This is my first post so bear with me. I have been searching online for a place to learn more about my car and how to take good care of it. I have a used 1999 Chevy Cavalier and it's been good to me all these years with a few problems (Ignition Switch had to be replaced, problems with the connectors running to the computer, etc.)
Anyway I keep up with the matinence as far as oil changes and fluid checks (done by Jiffy Lube) and while I was there last they mentioned my car was due for an flushing (or was it flooding?) of the engine. Since i'm a naive girl I don't know much about that kind of stuff and I'm wondering what regular matinence other than then oil changes/tire pressure/etc needs to be done over the years to ensure my car lasts.
Also, when lifting the hood everything is dirty and grimy and I heard you could just take a hose and hose that all down, is that true? I would like it to look clean under the hood but I don't know what precautions to take. I keep the car clean inside and out but as a neatfreak I hate that under the hood it's so dirty and grimy.
P.S. Just something to think about: I am thinking my shocks are going bad because the car used to run SO smooth it was like it wasn't even running, but now i feel every little bump and pothole. Also my radio is very staticy and i'm thinking the wires got loose from all that bumping around. I try very hard to avoid potholes and what not, but where I live they are everywhere. I heard it costs an arm n an leg to get that fixed, is that true?