Used to be the friendly attendant at the gas station would look under your hood. That kind of visual inspection was a good way to spot trouble before it got to be a big problem. Guess the oil companies have better things to do!

But you can check these things yourself:

Tire tread depth. Abe Lincoln's great claim to fame is that if you stick a penny in a tire's groove and can see the top of Abe's head, you need new tires.

Under inflated tires can be dangerous. Make sure they are correctly inflated. Check your car's owners manual for recommended pressure. Be sure to check the spare tire 's pressure, too. And remember, when the seasons change, your tires' pressure will change, so check pressure frequently.

Keep your windows clean. Get that gunk off the inside that makes it fog up when it rains. Check your wipers. And make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it's washer fluid that won't freeze in the winter, not just water.

Visually inspect hoses and belts. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know stuff coming out of hoses is bad and frayed belts are bad. Get them replaced.

Carry a fire extinguisher. Even if you don't need it, somebody else might.

Check fluid levels. Low brake fluid level, for instance, can ruin your day!

Check lights. Burned out bulbs can not only be dangerous, but can get you a ticket. It's a good idea to check all the light right before a safety inspection. You can usually replace a burned out brake or tail light for about $2.00, but the inspection station is likely to charge you up to $20.