Routine Maintenance Questions...

[FairyDust]

I changed the oil today (thanks andrewken for the directions) and it was so freakin easy. Before my eclipse I never bothered with my old car, I'd take it in to get the oil changed because it was a POS. But of course with this car, I want whats best for it. So I put in Mobil 1 and a fram oil filter.

Was also going to rotate the tires, but I can't find the jack handle, no idea where it went. So if I don't find it in a couple of days I'll get a new jack. Because its over 7,000 miles since the last rotation.

Now what else should I be doing every so often or so many miles to my car as part of a routine maintanence plan?

I know about checking the air filter every so often, checked it today and its still clean.

Also, on the tire rotation which is the best way to rotate them? I was thinking front passanger to back driver, and front driver to back passanger. Like a X pattern basically this time, then next time just switch from back to front and then go to the X pattern again the following time, etc. Or does it really matter?

[crazy_ugly_coyote]

Check your tran's fluid as well. just make sure your car has been running for a few minutes before you pull your stick, and keep the car on while your checking it. Also checking the fluid levels in your battery is a good thing. i forgot to when i first bought mine, and the cell's exploded.... so i got an Optima, its great! aside from that just do a visual inspection of the engine bay, keep it clean wit engine degreaser, and a rag. You know, lok at your hoses, and belts. pull your spaark plugs every other month or so just to see how they are doing. Im sure i missed a few minor things, but i believe that those are the major ones. also consult your manual, it has a routine maitenance scheadule.

P.S. just use a long screwdriver, or strong stick for a handle