Cars

Hybrids are being deemed the car of the future, but since they are in limited supply today, they command a premium price. At the Detroit Auto Show this week, a greater variety of hybrid vehicles are being announced, which should lower their price and allow more people to afford them.

Changing antifreeze regularly is a vital part of preventative maintenance and keeps vehicles performing at optimal levels. To avoid engine problems, including freeze-ups and overheating, the experts at Prestone Products offer these easy steps to help make the annual antifreeze flush and fill a safe, uncomplicated do-it-yourself project.

1. Park your car in a safe area. Make sure pets are secured safely and no children are in the area. Be sure to check your owner's manual for any special cooling system service instructions. Begin with the engine cold and the ignition off. If you change coolant when the engine is hot, you risk burns from the hot coolant and engine.

2. Drain your radiator to remove loose rust and sediment. Open the radiator drain valve and drain the used antifreeze/coolant into a bucket large enough to catch the flow (typically, a two-gallon bucket is sufficient). Close the drain valve. Read more