Glove-box good stuff.

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Glove-box good stuff.

Real life. Real car questions. A little more “I’ve got this.”

YOUR MOXIE SEVEN-SYSTEM CLASS COMPANION 611 Orchard Dr, Hillsboro, KS 67063

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START HERE / ANSWERS AT THE VERY BACK

Seven systems. One real-life guide. 1 Tires & wheels

Pressure, wear, potholes & replacements

2 Engine fluids & cooling

Oil checks, leaks & overheating

3 Dashboard & diagnostics

Warnings, code scans & clear descriptions

4 Starting & charging

No-start clues, testing & jump limits

5 Brakes, steering & suspension

Stopping, pulling, noises & evidence

6 Roadside readiness

Breakdowns, passengers & assistance

7 Maintenance & repair decisions

Schedules, records, estimates & budgets

For busy mornings, unexpected bills and the days your car picks the worst possible timing.

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SYSTEM 1 / KNOW THE BASICS

Tires: your connection to the road. Air pressure and tread help tires support the car and grip the road.

THE MONTHLY TWO-MINUTE HABIT

Find your vehicle’s pressure label. Gauge-check after at least three parked hours. Use the right front/rear targets; check the spare as directed.

LOOK AT CONDITION, TOO

At 2/32 inch, tread is unsafe and needs replacement. Bulges, exposed cords or serious damage mean no driving. Age or conditions may require earlier replacement.

Rotation moves positions. Balancing addresses wheel/tire weight. Alignment adjusts wheel angles—not damaged parts.

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SYSTEM 1 / REAL LIFE

The tire light. The morning rush. A tire light before work or school drop-off? Start with a safety check, even when you’re running late.

BEFORE YOU JUST DRIVE AWAY

Look for a flat or damage. Check pressures safely. Do not dismiss a warning because the weather changed or the light later went out.

AFTER A POTHOLE OR REPEATED AIR LOSS

New pulling, shaking or repeated low pressure needs inspection. Ask: “Is the tire or wheel damaged? Is there a leak or another handling issue?”

Buying tires? Ask for condition findings and the complete installed total. Vehicle-maker matching rules can matter.

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SYSTEM 2 / ENGINE FLUIDS & COOLING

Under the hood: know the jobs. Oil lubricates. Coolant manages heat. Washer fluid supports visibility. Different jobs—not interchangeable bottles.

CHECK OIL YOUR VEHICLE’S WAY

Use the manual’s ground, engine-status and waiting-time instructions. Some vehicles use a dipstick; others use an electronic display. Correct specification and quantity matter.

KNOW THE NO-TOUCH BOUNDARIES

Never open a hot cooling-system cap. Keep clear of moving fans/belts and high voltage. Low brake fluid needs assessment, not a routine top-off.

A sticker is a reminder—not a substitute for your vehicle’s actual service schedule. Don’t overfill or guess a fluid.

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SYSTEM 2 / REAL LIFE

A puddle. A trip. A hot engine. The useful question is not “what color is it?” It is “what is happening, and is it safe?”

YOUR ENGINE TEMPERATURE CLIMBS

Get safely stopped and follow the manual; shut down and seek help for overheating. Do not open a hot cap or keep driving to finish the trip.

YOU NOTICE A NEW LEAK

From a safe standing position, note where, when and how much. Photograph it while parked. Do not crawl underneath or touch/taste an unknown liquid.

Ask: “What is leaking? What caused the loss? What must be repaired—not simply topped off?”

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SYSTEM 3 / WARNINGS & DIAGNOSIS

The dashboard is a messenger. The symbol, exact message, flashing pattern and symptoms all matter. Color alone is not a driving pass.

REMINDER vs URGENT WARNING

An oil-change reminder is not an active oil-pressure warning. Oil pressure, overheating or unsafe braking can require safe stopping, shutdown and professional guidance.

A CODE IS A CLUE

A scan identifies a detected condition or circuit. It does not automatically prove a named part failed. Ask what tests support the proposed repair.

A flashing engine warning with rough running? Stop safely and seek guidance instead of continuing the trip.

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SYSTEM 3 / REAL LIFE

“It came on right before work.” You do not have to diagnose your car before calling the shop.

SEND THE USEFUL DETAILS

Once safely parked, record the exact message, steady/flashing behavior, when it began and any shaking, smell, noise or handling change. Never photograph while driving.

USE THIS PHONE SCRIPT

“The light says ___. It is steady/flashing. The car also ___. I’m safely parked at ___. What is the safest next step?”

Ask: “Is moving it safe, or should I arrange transport?” Don’t assume a free code read answers that question.

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SYSTEM 4 / STARTING & CHARGING

Click? Crank? Nothing at all? A battery, starter or charging issue can leave similar clues. A no-start does not prove one failed part.

DESCRIBE THE SOUND

Rapid clicks, slow cranking, normal cranking without starting and no response are different clues. Share what the dash lights do and whether this happened before.

A JUMP IS NOT A REPAIR

Starting after a jump does not prove the cause is fixed or that a short drive fully recharged the battery. Ask for battery/charging assessment.

The charging warning is not an automatic “buy a battery” instruction. Follow the manual and get guidance.

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SYSTEM 4 / REAL LIFE

You need to leave. The car disagrees. Make the safe call before accepting a stranger’s “this works on every car” cable routine.

JUMP-START LIMITS ARE REAL

Use your vehicle and booster instructions, designated points and donor restrictions. Never jump a swollen, hot, leaking, damaged or possibly frozen battery.

PLAN FOR THE NEXT COLD MORNING

Before an important trip or cold spell, ask about a battery/charging check. Tell the shop about recurring starts, warning messages or repeated jumps.

EV/hybrid? The traction battery is not jump-startable. Low-voltage procedures are vehicle-specific. Calling help is valid.

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SYSTEM 5 / BRAKES, STEERING & SUSPENSION

Good brakes. Predictable steering. Brakes slow and stop. Steering directs. Suspension helps control wheel movement and road contact.

PAY ATTENTION TO A CHANGE

New grinding, vibration, pulling, clunks or a different pedal feel deserves assessment. Describe when it happens rather than guessing which part is worn.

WHEN CONTROL FEELS UNSAFE

Reduced stopping, a suddenly soft pedal, severe steering difficulty or smoke: get safely stopped and arrange help. Do not continue just to reach the shop.

Alignment cannot repair worn steering/suspension parts or a damaged tire. No hands-off steering tests.

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SYSTEM 5 / REAL LIFE

“It shakes when I slow down.” You know your car’s normal. The shop’s job is to investigate the change.

TELL US THE CONDITIONS

Braking? Turning? Over bumps? After a pothole? At what speed? Do not reproduce a dangerous symptom for a class or phone video.

ASK FOR THE EVIDENCE

“What did you measure or find? Can you show me? Which concern affects safe stopping or steering? Why is each repair or alignment needed?”

You do not need to say “it needs rotors.” A clear symptom description is useful without being a diagnosis.

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SYSTEM 6 / ROADSIDE READINESS

Breakdown? People before parts. A safe assistance call is often a better roadside skill than changing a tire.

GET OUT OF TRAFFIC IF SAFE

Use hazard lights as appropriate. Stay inside or move to a protected place according to actual traffic/fire hazards and dispatcher guidance. No universal exit rule.

MAKE THE CALL COUNT

Give road, direction, exit/mile marker, vehicle, problem, people present and hazards. Immediate danger, fire or injury may require emergency services.

An exposed shoulder is not a repair bay. Never enter traffic or stand in front of/behind the disabled car.

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SYSTEM 6 / REAL LIFE

Passengers. Groceries. A flat tire. You are allowed to choose help instead of doing a roadside repair yourself.

THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE FIRST

Tell the dispatcher about children, mobility needs, weather or an exposed location. Do not move everyone into traffic; follow guidance for the actual situation.

BEFORE YOU NEED YOUR SPARE

Find out whether you have a spare or mobility kit. Check its instructions, limits and expiry. Verify assistance coverage, payment terms and towing destination.

Save an assistance number and a written backup. A temporary spare is not a permanent tire replacement.

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SYSTEM 7 / MAINTENANCE & DECISIONS

Your car. Your actual schedule. There is no oil-change interval, fluid package or maintenance calendar that fits every vehicle.

MANUAL + RECORDS + HOW YOU DRIVE

Use the actual time, mileage, maintenance-monitor and applicable severe-use guidance. Short trips, towing or dusty use may matter. Low mileage does not erase time-based needs.

SAVE YOURSELF A SECOND GUESS

Keep receipts in a phone folder: date, mileage and work done. Compare new recommendations with those records. Unknown history is a question—not invented completed service.

Ask: “Is this due by the manufacturer’s schedule, by condition, or is it an optional recommendation?”

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SYSTEM 7 / REAL LIFE

The estimate is bigger than the budget. You can ask for priorities without being embarrassed about money.

SAY THE HONEST THING

“My budget is ___. What affects safety now? What can be planned? If it is unsafe, what are my transport or storage options?”

BEFORE YOU AUTHORIZE

Ask for written scope, findings, diagnostic charge, full expected total, exclusions and how additions need approval. Ask about applicable warranty terms; do not assume coverage.

An unsafe repair is not made safe by postponing it. Ask about second opinions and safe transport when needed.

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EVERYDAY EXTRA / VISIBILITY

Rain on the way? Do this before it starts. Clear sight is a safety need, not a nice-to-have.

MAKE A PARKED CHECK

Look for wiper streaks/skipping, check lights and test defrosters before the bad-weather trip. Use the correct blade type and specified washer product.

IF YOUR VIEW DISAPPEARS

Get safely stopped when visibility becomes unsafe. Learn your vehicle’s defog/defrost controls while parked—not by hunting through menus in traffic.

A flashlight and clean windows can help. A dangerous visibility problem is not something to “push through.”

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EVERYDAY EXTRA / COLD WEATHER

Real winter. Real people in the car. A few minutes of preparation can prevent an avoidable scramble.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Clear windows, mirrors and lights. Secure correctly fitted floor mats. Keep fuel/charge suitable for delays, and consider postponing non-essential travel in bad conditions.

THINK BEYOND THE CAR

Pack blankets, phone charger, water, first aid and needed medicines stored as directed. Bulky coats can interfere with a child-seat harness; follow seat-maker/NHTSA guidance.

Never run an engine in a closed garage. Check NHTSA’s winter-driving guidance before seasonal trips.

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PICK A NEXT STEP / ANSWERS AT THE BACK

Real-life quick picks. A1 The tire light returns every morning. A. Keep filling forever / B. Find the cause

A2 The engine is overheating. A. Open the hot cap / B. Stop safely; get help

A3 A code mentions a sensor. A. Replace it by name / B. Ask about tests

A4 The car starts after a jump. A. Definitely fixed / B. Assess the cause

The useful question is “what next?”—not “can I memorize every part?” Answers: page 27.

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MARK IT WHEN YOU DO IT SAFELY

A little car-care bingo.

Found my pressure label

Saved roadside assistance info

Located my owner’s manual

Checked tires when cold

I CAN ASK QUESTIONS

Gathered my service records

Checked my emergency kit

Found spare / sealant-kit limits

Picked one verified service

The center square is already yours. Questions count as car care.

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A tiny word hunt: find your car smarts.

Find six words hidden in the letter grid: OIL, TIRE, BRAKE, WIPER, GAUGE and LIGHT. The grid works best on the printed booklet.

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REAL LIFE / NO PERFECT SCORES

What would you do next? L1 A flat on a narrow, busy shoulder. A. Start repairs / B. Prioritize safety; call help

L2 A sudden soft brake pedal. A. Keep testing it / B. Stop safely; get help

L3 Extra work appears on the estimate. A. Agree blindly / B. Ask why, scope and total

Tell a friend why you picked your answer. A good question is part of the skill. Page 27.

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MY CAR / MY ACTUAL PLAN

Make future-you say “thank you.” VEHICLE / CURRENT MILEAGE:

NEXT VERIFIED SERVICE / SOURCE:

DONE WHEN? DATE / MILEAGE / WORK:

A photo of your receipt in one phone folder beats trying to remember the last oil change.

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CIRCLE IT / NO GRADES

Myth… or moxie? 1. Every car gets 35 PSI. MYTH / FACT

2. A code scan proves which part failed. MYTH / FACT

3. Open a hot coolant cap to investigate. MYTH / FACT

4. I’m allowed to ask why a repair is needed. MYTH / FACT No shame in a wrong guess. The answers are little “aha!” moments. Page 27.

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SOURCE NOTES / CLASS USE

Good information. Not guesswork. Use your actual owner’s manual for procedures, pressures, warning response, jump-starting and service intervals.

NHTSA TireWise nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/tires

NHTSA electric/hybrid safety nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/electric-and-hybrid-vehicles

NHTSA winter guidance nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

AAA maintenance & roadside aaa.com/autorepair/articles/prepare-your-car-for-summer-travel cluballiance.aaa.com/membership/what-if-my-vehicle-breaks-down

FTC Auto Repair Basics (2012 archive) govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo61874/pdf/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo61874.pdf

Original Moxie educational guide. Technical review before class use. Concept artwork is not a repair diagram. Consumer-law requirements vary; generic estimate tips are not legal advice.

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KEEP THIS IN YOUR GLOVE BOX

The numbers you’ll be glad you saved. ROAD ASSISTANCE / COVERAGE NOTES:

TRUSTED SHOP / PHONE:

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

VEHICLE YEAR / MAKE / MODEL:

No account numbers, passwords or unnecessary private details belong on this page.

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QUIZ CHEAT SHEET / NO SPOILERS UP FRONT

Answers live back here. QUICK PICKS: A1 B • A2 B • A3 B • A4 B

Find recurring pressure loss. Stop safely for overheating. Codes need testing. A jump does not prove a fix. REAL LIFE: L1 B • L2 B • L3 B

Exposed shoulder: prioritize safety and assistance. Braking change: safe stopping and help. Extra work: understand and authorize the scope and total. MYTH / FACT: 1 M • 2 M • 3 M • 4 F

Not one PSI for every car. A code is not a diagnosis. Leave hot coolant caps closed. You can ask why. WORD HUNT: LEFT TO RIGHT

OIL row 1 • TIRE row 2 • BRAKE row 3 WIPER row 4 • GAUGE row 5 • LIGHT row 6

Bingo is a habit tracker—not a competition. The center square is yours.

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THE VERY BACK / QUICK REAL-LIFE REFERENCE

Life happens. Here’s your cheat sheet. 1 TIRES & WHEELS

Use actual cold targets; recurring air loss needs inspection. 2 FLUIDS & COOLING

Hot engine or oil pressure? Stop safely, shut down; get help. 3 DASHBOARD & DIAGNOSTICS

Record message + symptoms while parked. Follow the manual. 4 STARTING & CHARGING

Click/crank/nothing? Report it. A jump does not prove a repair. 5 BRAKES, STEERING & SUSPENSION

Unsafe stopping or steering? Stop safely and arrange help. 6 ROADSIDE READINESS

Road + direction + marker + hazards. People before repairs. 7 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR DECISIONS

Ask evidence, safety priorities, full cost and approval for extras.

MOXIE AUTO CARE & GLASS REPAIR

(620) 416-0008 • moxieautocare.com 611 Orchard Dr, Hillsboro, KS 67063 Education, not diagnosis. Immediate danger, fire or injury: emergency services.