both you and your vehicle are road-ready and prepared for winter weather. The automotive team at Canadian Tire has put together some tips to help motorists prepare for the coming winter.

While an individual motorist can't reduce gas prices, he or she may save money by using fuel more efficiently. Simple steps, such as keeping current on vehicle repair, using onboard oil life technology and changing a few driving habits, can all add up to savings. Maintenance experts, such as the Goodwrench technicians, say there are several ways to improve fuel economy. Here are some tips.

When cold weather hits and you start seeing harmless, steamy, white exhaust from your car, it's usually a good sign that you should protect it.Follow these tips and cold weather driving can be a little easier