• Check your tire pressure regularly. This should be done when the tires are cold. Over/under inflated tires are not good for traction, steering, braking, gas consumption or comfort of ride. Tire pressure should be checked more frequently in winter. You will get better mileage from properly inflated tires.
  
  
• Do not wait until your tank is almost empty, before filling up. On very cold days ice crystals can form inside the tank, shutting off the supply of gas to the engine. Besides, in winter a full tank gives a car more traction on snow covered roads.
  
  
• Make sure your car's air filter is clean at all times. A dirty air filter will cost you a lot more money in gas.
• Always make sure your car comes to a complete stop, before changing gears from drive to reverse, or vice versa. Your transmission will last much longer.
  
  
• Always wait a few seconds after starting your car, before shifting into gear and driving off. This allows the engine oil to do its job more effectively.
  
  
• If there is an electrical problem, first check if there is a blown fuse for the problem. Replacing a fuse could be much cheaper than going to a mechanic.
  
  
• Use your senses to detect early warning signs of trouble. For example:
  EARS- hearing can be used to identify early problems with brake pads, problems with CV Joints, problems with belts etc.
  NOSE- your sense of smell can be used to detect the burning smell of plastic, which could be a sign of a car fire, etc.
  TOUCH- you can test your car shocks by pressing down and releasing the car's trunk. If it bounces more than three times, your car shocks need to be checked out, etc.
  EYES- eyes can be used to check warning lights in your dash. If your brake lights come on, stop driving immediately, etc.

Needless to say, with all the experience accumulated by cab drivers over the years, most of you have many other valuable suggestions regarding spotting problems in their early stages. Please feel free to share some tips with your colleagues. These tips could help them reduce maintenance costs and will help them save money.

Do you have any helpful suggestions for keeping your vehicle in top driving shape? We'd love to hear from you. Write to us, at: taxipros@toronto.ca