Regular car maintenance is critical to the life of your vehicle as well as to its resale value. It’s easy enough to skip an oil change or a tune-up, but doing so could lead to costly issues down the road. The most common services are tire rotations and brake fluid flushes when it comes to regular maintenance. However, there are other preventative measures that can help you save money and extend the longevity of your vehicle at home.

Here are some tips for proper maintenance:

 

Change the air filter regularly

Changing the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (or 1 to 2 years) will ensure optimal performance. If the manufacturer recommends changing the filter more often, do so! An old air filter may restrict airflow through the intake manifold. This helps keep the engine cool by keeping contaminants out of the system.

Check the condition of your battery

Old batteries leak acid. You should replace them about every three years or 50,000 miles if they’re in good shape. A fresh battery provides power for everything from the radio to the lights and locks to avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need them most. The terminals should be tight, and the positive terminal color should match the negative one.

Flush your brakes with new brake fluid

Flushing your brakes ensures maximum stopping power, safety, and efficiency. When your brake pads wear prematurely, your vehicle experiences greater stopping distances and less responsiveness. By replacing your brake fluid, you’ll improve the stopping distance of your wheels.

Check the tires for tread depth

Check your tires after 50,000 miles of driving to ensure their tread is not worn excessively. Worn tires lose traction, which increases stopping distances and causes increased fuel consumption. Tread depth also affects gas mileage. Newer vehicles have sensors in the front axles that measure the amount of tread remaining in the tire. They will tell you how deep your tire should be. Always check the tire pressure before every drive and fill your tires up properly using your owner’s manual. Ensure to check the inside of the valve stem for debris when checking the tire pressure.

Check your windshield wipers

Replace broken wiper blades or wash off any dirt or grime build-up at the end of each rainstorm. To properly clean your windshield, follow these steps: Turn off your headlights, turn off your wipers, take a bottle or rag and soak it in warm water to wet it thoroughly. Use the spray nozzle attachment on your hose to saturate the rag, then use the rag to wipe away the water. Do this while wiping horizontally across the entire glass surface. Then finish cleaning with a piece of paper towel.

Perform Annual Car Checkups

Have a garage mechanic check over your car annually to get recommendations regarding preventative maintenance, such as routine oil changes and tire rotation.

Conclusion

Doing routine maintenance prevents problems and keeps your car running smoothly — and saves money along the way. Follow these guidelines to help your vehicle perform optimally all year long.