Smooth Cruising

Five ways to keep your car in tip-top shape from our cover model, Adrienne Janic, co-host of TLC's Overhaulin'

Adrienne Janic admits she had minimal car knowledge until August 2005. “I'm a girlie girl,” says the California-reared model and actress. But then she was cast as a co-host of The Learning Channel's hit series Overhaulin'- a show where car junkies' junk is transformed into shiny new hot rods. “If I can learn about cars, anyone can,” insists Janic, who confesses that her dream ride is now a refurbished '69 Charger.

Here, she lets other women in on some insider tips she has acquired:

-The Essential Tool.

Always carry a tire pressure gauge in your trunk, advises Janic. “Driving here and there and lugging the kids around can do a number on your tires, affecting their responsiveness.” Check the tire pressure regularly ( at least once a month) and know how much air your tires need. Hint: the driver's side doorjamb has a sticker with your tire's pressure requirements.

-The Wheel Deal

Upgrade ( and safeguard) an older car by investing in bigger wheels, says Janic, who refers to wheels ( tires and rims) as “shoes for the car.” Not only do wide wheels make your car look sleeker, but according to Janic, “the more tire you have, the better contact patch you have on the road and the more dependable your wheels will be.”

-Beautify Your Car

Keeping your car clean ( inside and out) can add years to its good looks, says Janic. “On Overhaulin', we use a lot of Mother's car-care products. It's a great mom-and-son owned line of car cleaners.” Her favorites ? Mothers California Gold Car Wash ( “It smells like bubble gum !”) and Mothers California Gold Showtime: “Spray it on a clean car and it makes the paint look like glass.”

-Shop Smart

“Before you get any work done on your car, get three separate quotes,” says Janic. It may seem like a lot of work, but you could save hundreds of dollars! “If you want to spice up your car's interior with a new sound system, go in knowing exactly what you want,” she adds. “Don't let a salesman sucker you into buying extra amps or woofers when all you really need is a simple system to play your jazz CD's.”

-Power Up !

“Horsepower” isn't just jargon for obsessed autophiles or slick-talking car salesmen. It's a messure of your engine's strength and speed. “Good horsepower gets you out of sticky situations faster and can help you avoid a collision,” says Janic. Shoot for 200 to 400 hp when you're shopping for a car.

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